The Master of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences provides an advanced degree that prepares students to work in government agencies, private industry or NGOs, teach in community colleges or high schools, or continue to a doctoral degree at another university.
The School of the Environment’s faculty has expertise in geology and geomorphology, hydrology and watershed science, bioclimatology and paleoclimatology. There are no formal concentrations within the M.S. program, but most students choose to emphasize research that is aligned with the faculty area of expertise. We encourage students to work on interdisciplinary projects, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. We also encourage students to develop linkages with other schools and departments in the university, and with agencies and firms in the local region.
All students take courses in their respective areas of emphasis including ENV 801, a seminar that acquaints students with research in the field and in the department, ENV 810 Physical Processes seminars, a techniques class and topical classes to fit the research interest. Thesis projects will often involve extensive laboratory, field and/or computer work.
Earth and Environmental Scientists contribute the basic information to society for analyzing problems and establishing policy for resource management, environmental protection and hazard assessment. Dwindling energy, mineral, and water resources, and increasing environmental concern about global issues such as climate change, hydrologic extremes, wildfire and sea level rise, present challenges that create a demand for geoscientific expertise.
Graduates of the program will have wide ranging knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary earth and environmental sciences with focus on an area of specialization. This degree opens professional opportunities in surface and groundwater hydrology, air and water resources, watershed science, ecohydrology and ecological conservation and restorations at government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit organizations or community colleges. A number of our students continue to PhD programs elsewhere and careers in research or academia.