The Master of Science in Environmental Biology program is specifically designed to meet the needs of environmental professionals and educators who wish to pursue a graduate degree part time while working full time during the day. Hood’s program is the only part-time graduate program in the region that emphasizes a field and laboratory approach to learning and promotes hands-on research opportunities for students.
The Master of Science in Environmental Biology provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of environmental biology.
Students applying for the Environmental Biology program must complete an essay (550 words or less) that includes background experience and future goals. All official transcripts must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation are suggested but not required. A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA is required for admission to the Graduate School and to the Environmental Biology program, however a GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred. All entering students must have completed undergraduate coursework in the following: Biology (2 semesters, with lab), Chemistry (2 semesters, with lab), and Mathematics (1 semester).
Program Requirements
The program has two tracks, a research and non-research track—both require the completion of 33 credits. The research track includes either a 6-credit thesis (invitation only) or a 3-credit independent research project. The non-research track includes either a 3-credit internship at an approved agency or an intensive capstone course as the final programmatic experience. Both tracks are designed for students from a variety of academic backgrounds.
A required core of courses provides students with a comprehensive background in all aspects of environmental biology. Students will be able to place environmental issues into a broad social, political and economic context; but the primary core course emphasis will be on using environmental biology principles to identify and solve environmental problems.
The elective courses provide each student with the opportunity to tailor their program to meet particular professional needs. Some electives are clearly rooted in natural science and mathematics and are the ones most students will choose in order to further their careers in environmental research, regulation, consulting and teaching. Other electives come from the social and political sciences and are well-suited for students planning to enter the realm of public policy. There are also 1-credit elective offerings that stress laboratory and field techniques. Three of these 1-credit courses may be taken in lieu of one 3-credit elective for thesis students. All other students (project option or non-research track) must complete three of the 1-credit courses as part of their 33 credit minimum.
Required Courses
All students must complete the following:
All students must complete one of the following (3 credits each):
Elective Courses
Electives include, but are not limited to, the following:
If not taken as part of core requirements:
Research Track - 33 credits:
After the successful completion of 12 ENV credits, students are required to meet with their adviser to discuss the student’s remaining academic path. Once the research track is chosen, a student may not switch from this track to the non-research track.
Thesis Option:
Upon the successful completion of 12 ENV credits, ENV faculty will invite a limited number of exceptional students to complete a comprehensive thesis project. If the student accepts, they are responsible for securing a thesis advisor and committee. Thesis students must complete 6 elective credits, as well as ENV 515 and ENV 580A and ENV 580B Thesis (6 credits), for a program total of 33 credits.
Independent Project Option:
Students choosing to complete an independent project must complete ENV 515 and ENV 579 Project (3 credits), and 9 elective credits for a program total of 33 credits. Of the 9 elective credits, 3 must be designated as lab or field credits (ENV 522-528 and ENV 565).
Alternative Track - 33 credits:
After the successful completion of 12 ENV credits, students are required to meet with their adviser to discuss the student’s remaining academic path. If the alternative track is chosen, they have the flexibility to switch between the two options under this track, but it is not possible to change from the alternative track to the research track.
Internship Option:
As part of their 33 credits, internship students will complete a 3-credit internship (ENV 591) at a facility approved by the ENV program director. Students are required to complete ENV 515 and 9 elective credits for a program total of 33 credits; 3 of 9 elective credits must be designated as lab or field credits.
Capstone Option:
Students, who choose the capstone option, are required to complete a program total of 33 credits, which includes 12 elective credits; 3 of the 12 elective credits must be designated as lab or field credits (ENV 522, ENV 526-ENV 528 and ENV 565). Once a student enrolls in ENV 578, they are not permitted to change options within the alternate track.
Once a student enrolls in ENV 578, they are not permitted to change options within the alternate track.