Earth and Environmental Science MS

Overview

This degree enables students to gain expertise in earth sciences, resource development, management, conservation, and sustainability.  The integration of geographical, geological, biological, and environmental knowledge and development of technical skills prepares students for environmental-related fields in public agencies, academic organizations, and private companies.

Campus: Hattiesburg

Admission Requirements

The follow items are required for admission:

1. The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
2. A GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) over the last sixty hours of undergraduate study. 
3. Official transcripts.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation.
5. A personal statement (no more than 2 pages in length).
6. A CV or resume. 
7. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty as potential advisors during the application process. See Admission Requirements and Procedures  for other requirements.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

A minimum of thirty graduate hours with a 3.0 GPA is required for this degree with at least 18 hours at the 600 level or higher.  The applicant must decide between a thesis and non-thesis option when applying. Students must meet the requirement for continuous enrollment specified in the front section of this Bulletin.

Thesis Option:

• Students should identify a general area of thesis research, select a thesis chair, and establish a thesis committee during their first semester in the program. 
• Students should complete and defend to their thesis committee a thesis prospectus by the end of the third semester. 
• Students should pass a comprehensive examination (oral and/or written) that is administered by their thesis committee by the end of the third semester.
• A thesis must be completed and defended.   

Non-thesis Option:

A student may apply directly to, or switch from a thesis option to the non-thesis option.  The non-thesis option is based on coursework and does not require a thesis chair, thesis committee, thesis prospectus, nor thesis.  Students must pass a written comprehensive exam during the semester they plan to graduate.

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and procedures. 

Course Requirements (30 hours)

• GLY 689 - Seminar 1 hr.
• GHY 755 - Field Methods in Environmental Science 3 hrs.