The Master of Science in Environmental Science is designed along strong
interdisciplinary lines to provide students with the training and basic
knowledge to deal with a wide spectrum of environmental issues. However,
emphasis is placed on water, both surface and groundwater, and natural
resource management.
To gain admission to the Master of Science in Environmental Science program,
students must meet the general requirements for admission to the College
of Graduate Studies and must hold an undergraduate degree in one of the
sciences such as Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Hydrology, or other areas
related to environmental science.
After gaining admission to the Graduate College, the student will be advised initially by the Director of the Master of Science Program in Environmental Science. Depending upon a student's background and area of interest, the director will assist the student in selecting courses to take. By being familiar with the anticipated rotation of courses, the director will assist the student in planning his/her graduate program. Again, depending upon a student's background and career goals, the director will assist the student in selecting a chairperson for the student's advisory committee. The committee chair should be chosen by the end of the first semester of graduate work and will assume advising duties for the remainder of the program. The student's advisory committee will consist of at least three members who are eligible for graduate faculty status at Tarleton State University and who are representative of the student's field of study and research. A co-chair may be selected from professionals from other recognized academic or research centers. If a co-chair is appointed from outside of Tarleton State University, the student's committee will consist of four members.
Foundation requirements:
Foundation Requirements: In addition to a bachelor's degree as described above, students will need a certain minimum preparation or equivalent course work. Depending on the emphasis area, this can include courses in Biology, Geoscience, Math, or Chemsitry
The graduate advisor will review the student's transcript and determine the nature and amount of leveling work. An emphasis area can be chosen within the program which will determine the background needed. Emphasis areas include surfacewater, groundwater, and natural resource management. These requirements must be completed before a student is allowed to take more than twelve graduate semester credit hours toward the MS in Environmental Science.
Required Courses:
A.
Thesis Option (36 hours)
ENVS 520; ENVS 525,: BIOL 520; CHEM 510; BIOL 5983: ENVS 588 (Thesis,
6 hours)
Electives can be chosen
from a variety of fields including Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental
Science, Earth Science, Geology, and Hydrology. Elective courses must
be approved by the student's graduate committee, and at least twenty-four
hours of the program must be at the 5000 level. Students are limited to
no more than 12 hours of undergraduate courses or problems courses. The
graduate committee must approve the student's program degree plan. A comprehensive
examination on course work and the completion and successful defense of
an acceptable thesis will conclude the program.
B. Non-Thesis Option
(36 hours)
ENVS 520; ENVS 525; BIOL 520; CHEM 510; BIOL 5983
Electives can be chosen from a variety of fields including Agronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Earth Science, Geology, and Hydrology. Elective courses must be approved by the student's graduate committee, and at least twenty-four hours of the program must be at the 5000 level. Students are limited to no more than 12 hours of undergraduate courses or problems courses. The graduate committee must approve the student's program degree plan. A comprehensive written and oral examination on course work will conclude the program.
Special Requirements
Students pursuing the thesis option will be expected to prepare a thesis
based on original research. A thesis proposal will be prepared for approval
by the student's advisory committee and the College of Graduate Studies
prior to the initiation of research. For students wishing to graduate
within two years, the thesis proposal should be completed by the spring
semester of the first year. The thesis proposal and the thesis will be
in conformance with the guidelines and deadlines established by the College
of Graduate Studies. The thesis must demonstrate the capability of the
student to perform original research and to present the results obtained
from such research in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. Students
pursuing the non-thesis option will take six hours of additional course
work instead of the thesis as approved by their committee.
Environmental
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