- A dynamic environmental science master's degree that incorporates intensive fieldwork, public policy implications, sustainable practices, and remote sensing.
- Participate in a wide range of research projects including microplastics in the Great Lakes, carbon sequestration in the wetlands, degradation of blended polymers, and nitrogen removal in created wetlands.
- Complete a concentration in chemistry, ecology and field biology, economics, environmental microbiology/molecular biology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), organismal biology and evolution, public policy, remote sensing, or statistics.
- Recent environmental science MS graduates have landed jobs at United Nations University, University of Rochester Medical Center, Microvi Biotechnologies Inc., The Nature Conservancy, General Dynamics, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Haley and Aldrich, and LaBella Associates.
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 these issues in order to identify sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
RIT's Environmental Science Master's Degree
RIT's environmental science master's degree provides you 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. You will amplify your hands-on classroom work with an in-depth thesis or project that provides you with an opportunity to work on real-world environmental problems under the guidance of skilled environmental scientists.
The practice of environmental science demands that you become a well-rounded specialists. To accomplish this, you will complete a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Chemistry
- Ecology and field biology
- Economics
- Environmental microbiology/molecular biology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Organismal biology and evolution
- Public policy
- Remote sensing
- Statistics
You also may develop a self-designed concentration in an area of personal interest, subject to approval from an environmental science review committee.
Students in the environmental science master's degree are working on a variety of projects:
- Conducting research in aquatic ecology studying the effects of pollution (microplastics, pharmaceuticals) and exploring remediation possibilities
- Exploring methane production in wetlands as part of global warming issues and climate change
- Looking at various methods to treat industrial wastewater, such as food processing wastewater streams from eggs, yogurt, and cheese, to reduce potential pollution issues in the environment
- Examining microbial degradation of agricultural mulches and new food packaging
- Mapping carbon dioxide emissions from trucks carrying fracking water from Pennsylvania to NY Wastewater Treatment Plants
Our environmental science master's degree incorporates intensive fieldwork, policy implications, sustainable practices, and remote sensing into the curriculum. Students benefit from collaboration with experts from RIT's College of Science, Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science, and the Golisano Institute for Sustainability.
Careers in Environmental Science
Graduates of RIT's environmental science master's program are environmental consultants or field scientists for a range of companies such as Haley and Aldrich and La Bella Associates. Several of our graduates work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Still others pursue doctoral programs in environmental science. Students can also focus on policy issues if they are interested in becoming a spokesperson for the effects of climate change and pollution on the environment. Recent environmental science MS graduates have landed jobs at United Nations University, University of Rochester Medical Center, Microvi Biotechnologies Inc., The Nature Conservancy, General Dynamics, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Haley and Aldrich, and LaBella Associates.
Students are also interested in: Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS, Sustainable Systems MS