Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
M.S. in Environmental Science & Management
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Science & Management through its Department of Environmental Science & Engineering. This diverse and dynamic program is designed to equip students with the scientific and management expertise necessary to address complex environmental challenges in both indoor and outdoor environments. It prepares graduates to develop and implement technologies to improve and protect environmental and human health, making Gannon a regional leader in environmental quality, health, and management.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Environmental Science & Management program at Gannon requires a minimum of 30 credits and is highly customizable to meet individual career needs. Students can choose between two primary options: Environmental Health & Safety or Environmental Management. The Environmental Health & Safety option focuses on developing and implementing technologies for environmental and human health protection, with core courses in areas like Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Law and Regulations, and Industrial Health/Safety. The Environmental Management option combines environmental science courses with business courses such as Management and Marketing Concepts, Fundamentals of Financial Management, and Strategic Planning & Decision Making, to prepare students for leadership roles. Both options typically include a Research Paper or Project. Practical, hands-on experiences, including water quality monitoring on Gannon's research vessel, the RV Environaut, are integral to the curriculum.
Research Focus: The Gannon M.S. in Environmental Science & Management program incorporates a strong research focus, emphasizing the identification and evaluation of environmental problems through data collection and analysis. Students are trained to implement scientific research strategies, including the collection, management, evaluation, and interpretation of environmental data. Faculty in the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering are actively engaged in research on various environmental issues, such as urban pollution, stormwater management, plastic pollution, and drinking water treatment, particularly concerning the Great Lakes region (e.g., microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water). This active research environment provides ample opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills for addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Industry Engagement: Gannon University's M.S. in Environmental Science & Management program boasts significant industry engagement. The Department of Environmental Science & Engineering has established relationships with local industries, governmental agencies, and non-profit environmental organizations. These connections translate into numerous local internship opportunities, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Many graduates find employment in environmental compliance roles within industry, consulting firms, or government agencies. The program's design, particularly the Environmental Management option with its business courses, directly addresses the need for professionals who can bridge scientific understanding with effective administrative and leadership capabilities in the environmental sector.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Environmental Science & Management program at Gannon University inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing environmental issues that are global in scale and impact. The curriculum aims to provide students with a knowledge of contemporary environmental issues on both local and global scales. Topics such as climate change, water quality, and pollution are recognized as transnational concerns, and the program prepares students to understand their complexities and contribute to solutions. While there isn't a specific "Global Environmental Management" track, the program's emphasis on sustainability, environmental health, and responsible leadership equips graduates to work on challenges that often require international collaboration and an understanding of diverse environmental policies and practices worldwide.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19605
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Science & Management from Gannon University is a highly versatile degree, preparing graduates to tackle pressing environmental challenges from both scientific and managerial perspectives. With distinct options in Environmental Health & Safety and Environmental Management, and strong practical experience through internships and Gannon's research vessel, the RV Environaut, the program equips individuals for impactful roles across various sectors. The demand for environmental professionals is projected to grow, driven by increasing public interest in environmental hazards and the need for businesses to reduce their environmental impact.
Environmental Consultant: Graduates advise businesses, government agencies, and non-profits on environmental issues. This can involve conducting environmental impact assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, developing sustainability strategies, and providing expertise on pollution reduction, waste management, or resource conservation.
Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Manager/Specialist: Particularly for those focusing on the Environmental Health & Safety option, these professionals develop and implement programs to protect human health and the environment within organizations. They ensure compliance with safety regulations, manage hazardous materials, and promote healthy working conditions.
Environmental Project Manager: These roles involve overseeing environmental projects from conception to completion. This could include site remediation, habitat restoration, infrastructure development with environmental considerations, or implementing sustainability initiatives for a company or government agency.
Sustainability Manager/Officer: In this increasingly vital role, graduates help organizations integrate sustainable practices into their operations. This includes developing and implementing strategies to reduce carbon footprint, manage waste, conserve resources, and achieve broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Environmental Scientist/Specialist (Government): Working for federal, state, or local government agencies (e.g., EPA, Department of Environmental Protection), these professionals conduct research, monitor environmental conditions, enforce regulations, and develop policies related to air quality, water resources, waste management, and conservation.
Water Quality Specialist: Focusing on water resources, these professionals monitor water quality, assess pollution sources, develop treatment strategies for drinking water or wastewater, and work on watershed management and conservation efforts.
Natural Resource Manager: These roles involve managing and conserving natural resources such as forests, wildlife, and land. They work for government agencies (e.g., National Park Service), non-profits, or private land management companies, balancing resource utilization with environmental protection.
Environmental Compliance Officer: Employed by industries, consulting firms, or government bodies, these officers ensure that organizations adhere to environmental laws and regulations. They conduct audits, inspect facilities, and help companies navigate complex environmental permitting processes.
Hazardous Waste Manager: Specializing in the handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials, these professionals ensure compliance with regulations, develop waste minimization strategies, and manage hazardous waste sites safely and responsibly.
Environmental Policy Analyst: These professionals research and analyze environmental policies and regulations to evaluate their effectiveness and propose improvements. They may work for government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or think tanks, influencing environmental legislation and strategy.
