Accelerated M.S. in Environmental Science
5-year
Accelerated B.S./M.S. track
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms
Tucson
Coursework Location
Earn your B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science in five years through our Accelerated Master's Program (AMP).
About the Accelerated Master's Program
Interested in our accelerated master's program? Get involved with research in your junior year or as soon as possible to prepare to enter the environmental science graduate program. Any directed research at the undergraduate level earns credit towards your undergraduate degree and could provide access to potential graduate research projects. The bachelor's in environmental science is a corresponding degree to students interested in the Accelerated Master's Program in Atmospheric Science.
Prerequisites
Strict requirements exist for AMP applications, including:
- Completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of application.
- A minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of entry into the AMP.
- A minimum GPA of 3.30 when the student has completed 90 units.
- Completion of up-to 12 units of ENVS graduate study after admission to AMP while still in the undergraduate program
- See all of the requirements.
How to apply
- Submit your online application to the Graduate College. You may view your application status at any time in the GradApp portal.
- Use your university email and NetID when registering a new account
- Under program of study select the AMP Environmental Science (MS)
- In addition to the Graduate College application, supplementary application materials are required:
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
- Two letters of recommendation: including a letter from the prospective Major Professor: the Major Professor serves will serve as the Master’s student advisor and mentor
- $75 fee payable upon submitting your application
What to expect from the program
The M.S. in Environmental Science requires at least 30 units of graduate credit, emphasizing in Environmental Science or Soil and Water Science. A total of 12 units of graduate credits earned during the undergraduate AMP can be applied toward both B.S. and M.S. degrees.
Different course options are available depending on your emphasis area. You also have the opportunity to work with faculty and staff in our eight research areas, but we encourage you to get involved in research as an undergraduate to elevate your application to the AMP.
You will begin taking graduate-level courses near the end of your undergraduate career to accelerate your graduation timeline for the M.S. in Environmental Science.
You must have an active research area at the time of application and be accepted into a professor's research group to be eligible for this track.
If you choose this option:
- Minimum 24 units non-thesis, 15 units in ENVS
- 6 units ENVS 910 Thesis with content equivalent to one peer-reviewed manuscript
- Presenting research results in a formal Master’s thesis defense to the department and closed door committee examination
- Submission of thesis to Graduate College
You can find information on formatting your thesis on the University of Arizona Graduate College.
You may choose to submit a Master’s report approved by your major professor and Director of graduate Studies, in the field of environmental or soil science in lieu of a thesis.
If you choose this option:
- Minimum 28-29 non-report units, 18 units in ENVS
- 2-3 units ENVS 909 Master's Report that is smaller in scope than an MS thesis
- The report must be read and approved by MS committee ahead of presentation
- Present a seminar to the department in lieu of a Thesis Defense
Master's program students must have
- Major Professor: faculty member in your area of study who has accepted you into their program
- You may have a co-director or committee member outside of the department
- Master’s Thesis or Master’s Report Committee: Three members who guide your academic program and examination. See more details.