Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University

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Environmental ScienceMaster of Science

Overview

Increase knowledge of environmental science and policy that shape northern regions and apply it in the lab and in field settings inside and outside of Alaska.

Develop the skills for scientific research and publication while you are still in school through collaboration on real-world projects with your faculty.

Graduate with an original, publishable thesis project, a professional network and the experience for a career in the environmental science field of your choosing.

Degree Fit

mses The Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) is a great option for those seeking careers in the natural sciences as well as working professionals seeking a degree to advance in their workplace and in their career. Work with your faculty advisor to identify your goals and create an individualized program of courses and field experiences to achieve them. The Environmental Science faculty are pursuing a broad range of projects across the sciences. You will work closely with faculty whose research programs and interests align with your own. This program welcomes part-time students.

MSES is a 48-credit graduate program that may be completed in 4-5 semesters across two years of full-time enrollment. Students pursuing the MSES degree must complete coursework including Research Methods, Quantitative Methods, Thesis Proposal and Research.

In addition to these required courses, MSES students select from Science and Policy Menu courses along with two elective courses. Science Menu course options include Tropical Ecology, Principles of Glaciology, Fisheries Ecology, and Coastal Ecosystems. Policy Menu courses include Environmental Ethics, Water Resources Management, Human Impacts in Marine Systems, and Environmental Law.

Students interested in pursuing applied fisheries and marine science research projects may be interested in learning more about the work happening in the Fisheries, Aquatic Science, & Technology (FAST) Laboratory at Alaska Pacific University.

FAST Lab

Career Outcomes

Environmental Science professor lecturing.
  • Research Scientist
  • Doctoral programs
  • Glaciologist
  • Public and private agencies
  • Field Scientist
  • Consulting and advocacy firms

Degree Roadmap

Year 1

In the first year of the MSES program, full-time students typically enroll in Research Methods, Science/Policy Menu courses, and electives. Towards the end of year one, MSES students also form a thesis committee and write their Thesis Proposal in consultation with their Faculty Advisor.

Year 2

Second year MSES students complete outstanding coursework requirements, electives, and complete Graduate Seminar. During this year, students are actively working on their thesis project, including data collection, analysis and writing. Some students complete their thesis by the end of this year.

Thesis Project Outcomes

MSES students graduate from the program with a publishable thesis project. Through their research and coursework, MSES graduates are part of an extensive network of professionals who have gained real-world, applicable knowledge and experience in environmental science.

Student Profiles

Anne Benolkin, Master of Science, Environmental Science, 2015I like the flexibility of the program and how hands-on the projects are. I like that APU is a small community. You know all your classmates and professors and they know you, too. I like that there have been opportunities for me to do the things that I’m interested in, like science diving and taking care of the aquariums. -Anne Benolkin, Master of Science, Environmental Science, 2015
Caitlin Marsteller“My project focuses on giant Pacific octopuses, what they eat, and why…it also provided me the opportunity to work closely with octopuses and to conduct a research trip in Prince William Sound during the summer of 2016. During this trip, I lived on a boat for a week with an awesome research team, explored the intertidal, saw my first sea otter, harbor seal, Steller sea lion, tufted puffin, humpback whale and orca! It was the experience of a lifetime.” –Caitlin Marsteller, Master of Science in Environmental Science, 2018

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Institute & Program Area

Moving boldly, with curiosity and conviction – your future as a scientist starts now. Are you interested in the workings of the natural world? How glaciers are formed? How marine mammals dive to the depths? How fisheries are managed? The impacts of climate change? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Our programs in Marine & Environmental Sciences will help you address the most pressing questions in marine biology, earth science, environmental science and climate science in the 21st century. You’ll engage in cutting edge research with world class faculty, get out into the field to study natural processes in the pristine environment of Alaska as well as other locations around the globe. You’ll work with leaders in our collaborating institutions, agencies, and industry. And you’ll gain the critical thinking, deep knowledge, and real skills that will prepare you a competitive job market or further study and research.

Marine & Environmental Sciences Institutes

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