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ESS-MS - Earth System Science (MS)

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Environmental Earth System ScienceEarth System ScienceMS - Master of Science

Program Overview

The objectives of the master's program are to enable students to develop the skills needed to conduct original investigations in environmental and earth system sciences, to interpret the results, and to present the data and conclusion in a publishable manner. We also intend for our graduates to obtain strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to teach and communicate effectively with the public.

Admissions Information

For admission to master's work in the department, completing the Aptitude Test (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing assessment) of the Graduate Record Examination is optional. In keeping with university policy, applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores from a test taken within the last 18 months. Individuals who have completed a BS or two-year MS program in the U.S. or other English-speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL scores.

Minimum Units in the Program

45

Minimum University Units

45
Completion requirement
  • Required courses must be taken for a letter grade if offered

  • Students registered for ten units must pass at least six units per quarter. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average

  • Students must complete a minimum of four graduate-level, letter-grade courses of at least three units each from four different faculty members

  • By the end of the spring quarter of their first year in residence, students must complete at least three graduate-level courses taught by a minimum of two ESS faculty members

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:

Students are required to take three 2-unit courses during the first year

Complete at least 3 of the following Courses:
  • 2156421
  • 2163731
  • 2163641
AND

Students must take one class from each of the following three areas within the first or second year:  Area A , Area B, Area C lists (+ substitution possibilities)

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
  • 2136412
  • 1057501
  • 2090362
  • 1297232
  • 1254161
  • 1254241
  • 1254251
  • 2150031
AND
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
  • 2186921
  • 2128101
  • 2194362
  • 2001622
  • 2194372
  • 2061733
  • 1295165
AND
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
  • 1132845
  • 1295371
  • 2194512
  • 2216111
  • 2194812
  • 1295231
  • 2009331
  • 2104482
  • 2104591
  • 2206741
  • 2043391
  • 2160071
  • 2216111
  • 2207131
Completion requirement

A critical literature review of a topic or a short research report. A submitted or published research article can fulfill this requirement. Responsibility lies with the research advisor of the student to ensure the document meets academic standards. If the report is not in the form of a submitted or published research article, it must also be approved by the department academic affairs and curriculum committee to ensure it meets MS academic standards.

Completion requirement

In keeping with university policy, applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores from a test taken within the last 18 months. Individuals who have completed a BS or two-year MS program in the U.S. or other English-speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL scores.