Program Description

The Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Studies provides students with the interdisciplinary training necessary to advance careers in Environmental Science, policy and governance.

Students develop their disciplinary expertise and independence towards a doctoral program or professional career-advancement.

The MS degree requires all students to complete training in research methods and data science, complete a policy course and five electives that can be chosen from Environmental Studies or other related programs in Biology, Economics, Geology, Public Policy & Administration, Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration, or Sociology.

All students complete a research project or thesis as their culminating degree-experience. The culminating experience is supervised by a member of faculty and may be conducted on campus or at an off-campus location. Projects and thesis may involve collaborators at another organization, government department or industry partner. Student research must make a new contribution to the discipline, and demonstrate mastery of its topic.

An MS in Environmental Studies lends itself to professional advancement or entry into doctoral programs.

Explore our Degree Programs

Adjusting rooftop air quality monitoring equipment, downtown Sacramento.

Faculty Advisors and Research Interests

Our faculty bring careers of experience in industry, government and non-profits into the graduate program, including expertise in ecology, policy & governance, research methods & data science, human behavior, ethics, and air, water and soil conservation.

Learn more about our individual faculty advisors and their research interests here.

Evaluating campus stormwater and trash inventory.

Why Sac State?

Our location in California’s capital affords significant advantages to students seeking environmental careers. Opportunities await in state and federal agencies as well as the private sector.

Students routinely secure internships in local government, business, industry and non-profits, helping their transition to employment.

Planting on a wetland restoration project, American River.

About the Environmental Studies Department

Established soon after the first Earth Day, 1972, the Department of Environmental Studies provides interdisciplinary training in the natural and social sciences necessary to address such serious issues as pollution, sustainable land use, resource & waste management, energy demand, wildlife and habitat conservation, and global climate change.

Learning new technology to measure toxic heavy metals in roadside air.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the Master of Science in Environmental Studies applicants are:

• A baccalaureate degree.
• Completion of 9 units of Environmental Sciences or Studies courses, or courses in closely related fields. Each course must be passed with a "B-" or better.
• A minimum GPA of 2.75 in all courses, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper division Environmental Sciences or Studies courses, or courses in closely related fields.
• Two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential for successful graduate study.
• A statement of purpose that includes potential area(s) of study the student will pursue.

Application Process

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a completed application through Cal State Apply by the posted application deadline date of the term for which they are applying.

A complete application for admission into the Graduate Program in Environmental Studies includes all of the following:
• An online application for admission.
• Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A statement of purpose that includes discussion on interest in area of study.