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 Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) offers emphasis in Environmental Engineering and Renewable Energy Engineering. This program prepares students to receive or maintain professional engineering licensure and to continue studies at a doctoral level.

-Sociology (M.S.W.) 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. http://www.fgcu.edu/mariebcollege/SocialWork/MSW/index.asp

Consistent with FGCU’s emphasis on community involvement, the Certificate in Planning offers the first academic program in SW Florida focusing on preparing professional planners for employment in local and state agencies, private development firms, and professional consulting practices. The Planning Certificate offers a variety of courses to build the theory and practice of planning. To provide a strong, well rounded program, the certificate builds on the combined strengths of Florida Gulf Coast University faculty and distinguished local professionals. Classes are offered online with optional studio/lecture meetings, which can be scheduled at the student’s convenience. If admitted to the MPA program, Planning Certificate students may use the four core courses as part of their program. MPA students may also use the four core courses towards the Planning Certificate Program.

Admission Requirements -Students must meet with a college advisor to declare a minor and review the course requirements. -A grade of C or higher is required for all courses in the minor. -A minimum of 12 credit hours of the minor must be completed at FGCU. -Students desiring certification of a minor and designation on their academic transcript must verify that the minor is displayed on their Graduation Application. Minor Requirements Complete 6 hours from the following: Cultural Studies -AML 4713 Working-Class Literature in the U.S. (3) -INR 2005 Peace and Conflict in the Public Sphere (3) -LIT 4353 Ethnic Studies (3) -POT 3075 Culture and Politics (3) -POT 4514 Theories of Political Violence (3) Complete 9 hours from the following with at least 3 hours from each category: Area Studies -CPO 3303 Latin American Politics (3) -CPO 3403 Politics of the Middle East (3) -INR 4303 U.S. Foreign Policy (3) Legal Studies -CCJ 4662 Minorities and Crime (3) -CJL 4415 Law and Social Control (3) -POS 3691 Law, Politics, and Society (3) TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS REQUIRED: 15 HRS

No new students are being accepted at this time. -Students must meet with a college advisor or declare a minor and review the course requirements. -A grade of C or higher is required for all courses in the minor. -A minimum of 12 credit hours of the minor must be completed at FGCU. -Students desiring certification of a minor and designation on their academic transcript must note the minor on the Application for Graduation. Minor Requirements Complete the following: -BSC 1051C Environmental Biology (3) OR -OCE 1001C Marine Systems (3) AND -ANT 2040C Foundations in Museum Studies (3) -EVR 4423 Teaching and Learning in the Outdoors (1) -EVR 4424 National Curricula in Environmental Education (1) -EVR 4425 Communication and Social Media in Environmental Education (1) -EVR 4914 Interpreting the Environment (3) -EVR 4924 Environmental Education (3) Complete six hours from the following: -ANT 2410 Cultural Anthropology (3) -BSC 3303 Biogeography (3) -CRW 2732 Intro to Nature Writing (3) -EVR 2861 Introduction to Environmental Policy (3) -EVR 3025 Cultural Ecology (3) -EVR 4026 Human Ecology and Systems (3) -HUM 2395 Environmental Humanities (3) -IDS 3332 Issues in Culture and Society (3) -SPC 3543 Ecological Communication (3) A maximum of one course from the following group may be used as an elective (but none is required): -BOT 2800 Plants and Society (3) -BOT 3153 Flora of SW Florida (3) -ZOO 3205C Invertebrate Zoology (3) -ZOO 3713C Vertebrate Form and Function (3) -ZOO 4272C Ornithology (3) -ZOO 4422C Herpetology (3) -ZOO 4454C Ichthyology (3) -ZOO 4480C Mammalogy (3) TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS REQUIRED: 21 HRS

-Environmental Engineering Minor http://www.fgcu.edu/Catalog/minorsdetail.asp?ID=122