This degree is part of the Environmental Studies Program at Cleveland State University

Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences

Science Building Room 219
(216) 687-2440
https://artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/bges/graduate-programs#JDMS
Dr. Bibo Li; Graduate Program Director

Introduction

The Master of Science degree in Environmental Science is offered by the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences (BGES) as one of three interdisciplinary graduate programs in the Environmental Studies Program at Cleveland State. The degree program prepares students for a wide range of professional careers that require knowledge of biology, chemistry, or earth sciences in order to address environmental issues. The program is open to both full-time and part-time students. Students can complete original scientific research and a masters’ thesis, and there is also a non-thesis capstone option.

The program is administered by the department’s graduate faculty, which includes Cleveland State faculty, research scientists at the Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, and several Cleveland State University adjunct faculty members from other local institutions. 

Faculty Research

Faculty research in environmental science is across terrestrial, aquatic and urban systems. For example, this can include organismal ecology and evolution, urban ecology and earth science, remote sensing, ecological physiology, modeling, pollution, and geochemistry. The department is active in many cooperative projects that provide additional research opportunities for graduate study. Regionally, environmental science faculty have collaborative projects with the Cleveland Metroparks, the Holden Arboretum, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Geauga Park District, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and many other regional partners. Within Cleveland State, the environmental science faculty are part of the Center for Research on the Urban Environment (CRUE), in collaboration with environmental studies faculty from the School of Urban Affairs and environmental engineers from the Washkewiecz College of Engineering.

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Career Information

The MS degree program prepares students conceptually and technically for careers in applied or basic science and research in academic, government, or business settings. The graduate program attracts environmental scientists, biologists, geologists, and teachers, as well as management and staff in diverse businesses with an environmental focus. The graduate program is open to full-time and part-time students, as well as to non-degree students who are preparing themselves for entry into a degree program or are seeking to keep abreast of new developments in their field of interest.

Admission Information

Applicants must meet the College of Graduate Studies admission requirements regarding grade-point average, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and TOEFL results, as well as departmental standards. The BGES department expects applicants to have an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or higher for master’s applicants. Transcripts must be submitted for all undergraduate and any previous graduate study. Scores for the GRE General Test must be submitted by ETS, and at least two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members, and a statement of personal career goals and research interests must be submitted by the applicant. Stronger applicants will have scores on the GRE averaging near the 50th percentile or above. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official scores for the TOEFL, the Michigan Test, or an equivalent examination, unless they hold a degree from a U.S. institution. (See the section on International Student Admission in this Catalog.)

A bachelor’s degree is preferred in environmental science or a related science (e.g. biology, chemistry, or geology). Students from other majors are encouraged to discuss their qualifications with the EVS MS Advisor and/or any potential research advisors. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in other majors must have a minimum of two quantitative courses (calculus or statistics); two courses in biology, geology, or chemistry; and one physical science course. Strong applicants coming from other majors will have four semesters of natural science courses (such as chemistry, biology, geology, or geography).  Any questions should be directed to the BGES Graduate Program Director or EVS MS Advisor.

Submit application materials to the Graduate Admissions Office (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) or the Center for International Services and Programs (international applicants and current visa holders).

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/graduate-admissions/how-apply

Graduate Assistantships/ Fellowships

Full-time graduate students pursuing thesis research may be supported by the department through teaching assistantships or fellowships for a period that, as a rule, should not exceed three years. This support includes tuition and a stipend. Teaching assistants are required to work twenty hours per week and must enroll as full-time students (currently nine credit hours, including research credits). Research assistantships may be available through the research grants of individual faculty members. Requests for assistantships should be indicated on the Application for Graduate Admission or by letter to the BGES Graduate Program Director. Awards are competitive and are based on all application materials. Initial decisions usually are made based on completed applications on hand in March for fall semester and, if assistantships are available, in November for spring semester. Required minimums for grade-point average and for GRE and TOEFL scores are higher than those used for admission to the program. Applicants whose native language is not English must be assessed and certified as proficient in spoken English to hold a teaching assistantship.

Selection of a Major Advisor and an Advisory Committee for Thesis Students

The Major Advisor typically is the primary supervisor and source of support for thesis students. Together, the Major Advisor and Advisory Committee supervise the student’s plan of study and research proposal, monitor the student’s progress, certify that requirements have been met in a timely fashion, and process all petitions, progress reports, and other communications with the Graduate Committee. In keeping with the program’s interdisciplinary focus, the Advisory Committee may include one member of the Cleveland State graduate faculty from outside of BGES.

Requirements

Besides course work, for students selecting the thesis option, the MS in Environmental Science degree requires a thesis based on original scientific research of sufficient quality for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. For students selecting the non-thesis option, a capstone project and the environmental practicum course are required.

Before registering for courses, all newly admitted students must meet with the BGES Graduate Program Director or EVS MS Advisor. All students are required to enroll in the BGES Graduate Orientation course (BIO 500 ) and to attend departmental seminars. Students also must comply with all College of Graduate Studies requirements and procedures.

Students in the MS program in Environmental Science must maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 or better. A student receiving two grades of B- or one grade of C or below is subject to review by the BGES Graduate Committee; dismissal from the graduate program may be recommended.