Major Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes focus on integrating rigorous scientific and technical training in the context of environmental policy and management. The MLOs are delivered and assessed primarily through course-based projects, papers, presentations and a master's thesis (M.S. Thesis option) or professional internship experience (Professional Science Master's option). Students showcase their area(s) of depth and interdisciplinary understanding via a graduate thesis project or a professional internship with an appropriate institute, business, agency or nonprofit organization. The thesis option focuses on a fundamental aspect of an environmental issue that demonstrates how science and economics can inform policies related to their particular environmental issue. The Professional Science Master's (PSM) option focuses on developing advanced scientific, technical, and professional skill sets related to local and regional environmental priorities.
MLO 1 Science Interdisciplinarity & Science-Policy Integration (6 units) ~ Explain the interactions among science, technology and economics, as applied to environmental policy.
MLO 2 Research Methods (4 units) ~ Design, conduct, analyze and communicate the findings of a scientific investigation, including a scholarly review of the relevant literature. Use scientific instrumentation for environmental measurement.
MLO 3 Geospatial Technologies and Visualization (4 units) ~ Acquire, visualize and interpret precise and accurate measures of environmental conditions and/or human behavior using current geospatial research technology. Apply geospatial technology to address environmental problems.
MLO 4 Environmental Policy, Economics and Decision-making (3 units) ~ Explain and apply principles of environmental planning and policy making. Through experiential learning, participate in environmental politics. Describe and use empirical methods in economics to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of economic data.
MLO 5 Applied Sciences (8 units) ~ Apply advanced principles, theories and practices of a life science or earth science field to environmental issues and policies.
MLO 6 Elective (4 -8 units) ~ Strengthen area of expertise through additional breadth, depth or integration. Complete 4 units for thesis option and 8 units for PSM option.
MLO 7 Thesis (6 units) or Internship (2 units) ~ Produce a professional-quality, written thesis and oral presentation that demonstrate expertise in a chosen research topic; OR complete an internship with a business, government, or nonprofit organization that enhances professional, scientific or technical skills.