M.S. Environmental Sciences and Management

The Master of Science degree program in Environment Sciences and Management (MS ESM) offers advanced study in a range of environmental science and management disciplines.

The purpose of the Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management program is to provide advanced education in management of the environment and natural resources. Advanced study in environmental science, management of the environment, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and communication is the core of the degree. The degree allows an emphasis in a wide range of areas of study, listed below. Through the emphasis of study students have flexibility in creating elective coursework to suit their professional goals. The culminating experience of the degree is a professional project or traditional thesis that allows students to explore, seek solutions, or provide research on environmental challenges.

• Students pursuing the professional project option should plan on a minimum of 15 months of study (4 academic quarters) for completion

• Students pursuing the thesis option should plan on two academic years of study for completion.

Areas of Study Emphasis

Program Overview

The  Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Management (MS ESM) degree is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide core knowledge in research methods, environmental science, and environmental management, while providing for environmental specialization through directed electives. The program prepares students for a broad range of careers in science, research, and environmental management.The MS ESM program: (1) provides core knowledge in research skills and scientific literacy; (2) provides advanced knowledge in both environmental sciences and environmental management; (3) allows students to specialize in an environmental science or management sub-discipline through choice of electives, (4) is flexible, providing options for student to apply their knowledge through both a traditional thesis or a professional project. 

The program is open to students from any undergraduate major who have demonstrated high academic achievement. The program requires completion of a core curriculum (research skills, sciences, management) and directed electives for a total of 45 units. Students admitted to the program are expected to begin their studies in the fall quarter as a cohort, but students with prerequisite coursework deficiencies may be admitted in other quarters.

Admissions

Admission requirements for this program require that students have at least a 3.0 GPA in the final 90 quarter units of their undergraduate degree and completion of the following undergraduate coursework:   

Sciences— three quarters or two semesters of any combination of chemistry, biology, ecology, physics, earth science, or atmospheric science  
Statistics—one quarter or one semester  
Calculus—one quarter or one semester 

An applicant who lacks prerequisite coursework may be admitted as a conditionally classified student and must make up any deficiencies (12 unit limit) before advancement to classified graduate standing.  

The GRE exam is optional. Applicants must have at least 3 letters of reference that can attest to the academic capabilities of the applicant. All applicants who do not speak and write English as their primary language are required to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), taken within the last 2 years with a minimum score of 550 (paper version), 213 (computerized version), or 80 (internet based). 

Applications for fall 2024 admission will be available November 2023. The deadline for fall 2024 applications is March 1, 2024. Only complete applications will be reviewed (all letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and official transcripts submitted). 

Cost to attend Cal Poly

Degree Requirements

*Elective course selections will depend on students’ interests and sub-discipline emphasis. Students in the research thesis option will consult with their research supervisor to ensure appropriate alignment of student learning objectives with selected courses. Students in the professional project option will consult with the graduate program coordinator for the selection of electives.

Suggested Courses (1 Year)

1. Offered fall and winter terms.  
2. At least 27 units of the 45 units must be at 500 level.  
3. Thesis students arrange ESCI 599 credit with their advisers. 

Current Students

Members of the 2023-2024 cohort

Read about some of our current students and graduates ›

Created by Brent Flemmer, Jackie Morales, Grace Damaschino, Sara Sternberg, MS Candidates 2023

Project and Thesis Examples

Professional projects consist of an advanced learning experience in environmental sciences or management. The professional project and coursework can be completed in as little as 15 months, assuming a significant summer effort on the project. Students are admitted and assigned a project and project adviser based on their academic interests as stated in their application. The final project completion and grade will be determined through project course (ESCI 596) with advisement from the faculty adviser. 

A thesis consists of an advanced learning experience under the advisement of a major professor adviser and thesis committee.  Typically a 2+ year educational experience. The student’s thesis committee determines if the thesis meets the requirements of an MS degree.

Thesis committee comprises of 3 individuals:  1) major adviser, 2) NRES faculty member, 3) faculty member or professional with interest or intimate knowledge of the project. 

All culminating experiences (theses and projects) require a written report.  The report will follow the University guidelines for preparation of a thesis located on the Graduate Education web site.

Completed Project Reports 

Completed Project Reports are found on Digital Commons @Cal Poly   https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/nres_rpt/ 

Recent Thesis Examples

Julia Ridgeway, 2019, An analysis of changes in stream temperature due to forest harvest practices using DHSVM-RBM (adviser: Dr. Surfleet)
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2093/ 

Devin Pritchard-Peterson, 2018, Field Investigation of Stream-Aquifer Interactions: A Case Study in Coastal California (adviser: Dr. Malama)
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1870/  

Cody Morse, 2018, Quantifying the Environmental Performance of a Stream Habitat Improvement Project (adviser: Dr. Chiu)
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1972/ 

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid Information

Potential research assistant, teaching assistant, tuition waiver awards through Graduate Education

Graduate Studies Information at Cal Poly

Please visit the University's Graduate webpage for information on financial resources and graduate studies information at Cal Poly Graduate Information or our College's webpage at CAFES Graduate Information

Applying

Application and supporting materials are submitted through Cal State Apply. Specific instructions and the link to Cal State Apply can be found on the Cal Poly Graduate Education website.

There are additional requirements for foreign students. Questions concerning applications from foreign students should be directed to the Cal Poly Admissions Office.

Program specific requirements: 

• 3.0 GPA in final 90 quarter units 
• Transcripts from degree granting institution (other transcripts optional) 
• Three letters of reference 
• Statement of Purpose*

*Statement of Purpose: Please use this statement to tell the review committee about your education and professional background, professional and personal goals, intention of study emphasis by addressing the prompts below. This information will allow us to pair you with a professional project to assist with your education goals. If applying for a thesis option, include the name of your potential adviser and project description.

• Describe your interest in pursuing a Master of Science in our Environment Sciences and Management Program, including which area of study you would focus on. 
• How does your academic and professional background prepare you to undertake this MS program? 
• What academic and/or professional goals do you believe this MS program will help you to accomplish?

For more information contact: