Master of Arts in Environmental Science
Wayne State's online master's in environmental science prepares leaders with the knowledge needed to influence policies and practices addressing complex environmental challenges from pathogen transmission to climate change.
Our online M.A. program mirrors traditional classroom-based programs and focuses on a broad range of environmental issues through an interdisciplinary approach providing a strong foundation with biological and geological perspectives. Graduates will also master the use of geographic information systems used in a variety of applications.
Students in the master of arts in environmental science program can take advantage of fully online coursework that provides added flexibility and self-paced learning to fit around busy lifestyles and work schedules and enables students to study anywhere, any time to advance careers and academic credentials. By taking just two courses per semester, year-round, students can complete the masters in less than two years, or spread the classes out and complete them at a pace complementary to their lives. Students in the online master's program enjoy the benefit of basic in-state tuition, regardless of the state in which they reside.
What can I do with a master's degree in environmental science?
The online M.A. degree prepares students to enter management positions in environmental science, or advance their careers in environmentally related fields and can also allow students the opportunity to later pursue a Ph.D. in related fields. Online courses enable students to continue their studies while working and contribute to the growth of their workplace.
Environmental science program requirements and curriculum
This unique interdisciplinary master's program consists of 30 credits and includes a collection of environmental science courses covering coastal and environmental geology, environmental DNA, conservation, environmental biology, environmental isotope geochemistry, biogeochemistry, remote sensing, BIG DATA analytics, climate science, ecotoxicology and water quality, with the goal of giving its graduates a competitive edge in the workforce.
The proposed courses are relevant and useful for those who work in federal, state and local regulatory agencies, environmental consulting companies and other sectors of the economy including energy (mining, pollution), public policy, finance (actuary science related to flooding/drought caused by human-induced climate change) and others.
Funding
Many of our graduate students are fully or partially self-funded. Some of our M.S. graduate students are supported by graduate research assistantships (GRA), which are funded by faculty research grants. GRA positions are given by individual faculty members and are typically decided on after all of the applications have been received. There is no separate application for GRA positions, however, we recommend contacting the specific faculty members with whom you wish to work to find out if they have any funded positions in their research group.
The environmental science and geology department currently has one graduate teaching assistantship (GTA). There is no separate application for the GTA, but if you have an interest in teaching and would like to be considered, please detail your interest and qualifications in your application for admission.
There are a few scholarships available from the Graduate School that can also help cover tuition costs.
Career insights
A degree in environmental science can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are just a few of the many opportunities available in this field.
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Brownfield redevelopment specialists and site managers | $81,000 |
| Biofuels production manager | $113,000 |
| Chief sustainability officer | $187,000 |
| Climate change policy analyst | $74,000 |
| Environmental compliance inspector | $74,000 |
| Environmental engineer | $92,000 |
| Environmental engineering technologists and technicians | $38,000 |
| Environmental economist | $10,000 |
| Environmental restoration planner | $74,000 |
| Fish and game wardens | $58,000 |
| Forest and conservation technicians | $54,000 |
| Forest and conservation workers | $37,000 |
| Forester | $70,000 |
| Hydroelectric production manager | $113,000 |
| Industrial production manager | $113,000 |
| Natural sciences manager | $137,000 |
| Park naturalist | $63,000 |
| Range manager | $63,000 |
| Recycling and reclamation workers | $38,000 |
| Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents | $71,000 |
| Solar energy installation manager | $72,000 |
| Sustainability specialists | $76,000 |
| Wind energy development manager | $81,000 |
| Wind energy operations manager | $81,000 |
This data provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.
Contact
For additional information on the program and/or courses, please contact environscima@wayne.edu.