2011-2012 Catalog
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CHEMISTRY, GEOSCIENCES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Master of Science in Environmental Sciences
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.
Degree 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 the following courses or equivalents:
BIOL 203; CHEM 202 or 474, GEOL 105; MATH 120
The graduate advisor will review the student's transcript and determine the nature and amount of leveling work. 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.
Each student who applies for admission to the Environmental Science program must submit a statement of purpose that describes the following:
- the student’s interest in the area of environmental science and long-term professional goals;
- an explanation of how the student’s personal and research objectives correspond with those of the program.
A resume is not acceptable in lieu of this statement.
Required Courses
ENVS 580, 585; BIOL 598 or AGRI 560
3 hours from ENVS 520, 525 or CHEM 510
A. Additional Courses - Thesis Option (30 hours)
Thesis, 6 hours
Support Area, 12 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 500 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. Additional Courses - Non-Thesis Option (36 hours)
Support Area, 24 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 500 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. 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.