Environmental Science Master of Science Degree
An environmental science master’s degree that balances environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development to tackle the biggest problems plaguing our environment.
Overview for Environmental Science MS
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
A dynamic environmental science master's degree that incorporates intensive fieldwork, public policy implications, sustainable practices, and remote sensing.
Participate in a wide range of research projects including microplastics in the Great Lakes, carbon sequestration in the wetlands, degradation of blended polymers, and nitrogen removal in created wetlands.
Complete a concentration in chemistry, ecology and field biology, economics, environmental microbiology/molecular biology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), organismal biology and evolution, public policy, remote sensing, or statistics.
Recent environmental science MS graduates have landed jobs at United Nations University, University of Rochester Medical Center, Microvi Biotechnologies Inc., The Nature Conservancy, General Dynamics, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Haley and Aldrich, and LaBella Associates.
Habitat loss, global climate change, water and air pollution, ozone depletion, species invasions, loss of biodiversity, and the accumulation of toxic wastes are among the many environmental dilemmas our society faces each day. These complex problems pit environmental limits against economic development, diverse cultures, ethics, values, and social stability, and therefore require an understanding of science, policy, society, history, and economics in order to address problems realistically and effectively. Environmental scientists must use integrated and holistic approaches to understand these issues in order to identify sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
RIT’s Environmental Science Master’s Degree
RIT’s environmental science master’s degree provides you with a deep understanding of the science behind our environmental problems, the complex set of circumstances that impact environmental issues, and how environmental decisions and policies must attempt to find a balance between environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development. You will amplify your hands-on classroom work with an in-depth thesis or project that provides you with an opportunity to work on real-world environmental problems under the guidance of skilled environmental scientists.
The practice of environmental science demands that you become a well-rounded specialist. To accomplish this, you will complete a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Chemistry
- Ecology and field biology
- Economics
- Environmental microbiology/molecular biology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Organismal biology and evolution
- Public policy
- Remote sensing
- Statistics
You also may develop a self-designed concentration in an area of personal interest, subject to approval from an environmental science review committee.
Students in the environmental science master's degree are working on a variety of projects:
- Conducting research in aquatic ecology studying the effects of pollution (microplastics, pharmaceuticals) and exploring remediation possibilities
- Exploring methane production in wetlands as part of global warming issues and climate change
- Looking at various methods to treat industrial wastewater, such as food processing wastewater streams from eggs, yogurt, and cheese, to reduce potential pollution issues in the environment
- Examining microbial degradation of agricultural mulches and new food packaging
- Mapping carbon dioxide emissions from trucks carrying fracking water from Pennsylvania to NY Wastewater Treatment Plants
Our environmental science master's degree incorporates intensive fieldwork, policy implications, sustainable practices, and remote sensing into the curriculum. Students benefit from collaboration with experts from RIT’s College of Science, Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, and the Golisano Institute for Sustainability.
There are two paths through the environmental science MS program, the research path and the professional path:
Research Path
The research path includes research experience and a thesis. To pursue the research path, students must have identified a faculty member who has agreed to advise them on their thesis research. A thesis involves the execution and dissemination of original research and culminates in an oral thesis defense and a written thesis dissertation.
Professional Path
The professional path includes professional coursework and a project. Students are encouraged to identify a faculty advisor for their project during the first semester. A project is typically narrower in scope than a thesis and culminates in a written report. Projects could include but are not limited to:
- Analysis and dissemination of an existing dataset
- A literature review that synthesizes information to address an environmental topic or problem
- Development and documentation of an environmental education or outreach activity, a case study, a quantitative analysis such as an environmental impact assessment or habitat suitability analysis
- An original research project with a more focused objective than a thesis.
Careers in Environmental Science
Graduates of RIT's environmental science master's program are environmental consultants or field scientists for a range of companies such as Haley and Aldrich and La Bella Associates. Several of our graduates work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Still others pursue doctoral programs in environmental science. Students can also focus on policy issues if they are interested in becoming a spokesperson for the effects of climate change and pollution on the environment. Recent environmental science MS graduates have landed jobs at United Nations University, University of Rochester Medical Center, Microvi Biotechnologies Inc., The Nature Conservancy, General Dynamics, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Haley and Aldrich, and LaBella Associates.
