Master of Science in Environmental Science

Program Overview

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Villanova University's Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) program fosters interdisciplinary thinking and learning, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to address complex environmental challenges. The program emphasizes scientific principles, policy connections, and problem-solving through modeling, research, and hands-on experiences. Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, policy, management, research, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) program at Villanova University emphasizes integrated thinking and learning at the nexus of science, policy, and human behavior. The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to solve complex environmental problems and contribute to environmental sustainability.

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Objectives:

• Understand fundamental and advanced scientific principles related to the environment: This objective focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in the scientific principles that underpin environmental science, including environmental chemistry, ecology, and hydrology.
• Connect contemporary environmental issues with a variety of non-science disciplines: This objective emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving.
Students will explore the connections between environmental issues and fields such as social science, policy, ethics, humanities, and religion.
• Construct models to facilitate the understanding and solution of environmental problems: This objective focuses on developing students' analytical and problem-solving skills.
Students will learn to create and use models to represent and understand environmental systems and to evaluate potential solutions to environmental problems.
• Select and apply appropriate research methods and techniques to solve complex environmental problems: This objective emphasizes the importance of research in environmental science.
Students will learn to design and conduct research projects, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on their findings.

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Outline:

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Program Content and Structure:

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Core Courses:

• Research Methods for Environmental Science
• Environmental Science Fundamentals
• Environmental Policy and Management
• Environmental Data Analysis and Modeling
• Environmental Ethics

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Electives:

Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses to specialize in a particular area of environmental science, such as:

• Climate Change Science and Policy
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Sustainable Development
• Water Resources Management
• Environmental Toxicology

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Course Schedule:

The program can be completed in 12-24 months of full-time study or 24-48 months of part-time study.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case Studies
• Fieldwork
• Independent Research

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Faculty:

The MSES program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research and teaching in environmental science. Some of the faculty members include:

• Dr. Steven Goldsmith, Associate Professor of Environmental Science
• Dr. Lisa Rodrigues, Associate Professor of Environmental Science
• Dr. Keith Henderson, Graduate Program Director

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Unique Approaches:

The MSES program at Villanova University has a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches to environmental problem-solving. Students will have the opportunity to work with faculty members from a variety of disciplines, including science, social science, and humanities. The program also emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning through fieldwork and research projects.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the MSES program will be well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:

• Environmental consulting
• Environmental policy
• Environmental management
• Environmental research
• Science education

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Opportunities and Outcomes:

Graduates of the MSES program have gone on to work for a variety of organizations, including:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• State and local environmental agencies
• Environmental consulting firms
• Non-profit organizations
• Educational institutions