Program Overview

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Environmental Chemistry and Technology, MS

The program has been organized to offer advanced instruction and research training in environmental chemistry and environmental technology leading to the master of science (MS). The program trains candidates for careers in teaching, research, resource management, environmental consulting, and private sector/industrial positions. Areas of work include the development of advanced technologies and materials for air and water purification and for the saving and storage of energies; alternative energy technologies; water and air pollution control; soil and sediment remediation; environmental technology; chemical limnology; and groundwater chemistry.

Program Description

The MS degree is designed for students who have a strong background in chemistry and who desire graduate training in applying chemistry to environmental systems. Individual programs are tailored to meet the candidate's interests through selection of a specialization and elective courses. Areas of specialization include aquatic chemistry, air pollution chemistry, terrestrial chemistry, and chemical- and bio-technology development.

Faculty and Facilities

The Environmental Chemistry and Technology (ECT) Program faculty is composed of an interdepartmental committee. Several committee members who have appointments in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering are located in the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory. Other members are located in their respective departments. The environmental chemistry and technology area occupies over 10,000 square feet of office and laboratory space in the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory (WSEL). Facilities include offices, conference room, classrooms, computer facilities, and over 8,000 square feet devoted to research.

Admissions

• Fall Deadline: December 15
• Spring Deadline: This program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: This program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable.
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Application Process and Requirements

All applicants must meet the Graduate School's admission requirements to be considered for admission. Departmental admission is by committee review. Applications submitted after the fall deadline through March 15 will be reviewed if complete and will be considered for admission by the program if space is still available.

Grades

A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a masters degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required.

Degree

Applicants seeking admission should have a background in the fundamental areas of general, organic, physical, and analytical chemistry. In addition, applicants should have some background in applied sciences which can be fulfilled with a minimum of 6 credits in natural sciences such as botany, zoology, bacteriology, earth science, material science, biochemistry, or engineering.

Funding

Funded offers for MS (research) and PhD students, in the form of research assistantships, project assistantships, and/or teaching assistantships come directly from individual faculty members.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.

Program Resources

Students admitted to the graduate program may receive financial support in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships. Support is dependent on availability of funds and students maintaining satisfactory progress towards their degree.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: Students must earn a B or above in all courses counting toward degree requirements.
• Assessments and Examinations: The thesis pathway requires a formal thesis.
• Language Requirements: No language requirements.

Required Courses

Students are required to develop a plan of courses with their advisor. Additional courses beyond the core courses may be included with approval of the students academic advisor and the approval of the Environmental Chemistry and Technology Academic Planning Committee.

Policies

Prior Coursework

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on transfer credits for prior coursework.

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on probation.

Advisor / Committee

All incoming students are assigned a faculty advisor. Students are expected to meet with their advisor on a regular basis.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School's policy on maximum credit loads and overload requests.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's policy on time limits.

Grievances and Appeals

The University offers several avenues to resolve grievances. Students concerns about unfair treatment are best handled directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action.

Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of environmental chemistry and technology.
2. Formulate ideas, concepts, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge in environmental chemistry and technology.
3. Create research or scholarship that makes a substantive contribution.
4. Demonstrate breadth within their learning experiences.
5. Advance contributions to the field of environmental chemistry.
6. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
7. Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.