Florida Gulf Coast University
AC-4: Graduate Program

The Environmental Science (MS) program prepares students for a career as an environmental professional or for those wishing to enter a PhD program. The program is designed to meet the needs of students currently employed in the field, recently completing an undergraduate degree, or anyone interested in a career change. Florida Gulf Coast University upholds a strong emphasis on environmental issues, and places a unique importance on environmental sustainability. Our Masters Program offers an integrated study of ecosystems (uplands, wetlands, estuaries and coastal systems), environmental education and public outreach. We offer small class size, hands on research activities and opportunities for professional development via attendance to professional conferences, and internship opportunities at various local, state and federal agencies. The core of the program focuses on: Understanding the science of ecology Utilization of scientific methods Application of the concept of sustainability.

The M.A. Environmental Studies has an interdisciplinary focus encompassing the natural and social sciences. This foundation is necessary for understanding the complex, cross-disciplinary problems faced today by environmental policy decision-makers. Students gain a thorough grounding in methods, applications, and natural sciences, in addition to a core of courses in common to the field. Students may choose an emphasis, within fields including: human populations and their interactions with the environment; effectiveness of environmental analysis and protection institutions; and analysis and resolution of the pressing environmental issues faced by modern society. We specialize in educating students in the application of scientific information to policy analysis and management decision-making. Environmental Studies finds a productive complement in the University’s M.S. Environmental Science, a sibling degree program that emphasizes scientific research of the natural world. Environmental Studies students choose to partake of the same science-based courses taught by our experts in ecology, marine science, and environmental biology. Every student completes a thesis: a piece of independent scholarly research, in close collaboration with a faculty mentor, that makes an original contribution to the field.

The focus of the profession is on oppressed and devalued populations as well as social and economic justice. In accord with the mission of FGCU and the values and ethics of the social work profession, the program distinguishes itself using an empowerment-based, person-in-environment framework.