Environmental Science (MS) Requirements
The Master of Science in Environmental Sciences aims to provide knowledge and improve research skills and critical thought, forming professional capable of responding to the needs of environment and society, by applying scientific principles and ethical values. In addition, it will serve as an instrument to advance knowledge on the real needs and conditions of the environment.
The Program leads to a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and offers three specializations: Environmental Biology, Environmental Chemistry, and Water Resources and Unit Operations. It is intended for students that have obtained a Bachelor’s in Science, Engineering or in other science areas, who meet the program’s admission requirements.
The San Germán Campus is authorized to offer this Program.
Competencies Profile of Graduate
The Master of Science Program in Environmental Sciences is designed to develop the competencies that allow the student to:
Knowledge:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the fundamental principles that describe a healthy and balanced environment.
- the cultural, social, and ethical factors that influence or determine environmental problems in Puerto Rico.
statistical methods and analysis of environmental samples for the study of environmental problems.
- the laws that govern environmental preservation in Puerto Rico and the rest of the World.
Skills
- Use the scientific method and technology to make decisions based on scientific and ethical values on matters related to the conservation, development and use of the environment.
- Identify methods of instrumental and statistical analysis appropriate for the environmental study.
- Propose procedures and methods that allow the evaluation, prevention and mitigation of the environmental impact of anthropogenic activities.
Attitudes
- Promote the development and implementation of technologies and scientific advances necessary to solve environmental problems.
- Promote research and scientific ethics as tools to control environmental deterioration and planned economic development.
- Demonstrate commitment to environmental protection in Puerto Rico and the rest of the World.
Admission Requirements
Students that apply to the Master of Science in Environmental Sciences must fulfill the current institutional admission requirements of master’s degree programs and the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor in Natural Sciences, in Engineering or in other disciplines related to the sciences from an accredited college or university.
- Have approved Analytical Chemistry with a minimum grade of “C”.
- Students interested in the Environmental Biology specialization must have approved a course in Ecology with a minimum grade of C.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with a grade point index of 2.50 in the last 60 credits in academic work and 2.50 average in the major.
- Present two letters of recommendation.
- Submit an essay with a minimum of 500 words where they establish what motivated them to study Environmental Sciences and the selected specialization, their expectations of the program, interests in research and what their professional plans are, once they finish the degree.
Graduation Requirements
As graduation requirements, the student must:
- Comply with the graduation requirements for the Master's Degree and Professional Certificates according to the current catalog.
- Approve the thesis defense before the Thesis Committee.
- Deliver the requested documents to the pertinent offices.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Environmental Sciences
| Core Course Requirements |
*a minimum of 21 credits |
| Specialization Requirement |
12 credits |
| Prescribed Distributive Requirements |
6 credits |
| Total |
*a minimum of 39 credits |
Core Course Requirements - 21 credits minimum*
*The minimum number of credits applies to students who complete their thesis research and pass the EVSC 699A course.
** Course EVSC 699_ course is only needed in case the student does not complete his thesis research in the EVSC 699A course.
Specialization Requirements - 12 credits
Courses listed under each specialization.
Specialization in Environmental Biology
Specialization in Environmental Chemistry
Specialization in Water Resources and Unit Operations
| EVSC 5180 | Limnology | 3 |
| EVSC 5255 | Analysis and Contamination of Water | 3 |
| EVSC 5310 | Water Treatment: Operation of Physical and Chemical Units | 3 |
| EVSC 5330 | Water Treatment: Biological Operation Units | 3 |
Prescribed Distributive Requirements - 6 credits
Students should take six (6) credits from the following courses in accord with their specialization and the approval of the Advisory Committee.