The Master of Science in Environmental Studies program is designed to prepare students for careers as environmental professionals or to pursue further academic training in Ph.D. and other advanced degree programs. Global and local perspectives are integrated in the coursework and the faculty and students embrace a diversity of perspectives. Faculty members work closely with graduate students within the above areas of specialization to execute a program of study.

Plan A (Thesis)

The thesis will include original research on a topic approved by the thesis committee, and must meet university requirements as stipulated in this catalog and in the SJSU Master's Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation Guidelines. It will undergo a thorough review and revision process under the guidance of the candidate's thesis committee chair with the assistance of the thesis committee. In addition, the candidate for the MS degree must successfully pass a final oral defense of the thesis.

Plan B (Project)

Under rare circumstances, a very strong project of appropriate scope and depth for master's level work might be approved in lieu of the thesis. This option requires the written consent of at least three graduate advisors, the graduate coordinator, and the department chair. In addition to the required coursework, Plan B students will take comprehensive examinations on three topics to be arranged by the student's project committee.