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Start Your Graduate Program this Spring
This program offers a spring start, which means you can jumpstart your graduate journey and begin your studies this January.
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30% Tuition Scholarship for NY Residents and Graduates
Now is the perfect time to earn your Master’s degree. If you’re a New York state resident with a bachelor’s degree or have/will graduate from a college or university in New York state, you are eligible to receive a 30% tuition scholarship.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Environmental Analyst | Fish and Wildlife Tech | Field Biologist |
| Physical Scientist | GIS Analyst | Health Policy Coordinator |
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Cooperative education is optional for environmental science majors, however, it offers students a great way to get a head start on their career with paid, professional work experience. Students can participate in cooperative education as soon as the summer after their second year of study. Co-op placements are typically with local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit environmental organizations, and a host of environmental consulting firms.
National Labs Career Events and Recruiting
The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities. These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.
Featured Work and Profiles
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![Bianca Cilento in front of her research poster]()
RIT Student Research Featured on the NASA Landsat Science Website
Bianca Cilento, a student at RIT, caught the attention of a program developer which led to her research work being featured on the NASA Landsat Science website.
Read More about RIT Student Research Featured on the NASA Landsat Science Website -
![Kelsey Lawton standing in front of College of Science sign]()
Dual Degree at RIT: Accelerating a Career in Veterinary Medicine
Kelsey Lawton ’21 graduated with a dual biology BS/environmental science degree and is now an in vivo toxicology technician at iuvo Bioscience, a pharmaceutical and medical device industry research...
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![headshot of Kerry Kuntz]()
Hands-on Environmental Work Preps MS Grad for EPA
Christy Tyler Kerry Kuntz ’15 applies the same problem-solving skills she learned at RIT to her current job as a Program Analyst for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Read More about Hands-on Environmental Work Preps MS Grad for EPA -
![bioprep student reading measurements on a filled beaker]()
A Team Experience That Pays Off In More Ways Than One
The Laboratory Support Team (or BioPrep) is a unique team that gets hands-on lab experience while helping the many teaching labs in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences at RIT.
Read More about A Team Experience That Pays Off In More Ways Than One
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Environmental Science MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Environmental Science, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ENVS-601 | Environmental Science Graduate Studies I This course helps graduate students learn how to assess journal articles, government reports, whitepapers, and essays as well as other relevant sources of information. Students will also refine their discussion and presentation skills and gain experience in effective communication to a diverse audience. This course will introduce students to careers in environmental science, to graduate studies in environmental science at RIT, and to the process of defining, conducting, presenting, and defending a thesis proposal. (This course is restricted to students in the ENVS-MS, ENVS-BS/MS program.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
2 |
| ENVS-602 | Environmental Science Graduate Studies II A continuation of Grad Studies I, which helps graduate students learn how to assess journal articles, government reports, whitepapers, and essays as well as other relevant sources of information. Students will continue to refine their discussion and presentation skills and gain experience in clarifying their comments and responding to questions from an audience. Student will complete the process of defining, creating, presenting, and defending a thesis proposal. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 1 (Spring). |
1 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| ENVS-795 | Environmental Science Graduate Research This course is a graduate level, faculty-directed, student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in Environmental Science graduate program. Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
Professional Elective |
||
Graduate GIS Elective |
3 | |
Graduate Statistics Elective |
3 | |
Graduate Public Policy/STS Elective |
3 | |
Graduate Science Core Elective |
3 | |
Professional Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 6 |
|
| ENVS-780 | Environmental Science Project and a Professional Elective This course will result in an Environmental Science project accomplished by the MS student for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the project advisor. Credit 1-6 (This course requires permission of the Instructor to enroll.) Project (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| ENVS-790 | Environmental Science Thesis The thesis option will be available to environmental science graduate students only with prior written approval of program faculty. Students will submit a proposal to a faculty member who agrees to serve as the student's thesis committee chair. The proposal will describe the basic research question to be investigated and the experimental protocols to be employed. Proposals will be reviewed by the program faculty who will give permission to register for thesis credit. This course may be taken several times over the course of a student's graduate program, for variable credits. A written thesis and oral defense are required at the completion of the thesis research. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Electives
