MSESM-Environmental Science & Mgmt
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Program Code
Program Title
Program Level
Degree
Department
Distance Education Program
Program Description
INTRODUCTION
The program in Environmental Science and Management is diverse and dynamic, focusing on challenges in both the outdoor and built environment. The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering draws upon established relationships with local industries and environmental agencies making Gannon University a regional leader in environmental quality, environmental health, and environmental management.
Two options are offered within the M.S. program:
Environmental Health and Safety Option
Graduates of the Environmental Health and Safety option have the ability to develop and implement technologies to improve and protect both environmental and human health. Many graduates are employed in areas of environmental compliance in the industry, consulting firms or the government.
Environmental Management Option
Students whose career plans are management and administrative in nature may pursue the Environmental Management option. This option combines environmental science courses with business courses in order to prepare students for environmental leadership roles. The role of the environmental manager has evolved rapidly since the enactment of sweeping environmental legislation of the early 1970s and the need for environmental professionals continues to this day. Proper environmental stewardship can lead to greater competitiveness and profitability and is required under numerous federal regulations. The need for individuals who understand business and management principles, and who also have a thorough understanding of environmental science and technology is in high demand.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The application of environmental science is felt in essentially every walk of life, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, water/wastewater treatment, land reclamation, and recreation. Opportunities for employment include not only government and non-profit agencies but private corporations need professionals to manage their in-house programs.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Students should have a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from an accredited college or university, with courses in math, biology (preferably including ecology and microbiology), chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. If an applicant’s undergraduate science and math preparation are not adequate, appropriate undergraduate courses may be required in addition to the graduate program.
FIVE-YEAR ACCELERATED B.S./M.S.
The Five-Year Program offered through the department is designed to allow environmental engineering and environmental science majors to graduate with both a B.S. and M.S. degree in five years. Eligibility for the program is competitive and admission is based on overall academic performance and scientific/math aptitude. Students must apply for the combined B.S/M.S. program during their junior year. In addition to the B.S. requirements, students complete six credits at the graduate level during their senior year. In order to receive graduate credit for courses taken during the fourth year, students must have applied and been accepted into the B.S./M.S. program.