This program is available at the following locations:

• Corvallis (MA, MS, PSM, PhD)
• Ecampus (MS, PSM)

The Environmental Sciences (ES) Graduate Program provides curricula leading to MA, MS (Corvallis campus and Ecampus), PSM (Corvallis campus and Ecampus), and PhD degrees in Environmental Sciences. The MS degree, non-thesis option, in Environmental Sciences is available via Ecampus in addition to OSU Main – Corvallis. 

The curriculum integrates thinking across disciplines, especially life, physical, and social sciences. Environmental science explores natural processes on earth and their alteration by human activity. OSU has exceptional strength in many of the disciplines, including science, agriculture, forestry, engineering, public health, liberal arts, social science, and oceanography and atmospheric science. Strength in these disciplines allows the ES Graduate Program to provide high-quality interdisciplinary education for environmental scientists and continuing postgraduate educational opportunities to scientists who are already active in the field. The degrees administered by the program are OSU’s contribution to the Joint-Campus Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Studies, and Policy, which links environmental graduate programs among the major research universities in Oregon.

The ES Graduate Program develops scientists who will be able to analyze and understand environmental systems, predict environmental change, and participate in the management of the environment. Each student completing a major in the ES Graduate Program will perform research and complete a thesis, dissertation, or research project. Each student will complete a core of ES graduate courses that will integrate concepts across the physical sciences, life sciences, and social sciences. Each student will also develop depth in a carefully designed, interdisciplinary area of concentration or track. Tracks that are currently available include ecology, biogeochemistry, social science, quantitative analysis, water resources, and environmental education. Methods and numerical skill courses, electives, and thesis or non-thesis project credits comprise the remainder of a student’s program.

Students in the ES Graduate Program may choose advisors from faculty members already appointed at OSU, as well as other scientists who apply and are accepted in the environmental sciences graduate faculty. The Environmental Sciences Graduate Program fosters interdisciplinary education and seeks connections between institutions.

Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Degree in Environmental Sciences

The Professional Science Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences (PSM@ENSC) provides advanced training for early- and mid-career professionals with a need for expertise in environmental sciences. Preferably applicants would have at least two years of experience working in the environmental field, but this is not mandatory for admission. The PSM@ENSC degree is offered as a non-thesis Master's degree program with an internship. Students have an advisor and graduate committee to review their program of study, provide career and internship advice, and evaluate a final report based on the internship experience.

Contact Information

Carolyn Fonyo, Director
Environmental Sciences Graduate Program
104 Wilkinson Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331
Email: carolyn.fonyo@oregonstate.edu
Website: https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/environmental-sciences-graduate-program-esgp

Major Code: 6420

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

MA

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

MS

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

PSM

• Conduct research or produce some other form of creative work.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly or professional activities in an ethical manner.

PhD

• Produce and defend an original significant contribution to knowledge.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly activities in an ethical manner.

¹

The MA degree requires proficiency in a foreign language

²

PSM and MS are also available via Ecampus

³

Course substitutions must be approved by the program advisor. Many of the courses are offered through Ecampus, but some may be offered through Corvallis, Cascades or Hatfield Marine Science Center. Please check course offerings through the Schedule of Classes or consult with the program director

Major Code: 6420