Environmental Science
MS
Application Deadlines
Fall:February 1
Winter:February 1
Contact Information: 
4112 LSB
801-422-9389
pws-grad-secretary@byu.edu
Website
Program Requirements: 

Pursuit of the MS degree in environmental science provides students with research and education opportunities in environmental protection and remediation and in plant growth and physiology. Students will select graduate course work in soil science, biology, and environmentally related courses taught in departments across the campus.

Those completing program requirements will be well prepared for employment in environmental and agricultural consulting, teaching at the junior college level, and continued graduate studies for the PhD. Their research and teaching interests include: plant growth under environmental stress, invasive species, plant physiology, urban landscape environments, bioremediation of contaminated soils and water, and both modern and ancient agricultural environments.  All emphases require original research topics with the results presented in thesis format.  This research is expected to be of a publication quality and thesis style best reflecting that of a professional journal, thus facilitating timely submissions for publication.  We also encourage formal presentations at professional meetings.

  • Credit hours: (30): minimum 24 course work hours plus 6 thesis hours (PWS 699R).
  • Undergraduate hours: no more than 9 semester hours may be applied toward master’s degree.
  • Thesis: completion of the thesis in scientific journal format and prepared for journal submission.
  • Required courses: Two semesters of PWS 694R (seminar) and one semester of graduate statistics (Stat 511).
  • Biannual progress reviews by advisory committee and graduate committee.
  • Examinations: final oral defense of thesis.
Admission Requirements: 

Required Tests

GRE - (total score of 300 required with a minimum of a “4” on the writing portion)

TOEFL or IELTS (International applicants)

Additional Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree in Biogeochemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Resource Conservation, or related field.
  • 3.2 GPA or higher
  • Resume
  • Statement of Intent
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Ecclesiastical Endorsement
  • A funded project: No graduate candidate will be accepted unless he or she has a departmental faculty member willing to serve as a major advisor on a funded project
Program Outcomes: 


Effective Communication and Publication

Communicate their scientific findings effectively in oral presentation and in writing (i.e., publication in a peer-reviewed journal, conference poster or oral presentation).

Scientific Knowledge and Data Analysis and Instrumentation

Conduct meaningful research using fundamental scientific principles and processes of analytical procedures and instrumentation.

Statistical Methods

Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate statistical methods for analysis of data generated in their research area.

Science, Society, and Spiritual Stewardship

Demonstrate an understanding of how your research influences society and foster and promote environmental stewardship within your realm of influence and your community.