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Public Policy/STS Electives | ||
| ENVS-631 | Climate Change: Science, Technology & Policy This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem augmented by readings in the primary literature. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and inter-related nature of global climate change. The course will culminate in a project based on finding solutions to the real-world problem of climate change. Students will be required to take a leadership role in bridging the multiple disciplines presented (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PUBL-610 | Technological Innovation and Public Policy Technological innovation, the incremental and revolutionary improvements in technology, has been a major driver in economic, social, military, and political change. This course will introduce generic models of innovation that span multiple sectors including: energy, environment, health, and bio- and information-technologies. The course will then analyze how governments choose policies, such as patents, to spur and shape innovation and its impacts on the economy and society. Students will be introduced to a global perspective on innovation policy including economic competitiveness, technology transfer and appropriate technology. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PUBL-630 | Energy Policy This course provides an overview of energy resources, technologies, and policies designed to ensure clean, stable supplies of energy for the future. The course evaluates the impacts of fossil fuel, renewable energy, and hydrogen technologies on society and how public policies can be used to influence their development. The development of U.S. energy policy is of particular concern, although a global perspective will be integrated throughout the course. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PUBL-631 | Climate Change: Science Technology & Policy This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem augmented by readings in the primary literature. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and interrelated nature of global climate change. The course will culminate in a project based on finding solutions to the real-world problem of climate change. Students will be required to take a leadership role in bridging the multiple disciplines presented. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PUBL-700 | Readings in Public Policy An in-depth inquiry into key contemporary public policy issues. Students will be exposed to a wide range of important public policy texts, and will learn how to write a literature review in a policy area of their choosing. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Seminar (Fall). |
3 |
| PUBL-701 | Graduate Policy Analysis This course provides graduate students with necessary tools to help them become effective policy analysts. The course places particular emphasis on understanding the policy process, the different approaches to policy analysis, and the application of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating public policies. Students will apply these tools to contemporary public policy decision making at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| PUBL-702 | Graduate Decision Analysis This course provides students with an introduction to decision science and analysis. The course focuses on several important tools for making good decisions, including decision trees, including forecasting, risk analysis, and multi-attribute decision making. Students will apply these tools to contemporary public policy decision making at the local, state, federal, and international levels. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PUBL-703 | Evaluation and Research Design The focus of this course is on evaluation of program outcomes and research design. Students will explore the questions and methodologies associated with meeting programmatic outcomes, secondary or unanticipated effects, and an analysis of alternative means for achieving program outcomes. Critique of evaluation research methodologies will also be considered. Seminar (Spring). |
3 |
| PUBL-810 | Technology, Policy and Sustainability This course introduces students to public policy and its role in building a sustainable society. The course places particular emphasis on the policy process; the relationship among technology, policy, and the environment; and policy mechanisms for addressing market and government failures that threaten sustainability. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| STSO-621 | Graduate Biodiversity and Society Biodiversity, the diversity of life on earth from genes to ecosystems, is on the decline worldwide and considered one of the most pressing issues facing humanity. This interdisciplinary course explores the wide-ranging challenges and opportunities to understand biodiversity loss and address biodiversity conservation, with a focus on human wellbeing, cultural values, social science dimensions, and other humanistic discipline contributions. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Biannual). |
3 |
| STSO-710 | Graduate Science and Technology Policy Seminar STP examines how local, state, federal and international policies are developed to influence innovation, the transfer of technology and industrial productivity in the United States and other selected nations. It provides a framework for considering the mechanisms of policy as a form of promotion and control for science and technology, even once those innovations are democratized and effectively uncontrollable. Further focus is dedicated to the structure of governance inherent in U.S. domestic policy, limits of that approach, the influences of international actors, and utilizing case studies to demonstrate the challenges inherent in managing differing types of technology. This seminar is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from the instructor. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Seminar (Biannual). |
3 |
