Coastal and Watershed Science Policy M.S. Degree Requirements


Coastal and Watershed Science & Policy M.S. ~ Degree Requirements

Semester Credits Required:  36

Major Learning Outcomes

The Major Learning Outcomes (MLOs) focus on research technology and methodology; science, economics, and policy; and the ability to integrate and apply knowledge of physical, biological, economic, and political processes within the coastal zone. The MLOs are delivered and assessed primarily through course-based projects, papers, presentations, and a master’s thesis. You showcase your area(s) of depth and interdisciplinary understanding via a graduate thesis project, which focuses on a fundamental aspect of an environmental issue that demonstrates how science and economics can inform policies related to your particular environmental issue.

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 (6 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.

  • Complete both course/lab combinations within one area of emphasis:
    Watershed: ESSP 560/560L; ESSP  660
    Marine Science: BIO 545/545L; ESSP 645

MLO 6 Elective (4 units) ~ Strengthen area of expertise through additional breadth, depth, or integration.

MLO 7 Thesis (4 units) ~ Produce a professional-quality written thesis and oral presentation that demonstrate expertise in a chosen research topic.

Advancement to Candidacy for Degree
  1. Demonstration of written English proficiency (assessed in writing assignments of Grad Seminar I)
  2. Removal of any Conditional Admission contingencies
  3. Approval of thesis advisor (tenured and tenure-track faculty from SEP)
  4. Formation of thesis committee—Three committee members composed of the thesis advisor, one additional tenured or tenure-track faculty member of SEP, and one expert in the student's research area (may include non-tenure track SEP faculty or external expert)
  5. Successful completion of Grad Seminar I & II
  6. Approval of thesis proposal by thesis committee
  7. Approval of Individual Learning Plan that fulfills Major Learning Outcomes (ILP must be approved by thesis advisor and CWSP Graduate Committee.)
  8. Minimum GPA of 3.0 after 14 graduate semester units, with no graduate degree course lower than B-
  9. Meeting of above conditions for candidacy before the passage of four semesters from admission, except in rare cases with consent of CWSP Graduate Committee
Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree will be conferred after you have successfully completed all of the following, within seven years of your admission to the CWSP program, including time during approved leave.

  1. Advance to candidacy.
  2. Complete approved Individual Learning Plan coursework.
  3. Defend thesis orally before thesis committee and invited public.
  4. Prepare thesis that is approved by your thesis committee. The thesis must conform to the rules and standards set forth by CWSP and CSUMB, including submittal of one bound copy for the CSUMB library, one bound copy for SEP, and one PDF format digital copy for SEP.
  5. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA in courses required for degree, with no graduate degree course lower than B-.
  6. Apply for graduation in accordance with CSUMB policy.

CSUMB matriculation requirements and policies