Requirements

Semester Credits Required: 35

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.

  • Complete both of the following: ENVS 500: Graduate Seminar 1; ENVS 502: Graduate Seminar II

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.

  • Complete the following: ENVS 580: Envir & Resource Eco:App&Meth

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: ENVS 560/560L; ENVS 660: Adv Watershed Sci & Policy
    Marine: ENVS 545/545L; ENVS 645: Adv Marine Sci & Pol

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.

  • Complete thesis ENVS 599: Masters Thesis
  • OR Complete internship ENVS 594: Internship - Graduate
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. For thesis option, approval of thesis advisor (tenured and tenure-track faculty from SEP)
  4. For thesis option, 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. For thesis option, approval of thesis proposal by thesis committee
  7. For PSM option, approval of internship proposal
  8. Approval of Individual Learning Plan that fulfills Major Learning Outcomes (ILP must be approved by thesis advisor and CWSP Graduate Committee.)
  9. Minimum GPA of 3.0 after 14 graduate semester units, with no graduate degree course lower than B-
  10. 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 (thesis option) 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 at least one semester prior to graduation.
  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.

The Professional Science Masters Degree will be conferred after you have completed all of the following, within seven years of your admission to the CWSP Program, including time during approved leave.  

  1. Advance to candidacy at least one semester prior to graduation.
  2. Complete approved Individual Learning Plan coursework.
  3. Complete and document your internship based upon the rules and standards set forth by CWSP and CSUMB.
  4. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall GPA in courses required for degree, with no graduate degree course lower than B-
  5. Apply for graduation in accordance with CSUMB policy.

CSUMB matriculation requirements and policies