Program Overview

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Environmental Science, M.S.

The M.S. in Environmental Science at Florida Tech is a research-driven program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to address today's most pressing environmental challenges. The program combines advanced scientific training with real-world application, allowing students to gain practical experience in using monitoring technologies and remote sensing tools to analyze and interpret ecosystem changes.

Program Overview

The program builds both depth and flexibility into graduate studies, with core courses providing a strong foundation in essential areas of environmental science. A wide range of electives allows students to shape the program around their specific interests and career goals. Research is central to the program, with opportunities to work closely with faculty on meaningful projects that contribute to the field.

Why Choose Florida Tech for Environmental Science?

Florida Tech offers an ideal setting for advanced study in environmental science, with expert faculty mentorship, a collaborative and interdisciplinary academic environment, and proximity to a rich variety of natural ecosystems that support meaningful field-based research. The program's interdisciplinary approach brings together expertise from science, mathematics, and engineering, providing students with a well-rounded foundation to meet the demands of today's environmental challenges.

Locations Offered

The program is offered at the Melbourne Campus.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared to lead in environmental science careers or pursue further study in areas such as resource protection and sustainable management. Career opportunities include:

• Environmental scientist
• Environmental chemist
• Industrial ecologist
• Restoration planner
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental health & safety specialist
• Natural resources conservation manager
• Air quality program director
• Environmental protection specialist
• Sustainability specialist
• Land use planner or urban planner
• Climate change analyst
• Director of conservation program
• Wetlands program director

Research Areas

Research topics in the program include:

• Harmful algal blooms' effects on marine mammals
• Stormwater runoff impacts on rivers and estuaries
• Groundwater seepage in Florida's lakes
• Dissolved oxygen budgets in aquatic systems
• Trace-metal contamination
• Acid deposition and its environmental effects
• Trophic-state classification of lakes
• Trace organic contamination in coastal systems
• Hyperspectral remote sensing
• Decomposition and sedimentation processes of aquatic macrophytes

Curriculum

The program curriculum includes courses such as:

• Environmental Optics and Remote Sensing
• Introduction to Air Pollution
• Marine and Environmental Chemistry

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have undergraduate majors in the physical or life sciences with strong backgrounds in chemistry and biology. If the degree is in a different scientific or engineering field, students may need to complete certain preparatory coursework before starting the program, as advised by the department.

Related Programs

Related programs at Florida Tech include:

• Environmental Resource Management, M.S.
• Interdisciplinary Science, M.S.
• Environmental and Informal Science Education, M.S.
• Oceanography, M.S.

Advanced Degree Options

Florida Tech also offers a doctoral program in Environmental Science, which provides the opportunity to deepen expertise, contribute original research, and prepare for leadership roles in academia, industry, or government.