Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Rochester, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 41,424 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* $41,424 - $54,974 | based on credits taken
Key Summary
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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 and find sustainable solutions to these problems. Graduates of the environmental science master's are well prepared for a variety of environmentally sustainable careers including consulting, research, policy, and outreach, or further graduate work in a doctoral program.
The program's curriculum provides students 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. Students augment their hands-on classroom work with in-depth experiential learning through an individual thesis or project that provides students with the chance to work on real-world environmental problems under the guidance of skilled environmental scientists.
RIT awards more than $37 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 5% of tuition all the way up to full tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
RIT awards more than $30 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Our median scholarship amount is around 30% of tuition or $13,000. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e., tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op
Cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
Work-Study
Graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 9,000 jobs available yearly, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during break periods.
The practice of environmental science demands that students be well-rounded specialists. To accomplish this, each student is required to complete a concentration in one of the following areas: cellular and molecular biology, chemistry, ecology and field biology, economics, mathematics, organismal biology and evolution, public policy, remote sensing, and digital image processing, or statistics. Students also may develop a self-designed concentration in an area of personal interest, subject to approval from an environmental science review committee.
Cooperative education
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 typical with local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit environmental organizations, and a host of environmental consulting firms.
Course of Study
Students may apply to the accelerated dual degree (BS/MS) option, which provides them with a considerable advantage over other environmental science graduates in the job market. In order to function as an environmental scientist, an individual must have an extensive background in mathematics, physical science, and life science. The BS/MS program is one of the strongest programs available with respect to mathematics and science and may be completed in five years.
Real-World Experiences
In addition to getting involved in research, optional cooperative education opportunities offer students a great way to get a head start on their career with paid, professional work experience. These co-op experiences may be with local, state, or federal government agencies, nonprofit environmental organizations, and a host of environmental consulting firms. To learn more or review co-op position openings, visit the RIT Office for Cooperative Education and Career Services.
Nature of Work
Environmental scientists and geoscientists use their knowledge of the physical makeup and history of the Earth to protect the environment; locate water, mineral, and energy resources; predict future geologic hazards; and offer environmental site assessments and advice on indoor air quality, hazardous waste site remediation and construction and land-use projects. Most of their time is devoted to office or fieldwork and often includes data analysis and report/proposal writing.
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook)
Training Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is adequate for some entry-level positions, but environmental scientists and geoscientists increasingly need a master’s degree in natural science. A master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level research positions in private industry, Federal agencies, and State geological surveys.
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics O.O.H.)
Curriculum
Environmental science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- ENVS-601 Environmental Science Graduate Studies
- MATH-655 Biostatistics or Equivalent Course
- ENVS-670 Advanced Concepts of Environmental Chemistry
- BIOL-675 Advanced Conservation Biology
- ENVS-650 Hydrologic Applications of GIS
- Graduate Public Policy Core Elective
- Graduate Science Core Elective
Second Year
- ENVS-790 Environmental Science Thesis
- Professional Elective
Environmental science (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
First Year
- ENVS-601 Environmental Science Graduate Studies
- MATH-655 Biostatistics or Equivalent Course
- ENVS-670 Advanced Concepts of Environmental Chemistry
- BIOL-675 Advanced Conservation Biology
- ENVS-650 Hydrologic Applications of GIS
- Graduate Public Policy Core Elective
- Graduate Science Core Elective
- Graduate Science, Technology and Society Core Elective
Second Year
- ENVS-780 Environmental Science Project
- Professional Elective
Environmental Scientist, Conservation Scientist, Forester/Preserve Superintendent, Atmospheric Scientist, Field Technician, Compliance Manager, Consultant, Salesman (equipment), GIS Specialist, and Lobbyist.
Industries
- Environmental Services
- Forestry
- Natural Resources
- Scientific and Technical Consulting
Typical Job Titles
- City Research Scientist
- Education Presenter
- Environmental Analyst
- Environmental Scientist
- Field Biologist
- Graduate Research Assistant
- LiDAR Technician
- Philanthropy and Operations Coordinator
- Physical Scientist
- Pump and Process Operator Trainee
- Remote Sensing Technician
- Research Engineer