Environmental Science
The Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) is a 30-credit degree program. Depending on track, students enroll in 7-10 credits of required foundation courses, then complete the remaining credits as part of the research and thesis track, or choose the non-thesis capstone project track or the non-thesis portfolio track. In cooperation with the Program Director and a faculty mentor(s), students develop and customize their academic program.
All students take 7-10 credits of required foundation courses, depending on their chosen track:
Foundation Courses
Note: GEV 7040 (Intro to GIS) is required for students without prior GIS experience as a pre-requisite for GEV 7041. If a student must take GEV 7040, that counts towards their free electives.
Research and Thesis Track
In addition to the 10 credits of required foundation courses, students on the Research and Thesis Track must take GEV 7030 and GEV 9050. Additionally, they take at least 5 credits of thesis work, but no more than 10 additional credits, depending on the research plan they work out with their advisor.
Thesis courses include: GEV 7030, 9000, 9001, 9010, 9020, 9030, or 9050.
Non-Thesis Capstone Track
In addition to the 10 credits of foundation courses, students selecting the Non-Thesis Capstone Track must take GEV 9005 and then GEV 9006 (2 credits) Capstone Research I or GEV 9007 (3 credits) Capstone Research II and will work with the MSES Director to develop a program of study that complements their career goals. Students will complete a capstone project in their final semester, which they will then publicly present at the Department’s Environmental Colloquium.
The following courses are required for the non-thesis capstone track:
Non-Thesis Capstone Track Elective Group
×GEV 9006 (2 credits) Capstone Research I OR GEV 9007 (3 credits) Capstone Research II is required.
Non-Thesis Portfolio Track
In addition to the 7 credits of foundation courses, students selecting the Non-Thesis Portfolio Track must take GEV 9002 and will work with the MSES Director to develop a program of study that complements their career goals. Students will choose the final products of three or four elective courses and compile a portfolio that will be evaluated by a panel of faculty.
Electives
Students enrolled in the Research and Thesis Track take between 8 and 13 credits of elective courses, dependent upon their research plans.
Students enrolled in the Non-Thesis Capstone Track take 17 credits of elective courses, at least 8 credits of which must come from laboratory courses. Up to nine credits may be taken from departments other than GEV.
Students enrolled in the Non-Thesis Portfolio Track take 23 credits of elective courses, at least 8 credits of which must come from laboratory courses. Up to nine credits may be taken from departments other than GEV.
GEV Elective Lecture Courses (3 credits unless otherwise noted)
GEV Elective Lab Science Courses
GEV 7040 required for students without prior GIS experience as a pre-requisite for GEV 7041
Chemistry Courses (3 credits)
Biology Courses
Public Administration Courses
Disclaimer:
In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published on the world wide web for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog.