Why Get a Master's Degree in Environmental Science?
FAU's Environmental Science Master's Program prepares students for advanced graduate studies or a career at research, management, regulatory, or non-governmental organizations. Since most of our research opportunities are tied to ongoing restoration or management activities, students can be assured that the results of their research will not languish on a book shelf but will be eagerly read by resource managers. Prospective students who want to conduct research that will guide the management and restoration of some of our nation’s most sensitive aquatic systems and species should strongly consider FAU’s Environmental Science Program.
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists in the U.S. is projected to grow 11% from 2016 through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, is expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists. In the U.S., the median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $67,460 in 2015. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has a wealth of information about the occupational outlook for Environmental Scientists.
In recognition of the breadth of the Environmental Science field, the ES Program is based on a broad curriculum that gives students the flexibility to select courses, in consultation with their advisor, that are optimum for their particular subdiscipline. This flexible approach allows students to master the specialized skills needed for competitive jobs and advanced graduate degree programs.
The Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science can be earned with either a thesis or non-thesis option. Most jobs in the environmental sciences are related to permitting, regulation, monitoring, policy formulation or other duties that do not require experience in scientific research. Students who do not plan to pursue a career in reseach may be best-served by choosing the non-thesis option.