Graduate Programs
We offer two Master's degree programs: MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences and MS in Sustainability Science. Our programs emphasize a deeper understanding of environmental issues and sustainability that occur on regional, national and global levels. Students can choose either the thesis or the non-thesis options for an MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences. For the MS in Sustainability Science, students complete 6-credit hours of Sustainability Practicum.
Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences 鈥� Thesis Options
Archaeology
Once you start digging into the earth and environmental sciences master鈥檚 program, you鈥檒l find a concentration in archaeology. When you choose to follow this concentration, you鈥檒l learn more about the relationship between human culture and the natural environment. Specifically, you鈥檒l gain an understanding of the methods and principles of archaeological research from an interdisciplinary and scientific perspective. Plus, as an archaeology student, you鈥檒l find opportunities to conduct research and take part in applied laboratory and field-based projects.
Environmental Geology
Take your skills and knowledge of the environment to the next level with a master鈥檚 degree in environmental geology. This concentration focuses on the chemical, physical and biological aspects of environmental change both in the present and in the geologic past. With laboratory, research and internship opportunities, you鈥檒l excel in the fast-growing field of earth and environmental sciences.
Geoinformatics
Broaden your understanding of geospatial science with this master鈥檚 concentration. You鈥檒l dive deeper in your study of digital mapping, GIS, remote sensing and GPS technology through laboratory, research and internship opportunities to apply geospatial technology while solving important environmental and societal problems.
Watershed Science
Do you wish to learn more about the interdisciplinary approaches to watershed management? Through our partnership with the Watershed Studies Institute, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to study and learn more about near-surface water resources and associated earth-surface processes. If you鈥檙e ready for a future in watershed management and science, this master鈥檚 program will prepare you for a career in the field or further graduate studies.
Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences 鈥� Non-thesis Option
Earth and Environmental Sciences
A master鈥檚 degree in earth and environmental sciences can take you in any number of directions. Understand the principles of the earth and the environment to take your career to the next level in this non-thesis graduate option.
Master of Science in Sustainability Science
Increasing population, climate change and environmental pressures are forcing civilizations to reevaluate the way that they use earth resources. Many recent economic strategies propose sustainable approaches to human-environment interaction and resource extraction and use. The MS in Sustainability Science program provides students with an education that prepares them for a career in the Earth and Environmental Sciences with the concept of sustainability as a central component. Sustainability Science is an important field of study as it can lead to future opportunities in academic institutions, agricultural and conservation fields, and environmental industries. Students in Biology, Chemistry, and School of Agriculture may also benefit from this program, especially if their research problems involve using earth materials.
Certification
Geospatial Data Science Certificate (Graduate)
This graduate certificate is designed to complement interdisciplinary graduate and professional degree programs in data science to provide specialized courses that emphasize geospatial science and technology. This certificate program supports professionals working in the geospatial field and provides experience using industry and federal data standards and methodology for data acquisition/input, manipulation, analysis, modeling and output. It鈥檒l also add value to traditional computer science and geography discipline areas, such as big data analytics, geographic information systems (GIS) and science, remote sensing and CyberGIS.
Graduate Program Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet 杏吧直播间 State University admission requirements (refer to the graduate admissions webpage). The department also requires that three letters of recommendation and a written statement of the applicant鈥檚 interests be submitted with the application package to the Office of Graduate Admissions or to the graduate program coordinator. Additional requirements are as follows:
Unconditional
To qualify for unconditional admission, an applicant must meet the following:
- An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in an earth and environmental science (or related) field
Conditional
Students admitted conditionally are admitted to full standing after completing:
- Any remedial courses required by graduate faculty
- One semester of graduate work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or above.
Graduate Students
Faculty Contacts
Chair: Dr. Robin Zhang | qzhang@murraystate.edu and 270.809.6760
Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Bassil El Masri | belmasri@murraystate.edu and 270.809.3110