Environmental Science Online
Address environmental problems by studying the natural world.
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Request InfoEnvironmental Science, M.S. Overview
The University of West Florida’s synchronous M.S. in Environmental Science program can provide you with advanced education and research in earth and environmental sciences and can prepare you to solve contemporary environmental problems. In the synchronous program you meet for lectures in real-time with the instructor at regularly scheduled times. Throughout our program, you will learn key concepts in geographic information science, soil science, coastal science, meteorology/climatology, human-environment interactions and environmental planning, policy and politics. Our program will also build upon foundational proficiencies in chemistry, geosciences, geographic information systems and remote sensing.
With your comprehensive knowledge in environmental science, you could pursue a career as an environmental scientist, GIS professional, urban planner and natural resource manager. You might also work as a conservation scientist, hydrologist or even a teacher. With options in both the private and public sectors, careers for environmental science graduates are plentiful.
UWF’s environmental science program features flexibility in pace and available electives, ensuring that you can complete your M.S. at a comfortable speed while you concentrate on courses that hold your interest. Our program offers one-on-one communication with faculty through synchronous coursework. Many courses are offered during convenient times in the late afternoon or early evening, which enables you to pursue work or personal responsibilities as you learn. No matter the circumstance, you will find that our faculty are approachable and helpful.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Working professionals seeking career advancement in the field
- Students who recently completed a bachelor’s in environmental science or associated field
You Will Be Able To:
- Work one-on-one with our expert faculty
- Design your own studies after examining published environmental science research
- Select a variety of electives that align with individual interests
- Gain valuable experience in an internship, if desired
Courses and Requirements
The master’s in environmental science requires a core of 9 credit hours, plus 21 credit hours of electives which offer substantial opportunities to choose your own specialty. This ability to direct your own degree emphasis ensures that you can pursue a career path that interests you.
- EVR 6930 - Special Topics in Environmental Sciences
3.0 Credit Hours
Special Topics in Environmental Sciences
Covers various advanced subjects in the environmental sciences, depending on the specialization of the instructor. Topics include environmental pedagogy, coastal meteorology, groundwater modeling, etc. Graduate-level standing is required.
- GEO 6936 - Graduate Seminar
3.0 Credit Hours
Graduate Seminar
An overview of the disciplinary evolution of the geosciences, the prevailing paradigms and methodologies, and current and future directions in the field. The scientific method, grant proposals, and research publications will be examined in detail.
Choose one of the following:
- EVS 6196C - Sampling and Analysis in Environmental Sciences
3.0 Credit Hours
Sampling and Analysis in Environmental Sciences
Theory and techniques of modern field and laboratory methods used for physical and chemical analysis of soil, sediment, and water samples. Procedures for exploratory data analysis and interpretation. Emphasis will be upon the collection of samples and their subsequent analysis. Written reports and oral presentations are required. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed.
- GIS 6110 - Advanced Topics in Geographic Information Science
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Topics in Geographic Information Science
This class brings together a number of open-source GIS tools in order to educate students on the methods and processes behind web-based geographic information systems (web GIS). Specifically, we will review techniques with spatial databases, web mapping application programming interfaces (APIs), geospatial scripting and theories of map interaction within the context of web GIS. In order to achieve this near-complete picture of how web GIS works, use a pattern of software architecture known as model-view-controller or MVC. Finally, we will cover design considerations for web GIS within browsers on mobile devices. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Credit cannot be received for both GIS 6110 and GEO 6159. Competency with the principles of GIS and ArcGIS software is required. Prior upper-level GIS coursework (GIS 5100, GIS 5935, GIS 5103) is recommended.
- EVR 6930 - Special Topics in Environmental Sciences
Advisor-approved graduate coursework (electives)
- GEO 6118 - Research Design
3.0 Credit Hours
Research Design
Introduces non-thesis-track Master's students to the essentials of designing and executing a research project in the environmental sciences using the scientific method. Students will design and complete a research project.
Choose one of the following:
- EVS 6940 - Internship
1.0-3.0 Credit Hours
Internship
Supervised and structured participation in environmental work experience in the private, government, or educational sectors. Permission is required.
- GEO 6905 - Directed Study
1.0-12.0 Credit Hours
Directed Study
May be repeated indefinitely for credit.
- GEO 6118 - Research Design
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into the University of West Florida’s M.S. in environmental science, you must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Other criteria for successful admission include:
- A GRE verbal score at or above the 50th percentile and a quantitative score at or above the 40th percentile
- An institutional undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of coursework in the baccalaureate degree
- Completion of the Foundational Proficiencies as a condition of admission to the program
- A college-level course in chemistry
- Two upper-level science courses in the geo-, earth, or environmental sciences
- Two upper-level techniques courses (e.g. GIS, aerial photo interpretation, remote sensing, field methods, analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis)
- An upper-level course in statistics or quantitative methods
Due to COVID-19 and in an effort to better accommodate our students, the Environmental Science, M.S. will no longer require the GRE/GMAT through Fall 2022.
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into the University of West Florida. Review application deadlines. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit GRE scores
- Submit a formal letter of interest, background and professional goals
- Submit three letters of recommendation by individuals in professionally relevant fields (waived for graduates of the UWF Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences)
- Submit a current curriculum vitae or résumé
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our graduate admissions team at gradadmissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $384.60 per credit hour | $11,538.00 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $384.60 per credit hour | $9,230.40 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $1,044.24 per credit hour | $31,327.20 |
| 90% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $478.83 per credit hour | $14,364.90 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 90% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to 30 months to complete, depending on the pace and transfer credits.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our Master of Science in Environmental Science, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Environmental Scientists
Environmental scientists collect and analyze data from the natural world in order to address issues in environmental policy, pollution, climate change and industry standards. These employees have a crucial impact on health and human safety. In 2018, environmental scientists earned a median annual salary of $71,130. Job growth is expected to rise 8 percent through 2028, which is faster than average.
Geoscientists
Geoscientists study the biology and structure of the Earth in order to understand its history and predict its future. They date historical events, collect evidence, administer field studies, construct accurate maps and conduct laboratory research. In 2018, geoscientists earned a median annual salary of $91,130. Jobs for geoscientists are expected to increase 6 percent through 2028.
Environmental Science Teachers (Postsecondary)
These educators instill their environmental science expertise to students in public/private universities, community colleges and professional schools. Some also conduct their own primary research to contribute to the field. The median annual wage for environmental science teachers is $87,660, and 11 percent job growth for postsecondary educators as a whole is projected through 2028.