Environmental Science, Marine and Estuarine Science

The MS in environmental science draws upon course work from the College of the Environment and the other colleges of WWU. It is directed toward the development and integration of scientific information to describe, predict and/or manage natural systems and built environments, and to assess human impacts on those systems. The Marine and Estuarine Science Program (MESP) Option is offered through the College of the Environment and the Department of Biology. Classes and research activities occur on the Bellingham campus and at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes. Students graduating from the program will have an understanding of biota, topical management issues, and fundamental biological and chemical marine processes.

Goals

The program prepares students to describe, predict and/or manage natural systems and to assess human impacts on those systems. The built environment is also considered with a focus on how it impacts natural systems and on energy solutions.

Prerequisites

A bachelor's degree and college-level course work including a minimum of either:

• One year of general chemistry, one year of general biology, and one course in statistics or data analysis. or;
• One year of general chemistry, one year of physics, two courses in calculus, one course in statistics and one additional physical science or engineering course. or;
• Commensurate coursework as approved by proposed faculty mentor.

Application Information

Admit Quarter: Students will be admitted into the MS in environmental science program fall quarter only.

Deadlines: Because maximum student enrollment is limited, all applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application materials by February 1. Review of materials will begin after that date and will continue until the enrollment limit is reached or on June 1, whichever comes first.

TA Deadline: To be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship, applicants should submit their application materials by February 1 and indicate in the statement of purpose how the prerequisites listed above have or will be met before starting the program.

Supporting Materials:

• An application for admission into the MS program in environmental science must include a one- to two-page statement of purpose indicating which specialization the applicant is most interested in, explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate studies in environmental science, and what future expectations they have for the MS degree.
• The statement may indicate a preferred faculty advisor; students are encouraged to review faculty research interests as described on the College of the Environment website cenv.wwu.edu prior to contacting potential faculty advisors; students are admitted into the program only upon agreement of potential faculty advisors.

Program Requirements (45 to 69 credits)

a minimum of 45 credits are required, including:

• ESCI 501 - Research in Environmental Science  Credits: 3;
• 30 credits of course work, including three courses from the area of specialization, or course substitutions, under advisement;
• 12 credits of  ESCI 690 - Thesis Research  Credits: 1-12.

Ten credits or less of approved 400-level course work may be included in the program. No more than four elective credits of ESCI 595 (Teaching Practicum) may be used toward the MS degree in environmental science. Each candidate should note that the department has an annual review of student progress that affects retention, in addition to the other program requirements listed here. The student will make a public presentation of the thesis research either on campus at Western Washington University or Shannon Point and will participate in an oral exam given by the thesis committee.

For further information, write or consult Ed Weber, the College Graduate Program Specialist, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9079, 360-650-3646, [email protected].