| STSO-750 | Graduate Sustainable Communities The concept of sustainability has driven many national and international policies. More recently, we have become aware that unless we physically build and rebuild our communities in ways that contribute to sustainability, making progress toward that goal is unlikely. It is equally important to recognize the social/cultural context of sustainability. In addition, it is at the local level that the goals of equity (a key consideration in community sustainability), most often achieved through citizen participation and collaborative processes are most easily realized. This course will broaden students understanding of the concept of sustainability, particularly the concept of social sustainability. This course focuses on sustainability as a way to bring light to the connections between natural and human communities, between nature and culture, and among environmental, economic, and social systems. Working closely with local organizations, students will explore the applicability of theoretical concepts. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| STSO-799 | Sci,Tech,Soc Graduate Independent Study |
1-12 |
| Graduate Science Core Electives and Professional Electives | ||
| BIOL-636 | Graduate Seminar in Life Sciences This course allows students to explore different research questions and methods within the life sciences through attending and reflecting on weekly departmental seminars. Students will write weekly assignments to summarize the research methods and findings. Students will evaluate different scientific presentation styles, which will influence their own presentation skills. Students will make connections between the main ideas presented in the seminars to their own graduate research project or to the broader scientific community. Students will read one of the speaker’s papers and discuss how the paper extends the information discussed in the seminar. During weeks with no seminar scheduled, students will meet with the faculty leader to discuss the seminars and the written assignments. (This course is restricted to Graduate students.) Seminar 1 (Fall, Spring). |
1 |
| BIOL-655 | Biogeography This course is the study of the distribution of biodiversity on the earth. Patterns of past and present animal and plant distributions are used to help understand the mechanisms of basic biological processes including speciation, dispersal, divergence and extinction. This course will cover the character and history of the science of biogeography, as well as its basic principles and applications. We will also examine the assumptions, methods and conclusions of historically significant biogeographic studies. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-265 or graduate student standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| BIOL-671 | Database Management for the Sciences Students will learn to create and maintain efficient relational databases for use in modeling and analysis in the sciences. Topics will include an introduction to relational algebra, SQL, and advanced relational designs. (Graduate Science) Lecture 2, Studio 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| BIOL-672 | Computational Statistics and Data Science Methods This course will introduce traditional multivariate statistical methods and multi-model inference, as well as iterative computational algorithms (i.e. Bayesian methods and machine learning) appropriate for graduate students conducting or planning to conduct a graduate research project. The course will focus on the proper application of methods to a sample data sets using statistical programming software and graphics and will forego the more in-depth analytical mathematical exposition that you might see in a math course, so that we can cover a larger variety of methods and spend more time implementing them in code. Practical examples will often derive from the fields of biology, environmental science, or medicine, however the statistical methods we cover will also have much broader application within modern data science. The ultimate goal will be to learn when and where to correctly apply a given method to real questions about real data. Class time will be devoted to introductory lecture, programming language demonstrations with a common dataset, and open discussions of potential applications, including in-class studio hours to help with homework. Students should be prepared to learn to write code scripts that will manipulate statistical tests and graphical output. However, no background experience with programming is assumed. All software used in the course is open-source and students will be required to set up and run weekly assignments on their own laptop computer or on a computer borrowed from the library or RIT’s computer lab. (Prerequisites: STAT-145 or equivalent course or graduate student standing.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| BIOL-673 | Marine Biology This course explores marine biology by focusing on the diversity of life and influence of oceanographic phenomena on the various ecosystems. Morphological and physiological adaptations along with environmental threats will also be investigated. The course will explore marine conservation issues, in depth. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lecture 4 (Fall). |
4 |
| BIOL-675 | Advanced Conservation Biology This course focuses on the application of ecological principles to conservation issues. Human impact on species diversity will be emphasized as it relates to agricultural, forest, coastal and wetland ecosystems. Case studies of management practices used to manage and restore disturbed ecosystems will be included. Students will explore a topic in depth through writing a review paper of published literature. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or equivalent course or graduate student standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| BIOL-798 | Grad Biology Independent Study This course is a faculty-directed, graduate level tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1-4 |
