Master of Science in Environmental Science
Karl Korfmacher, Director
(585) 475-5554, kfkscl@rit.edu
www.environmentalscience.rit.edu
Habitat loss, global climate change, water and air pollution, ozone depletion, loss of biodiversity, and the accumulation of toxic wastes are outcomes of human behaviors that stem from a general belief that the environment is infinitely renewable. It is not.
Environmental science careers in the 21st century will focus on environmental sustainability and sustainable development, which, according to a 1987 United Nations report titled Our Common Future, is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Environmental scientists must understand the complexity of problems that pit environmental limits against economic development, diverse cultures, ethics, values, and social stability. They must use integrated and holistic approaches to find solutions to these problems.
Built on the concept that environmental issues are inherently interdisciplinary, the program is offered jointly by the department of biological sciences in the College of Science and by the department of science, technology, and society in the College of Liberal Arts. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex set of circumstances that impact environmental issues, and how environmental decisions and policies attempt to find a balance between environmental conservation and economic development. The program offers students a unique opportunity to prepare for careers in environmental science. Students combine their hands-on classroom work with experiential learning (research, internships). These experiences give students the chance to work on real-world environmental problems under the guidance of talented and skilled environmental scientists.
Admission requirements
Admission to the program will be granted to qualified graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biological sciences, or a related field of study. The admission decision is based upon:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 (overall and in science/math).
- Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of score of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) is required.
- A statement outlining applicant’s research/project interests, career goals, and suitability to the program.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Students are strongly encouraged to contact program faculty
before applying to discuss thesis topics and research projects.
Curriculum
The master’s program includes a core curriculum and electives chosen to reflect the student’s background and career goals. A minimum of 51 quarter credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required. Required courses include:
| Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
| 1001-475 Conservation Biology | 4 |
| 1006-450 Raster Applications of GIS | 4 |
| 1006-711, 712, 713 Environmental Science Graduate Study I, II, III | 5 |
| 1006-710 Environmental Science Graduate Readings Seminar | 3 |
| 1015-720 Environmental Chemistry | 3 |
| 0307-712 Fundamentals of Statistics II (or equivalent) | 4 |
| 1006- 879 Environmental Science Graduate Research | 5 |
| Environmental science core graduate elective | 4 |
| Environmental policy core graduate elective | 4 |
| Environment and society core graduate elective | 4 |
| Graduate professional electives | 4-8 |
| 1006-890/891 Thesis/Project | 5-9 |
Accelerated dual degree programs
The combined BS/MS program in environmental science allows undergraduate environmental science students to acquire an MS degree with only one extra year of study. Undergraduate majors are considered for entrance into the BS/MS program at the end of their third year of undergraduate study.
External research credit
The environmental science program recognizes that the employment experience of a number of environmental scientists employed in the environmental community includes independent, creative research. This experience may be applied toward the completion of the MS degree in environmental science on either a full- or part-time basis.
Thesis or project
All students enrolled in the environmental science graduate program must propose, conduct, and report on an original research project.
Facilities and equipment
The environmental science program provides a wide range of research opportunities. Many environmental science faculty members are engaged in field-based projects. The college also boasts excellent laboratory facilities that support field research. These include wet laboratories and computer facilities (traditional and geographic information systems). For a list of past and present projects, and faculty research interests, please see the program website at www.environmentalscience.rit.edu.
Monitoring, mapping, and field equipment
ArcGIS 9.2 and IDRISI Kiliminjaro/Andes GIS software, Garmin and Trimble GPS receivers, pocket PCs with ArcPad software, soil sampling equipment, soil analysis equipment, digital clinometer, water sampling devices, multisonde water quality probes, infrared carbon dioxide analyzer, microelectrodes, dissolved oxygen meter, SCT meter, ponar dredges, plankton samplers, macroinvertebrate nets/samplers, and a library of field reference texts
Other equipment
Fluorimeter, Raman Spectrometer, UV-Vis, GC-MS, ICP, atomic absorption, polarimeter, TGA’s Micro-extruder, centrifuge, electrochem equipment, gas chromatography, HPLC detectors, viscometer, ESR (built in-house), incubators, infrared spectrophotometers, capillary electrophoresis, DSCs, DMA, Asher, 300 MHz NMR, drying oven, and a Wiley mill
Additional information
More information may be obtained by contacting Karl Korfmacher, environmental science program director, (585) 475-5554, or the website, www.environmentalscience.rit.edu.