Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Science in Environmental Studies

The Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MSES) is designed to help students develop a high level of professional expertise and education in the interdisciplinary environmental discipline. The program of study allows flexibility to tailor a degree to the student's interests.

MSES Curriculum

The curriculum for the MSES is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental studies. To receive a master's degree in environmental studies, students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. The culminating experience for MSES students is a thesis, mentored writing capstone, or a leadership practicum that is orally defended before a three-person faculty committee.

Core Courses

The core courses for the MSES program include:

• ES 6815: Sustainable Communities (3 credits)
• ES 5620: Environmental Science and Public Policy (3 credits)
• ES 6820: Ecology and Environmental Issues (3 credits)
• ES 6810: Environment and Society (3 credits)
• ES 6580: Colloquium (1 credit)

Electives

Students must complete four electives, one of which must be an Environmental Studies listed elective.

Research Methods

Students must complete one of the following research methods courses:

• PBIO 5150: Statistical Methods in Plant Bio (4 credits)
• EDRE 5010: Introduction to Research Methods (4 credits)
• GEOG 5710: Quantitative Methods in Geography (4 credits)
• GEOG 5711: Qualitative Methods in Geography (4 credits)
• GEOG 5712: Field Methods in Geography (4 credits)
• MATH 5510: Applied Statistics (3 credits)
• PSY 6111: Advanced Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
• PSY 6100: Data Management (1 credit)
• SOC 6540: Social Research Methods (3 credits)
• POLS 6010: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• MPA 6010: Research Methods in Leadership and Public Affairs (3 credits)
• MPA 6020: Quantitative Research Methods in Public Administration (3 credits)
• MPA 6030: Qualitative Research Methods in Public Administration (3 credits)

Research or Thesis Credits

Students must complete a minimum of one credit hour of the following:

• ES 6950: Environmental Studies Thesis (1-8 credits)
• ES 6940: Environmental Studies Research (1-5 credits)

Thesis Option

The thesis option involves conducting original research under the guidance of a faculty member. This includes collection of original data that addresses significant research questions. Students will analyze and interpret their data and present it in writing in the format required by Ohio University. Results will be presented in front of a committee of three interdisciplinary faculty members.

Leadership Practicum

The MSES program offers a Leadership Practicum for students who want to pursue research through a learning-by-doing partnership with a public or private organization. Students choosing the Leadership Practicum work in the field to explore and solve problems in collaboration with an agency or organization involved in environmental leadership across a wide variety of disciplines. Recent practicum partners have included:

• Land Conservancy NGO
• City government
• Solar energy manufacturing company
• Rural sustainability and environmental education NGO
• Primary school district
• International organization
• Science research center

Requirements for the Leadership Practicum

Students must complete the following course:

• ES 6920: Environmental Studies Practicum (1-12 credits)

In consultation with their external partner and interdisciplinary three-person faculty committee, students produce tailored Leadership Practicum products that capture their work and findings.