| ESHS-613 | Solid and Hazardous Waste Management An examination of strategies and technologies to move an organization toward environmental sustainability, including resource use reduction, material substitution, process and product modification, and waste minimization; and for handling and managing wastes including treatment, storage, transport, and disposal storing solid and hazardous waste. Associated environmental impacts, regulatory concerns, technical feasibility, and costs are considered. (Students who have completed ESHS-310 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management may not receive credit for this course.) (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ESHS-614 | Industrial Wastewater This course investigates characteristics and sources of industrial wastewaters, related environmental impacts, regulatory implications, and technical considerations of current treatment and disposal methodologies. Students learn to identify appropriate methods, technologies, and sequences for source reduction, treatment and pretreatment, direct discharge, and management of treatment residuals. (Students who have completed ESHS-330 Industrial Wastewater may not receive credit for this course.) (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| ESHS-615 | Air Emissions Management This course will present an overview of industrial air pollution management: its sources, methods of reduction, control, and management. Students will become familiar with the history of air pollution, the chemistry and effects of pollutants, regulations and standards, and control technologies as well as developing analytical and quantitative skills necessary in air emissions management decision-making. By the end of the course, students will be able develop a comprehensive facility air emissions management plan. This course maybe co-listed with ESHS-525; students may receive credit for ESHS-525 or ESHS-615, not both. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor. Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken ESHS-525.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| ESHS-755 | Corporate Social Responsibility This course will introduce social responsibility concepts and approaches presented in key documents like the ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Standard, and will explore strategies for assisting an organization to identify and implement socially responsible initiatives appropriate to the nature and scope of its activities, products, and services. (This course is restricted to students in the EHSM-MS program.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| ENVS-615 | Aquatic Ecology Seminar This graduate seminar course in aquatic ecology will focus on reading and critical evaluation of the peer-reviewed literature, formal and informal communication skills, and discussion of ongoing research in aquatic ecology. This discussion-based course is student lead, and may be retaken for credit. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). |
1 |
| ENVS-631 | Climate Change: Science Technology & Policy This multidisciplinary course will provide students with diverse perspectives on global climate change issues, providing a survey of important aspects of the problem augmented by readings in the primary literature. Topics include atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, ecological impacts and feedbacks, economics of climate change, international climate policies, and social and environmental justice. The course will include a variety of instructors and guest lecturers, providing an overview of the complex and inter-related nature of global climate change. The course will culminate in a project based on finding solutions to the real-world problem of climate change. Students will be required to take a leadership role in bridging the multiple disciplines presented (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ENVS-640 | Ecological Models in Geographic Information Systems This course will introduce students to different types of ecological and environmental models, spatial problem solving analyses, and decision analysis methods used in the fields of ecology, conservation planning, and environmental science. The course will utilize the IDRISI TerrSet software to explore case studies and applications in Land Change, Habitat and Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Climate Change. These will be supplemented by analyses using ArcGIS Pro and InVest software. Students will adapt one or more models for a final project and present their project in a Storymap format. (Prerequisites: BIOL-240 or BIOL-575 or ENVS-531 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
4 |
| ENVS-650 | Hydrological Applications of Geographic Information Systems Aerial photography, satellite imagery, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are extremely useful tools in hydrologic modeling and environmental applications such as rainfall runoff modeling, pollution loading, landscape change analyses, and terrain modeling. This course will: 1) introduce students to spatial analysis theories, techniques and issues associated with hydrologic and environmental applications; 2) provide hands-on training in the use of these spatial tools and models while addressing a real problem; 3) provide experience linking GIS and model results to field assessments and monitoring activities; 4) enable students to solve a variety of spatial and temporal hydrologic and environmental problems; and 5) provide tools useful for addressing environmental problems related to the graduate thesis or project. (Prerequisites: ENVS-250 or equivalent course or graduate standing in the ENVS-MS program.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
4 |
| ENVS-670 | Advanced Concepts of Environmental Chemistry This course will build on previous chemistry courses to expand knowledge of biogeochemical cycles, environmental toxicology and applied methods of environmental analysis. The course will be conducted in a workshop format at the graduate level. (Prerequisites: CHMO-231 and CHMO-235 or CHMO-331 and CHMO-335 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ENVS-798 | Advanced Environmental Science Independent Study This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in the Environmental Science graduate program. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Ind Study (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
