About the Program
The master of science in Great Lakes Environmental Science program combines coursework in environmental science with communication and project management classes and an internship experience. The M.S. program is designed to meet the needs of industry, consulting firms, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governmental agencies, preparing graduates for leadership roles as they address a wide range of problems and issues related to the management of resources within the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds.
About the Great Lakes Center
Chris Pennuto
GLES Program Coordinator & Interim Director, Great Lakes Center
Science and Mathematics Complex 319
Phone: (716) 878-4329
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor's degree in a science (e.g., chemistry, biology, geography, geology, earth science, environmental science) or math discipline from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
2. An official transcript of the applicant's undergraduate program, giving evidence of satisfactory completion of college science and mathematics courses. It is strongly recommended that all applicants have introductory college coursework in chemistry, biology, geography, geology, and mathematics/statistics. The absence of any of this coursework may be regarded as a deficiency and students may be required to complete this recommended coursework before graduation.
3. Two letters of recommendation and completed survey evaluating the applicant's academic qualifications. It is highly desirable to have at least one letter of recommendation from a professor with whom the applicant has done coursework or projects.
4. A written statement of the applicant's academic background, academic and career plans, and area(s) of research interest.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
1. demonstrate analytical skills required to interpret and evaluate research literature
2. demonstrate proficiency in professional writing
3. demonstrate comprehension of the broad aspects of project management and communication strategies.
4. demonstrate ability to effectively organize oral presentation for either informal or formal settings
Program Requirements
Required Core Courses (9 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
GLC535 GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEMS | 3 - Credit Hours
BIO670 BIOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS | 3 - Credit Hours
GEG525 FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS | 3 - Credit Hours
OR GEG528 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN GIS | 3 - Credit Hours
OR GEG529 ADVANCED TOPICS IN GIS | 3 - Credit Hours
BIO670 can be replaced with an equivalent data analysis course
Required Business Communication and Project Management Courses (6 credit hours)
Select either PSM601 or MMT620 for the Project Management Course and Select either PSM602, COM519, or COM610 for the Communication Course
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
PSM601 PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR MATH AND SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS | 3 - Credit Hours
OR MMT620 MANAGING ENGINEERING PROJECTS | 3 - Credit Hours
PSM602 COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR MATH AND SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS | 3 - Credit Hours
OR COM519 COMMUNICATION FOR LEADERS AND MANAGERS | 3 - Credit Hours
OR COM610 PUBLIC RELATIONS PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES | 3 - Credit Hours
Required Internship (3 credit hours)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
GLC688 INTERNSHIP | 3 - Credit Hours
Electives Courses (12 Hours)
Appropriate biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and geography and planning courses selected by advisement.