1-4 |
| IGME-771 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems This online course introduces students to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Course lectures, reading assignments, and practical lab experiences will cover a mix of conceptual, practical and technical GIS topics. Topics include GIS data models, basic cartography, geodatabases, spatial analysis, GIS software, and theory and concepts from the Geographic Information Science and Technology domain. Lec/Lab 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| ISTE-742 | Introduction To Geographic Information Systems This course introduces students to the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Course lectures, reading assignments, and practical lab experiences will cover a mix of conceptual, practical and technical GIS topics. Topics include GIS data models, basic cartography, geodatabases, spatial analysis, GIS software, and theory and concepts from the Geographic Information Science and Technology domain. Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ISUS-704 | Industrial Ecology Industrial ecology is the study of the interaction between industrial and ecological systems. Students in this course learn to assess the impact and interrelations of production systems on the natural environment by mastering fundamental concepts of ecology as a metaphor for industrial systems and the resultant tools from industrial ecology, including life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and energy and greenhouse gas accounting. This is a core course within the Sustainability Ph.D. program. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| STAT-614 | Applied Statistics Statistical tools for modern data analysis can be used across a range of industries to help you guide organizational, societal and scientific advances. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the tools and techniques to accomplish this. Topics covered will include continuous and discrete distributions, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| STAT-641 | Applied Linear Models - Regression A course that studies how a response variable is related to a set of predictor variables. Regression techniques provide a foundation for the analysis of observational data and provide insight into the analysis of data from designed experiments. Topics include happenstance data versus designed experiments, simple linear regression, the matrix approach to simple and multiple linear regression, analysis of residuals, transformations, weighted least squares, polynomial models, influence diagnostics, dummy variables, selection of best linear models, nonlinear estimation, and model building. (This class is restricted to students in the APPSTAT-MS, SMPPI-ACT, or APPSTAT-U programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| STAT-670 | Design of Experiments How to design and analyze experiments, with an emphasis on applications in engineering and the physical sciences. Topics include the role of statistics in scientific experimentation; general principles of design, including randomization, replication, and blocking; replicated and unreplicated two-level factorial designs; two-level fractional-factorial designs; response surface designs. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | Yes |
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Environmental Science MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in environmental science, biological science, or a related discipline. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: GRE required for individuals with degrees from international universities. No minimum score requirement.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 79 | 6.5 | 56 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Research
Faculty in the College of Science receive grant awards from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide you with unique opportunities to conduct cutting-edge graduate-level thesis research.
Environmental science faculty from the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences conduct research on a broad variety of topics including:
- ecology and evolution
- soil science
- plastic degradation
- climate change
Learn more about these and other research priorities by exploring our life science research areas.
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April 12, 2023
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Photo, science classes merge for climate change talk by Pulitzer-winning photojournalist
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RIT and Seneca Park Zoo Society to host Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup event at the Port of Rochester
RIT and the Seneca Park Zoo Society will hold a special event at the Port of Rochester from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 15, to educate members of the public on how they can address plastic pollution and showcase some of the latest technology in the field.
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December 20, 2022
![two people sitting on a bench outdoors holding a magazine and art examples.]()
Scholarship at RIT/NTID to benefit deaf, hard-of-hearing student in STEM-related majors
The mother and brother of a late NTID faculty member and alumna are paying tribute to her memory by establishing the Skyer Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing students achieve success in STEM-related majors.
Contact
- Lindsay Lewis
- Senior Assistant Director
- Office of Graduate and Part-Time Enrollment Services
- Enrollment Management
- 585‑475‑5532
- lslges@rit.edu
- Carmody McCalley
- Associate Professor
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
- College of Science
- 585‑475‑6258
- ckmsbi@rit.edu
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences