| George Mason University > University Catalog > College of Arts and Sciences | |
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Environmental Science and Policy
Core FacultyProfessors: Diecchio, Dietz (CAS Distinguished Professor), Hazen (Robinson Professor), R.C. Jones (chair) Visiting professor: Talbot Associate professors: Jonas, Kalof, Kelso, Litchfield, Rockwood Visiting associate professor: Stewart Assistant professors: Ahn, Balint, Gillevet, Harlan, McBride, Parker, Rivera Visiting assistant professors: Kysar-Mattierti, Verardo Affiliated FacultyProfessors: Ernst, Foster, Haack, Houck, Mose, Mushrush, Oates, Skog, Willett, B. Wright Associate professors: Beach, Birchard, Bradley, deMonsabert, Gifford, Guagnano, Gunn, Honeychuck, Kozlowski, Mahler, Meyer, R. Paden, Palkovich, Regan, E. Rodgers, Royt, Torzilli, Wan, Wong Assistant professors: Fryxell, T. Wood Course WorkThis program offers all course work designated EVPP, EVSC, and GEOL in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Undergraduate ProgramsGeology, B.A.In addition to the universitywide general education requirements and the requirements for a B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, candidates for a degree in geology must complete the following. (Through the course work below, geology majors satisfy the universitywide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.)
* Students must achieve a grade of 2.000 or better in GEOL 302 before taking GEOL 304 or 308. ** A 6-credit field camp may be substituted for GEOL 404. Teacher LicensureStudents who wish to become teachers should consult the Professional Licensure section in the Graduate School of Education chapter and attend an information session during their sophomore year. Information sessions for teacher licensure are offered every month. Call (703) 993-2892/4648, email gseinfo@gmu.edu, or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu for more information. Earth Science, B.S.This degree is intended for students interested in studying the earth and environment. Recognizing that these are integrated disciplines, students receive a broad background in the earth and environmental sciences, and will select a specialty concentration. In addition to the university-wide general education requirements, candidates for a degree in Earth Science must complete the following course work. Through the course work below, earth science majors satisfy the university and college requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.
* Requires C or better in GEOL 302 ** Satisfies General Education Information Technology requirement *** A six-credit field camp may be substituted for GEOL 404 Writing-Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course designated as writing intensive in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in geology or earth systems science fulfill this requirement by successfully completing GEOL 317. Students who do not take GEOL 317 must arrange with their advisors for a suitable alternative writing-intensive course. Minor in GeologyTo receive a minor in geology, students must successfully complete 20 credits: (GEOL 101, 102, and 302) and two of the following courses: GEOL 304*, 308*, 312, 317, or 401. * Students must achieve a grade of 2.000 or better in GEOL 302 before taking GEOL 304 or 308. Minor in Earth ScienceTo receive a minor in earth science, students must successfully complete 18 credits: (GEOL 101, GEOL 309, GEOG 309) and 8 credits of geology electives. Students may not receive both minors. Certificate in Environmental ManagementEnvironmental Science and Policy offers an undergraduate certificate in environmental management for students interested in environmental issues. The program consists of a minimum of 27 credits, most of which, with appropriate planning, may be counted toward the fulfillment of B.S. or B.A. requirements in biology, geography and earth systems science, urban systems engineering, and other natural and social sciences. The curriculum provides a substantive appreciation of the biological, physical, and social aspects of environmental problems and methods for their analysis and resolution. The program should particularly interest students wishing to pursue graduate work or seeking employment in the environmental field. Inquiries should be made to the director of the environmental management certificate program. Students receiving the certificate must hold a baccalaureate degree or be receiving a baccalaureate degree from the university at the time they receive the certificate. As an entry-level requirement, students must complete a two-semester laboratory science sequence in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or geology. Only courses with a grade of C or better are counted toward the certificate program. Students select at least 27 credits of course work chosen in consultation with the certificate director. The courses are divided into five categories. Courses listed in more than one category can satisfy the requirements of only one. Any substitution in the following list requires permission from the certificate director.
*Biology majors are required to complete two courses in physical perspective; geology and geography majors are required to complete two courses in biological perspective. Graduate ProgramsEnvironmental Science and Policy, M.S.The M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy is designed to meet the increasing need for trained environmental professionals who can address the problems of land and water management, land use and urbanization, wetland loss, and ecosystem preservation. These professionals will also contribute to the analysis and resolution of global problems such as deforestation, insufficient world food supplies, acid deposition, population growth and public health, global warming, and depletion of the ozone layer. Areas of specific departmental focus include ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability science, policy, and management. Environmental problems are defined in the real world and do not necessarily conform to traditional academic disciplines. As such, their solutions require creative combinations of diverse interest and subjects. Effective training requires rigorous, problem-focused interdisciplinary action in a setting in which research is an essential element supporting instruction. Two concentrations are available in the master's program: Environmental Science and Policy and Environmental Management. The Environmental Science and Policy Concentration is designed for students who wish to obtain a research-oriented master's degree. The concentration can serve as a training ground for students wishing to further their education by pursuing the Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy at George Mason or doctoral programs at other universities. The Environmental Management Concentration combines the managerial and administrative skills developed in a traditional master of public administration degree program with the scientific knowledge and understanding normally found in a master of science degree. This concentration serves as a terminal professional master's degree for individuals currently working in or aspiring to work as managers in the environmental field in both government and private industry. Admission RequirementsApplicants must complete a standard George Mason University Graduate Application Form available from the Graduate Admissions Office or online at admissions.gmu.edu. Applicants for the M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy should hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.000 in natural or earth sciences, engineering, resource planning, or a related field from an accredited institution. Applicants should have taken at least two semesters of chemistry and three semesters of biology including a course in ecology. Applicants should submit three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a former professor (or if not available, from someone with a Ph.D.). The aptitude portion of the GRE is required, and successful applicants will normally achieve a minimum score of 1,100 for verbal and quantitative combined. Applicants must also submit a substantial statement of interest in the program, which includes the concentration to which they are applying (Environmental Science and Policy or Environmental Management), potential areas of emphasis, research skills option preferred (for Environmental Science and Policy Concentration), and an explanation of career goals. Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors appropriate to their interests. The availability of an advisor in the student's area of interest is one of the criteria for admission. Students will choose their research skills option at the time of application but may change this option later with their advisor's permission. Degree RequirementsEnvironmental Science and Policy ConcentrationThis degree encourages an independent and creative approach to the development of curricula. Students are assigned an advisor upon admission. They must form a supervisory committee and submit a program of study to the graduate coordinator for approval within the first 9 credits of course work or by the end of the second semester, whichever comes first. The supervisory committee will consist of the advisor and at least two other members, conforming to university policy on master's thesis committees. Course requirements may be fulfilled by completing courses from a variety of academic units at the university. The program requires a minimum of 33 graduate credits distributed in four categories to provide the depth and the breadth in knowledge related to environmental problems. Course selection should reflect a coherent Individual Program Focus, which is stated and briefly described in the Program of Study. Natural sciences: A minimum of 6 hours is required in biology, geology, geography, chemistry, or environmental engineering. For those students without previous course work in ecology, EVPP 607 is required in addition to the 6 hours. Public policy: A minimum of 6 hours is required in environmental law, human ecology, environmental ethics, planning, or public affairs. Methods and statistics: A minimum of 6 hours is required in statistics, remote sensing, information systems, instrumental analysis, or modeling. A course in statistics is highly recommended. Seminar: A minimum of 1 hour of EVPP 692 Master's Seminar in Environmental Science and Public Policy is required. Research: This requirement may be satisfied in one of two ways: EVPP 798 Research Project (13 hours) or EVPP 799 Thesis (36 hours). Students may conduct a project (EVPP 798) or produce a formal thesis (EVPP 799). The depth and sophistication of the research differs between the two options. The thesis normally involves original research with independent acquisition and interpretation of data with a goal of peer-reviewed publication. Projects are generally less extensive and can include a broader range of activities. Students fulfilling the research requirement with EVPP 798 will be required to take a comprehensive exam administered by their committee. Students choosing to do a thesis and completing EVPP 799 will present their results in a public seminar and defend their thesis before their committee. Students will be graded pass/no credit on their research skills component. Environmental Management ConcentrationStudents must complete 37 credit hours for the Environmental Management Concentration. A full-time student can complete this degree in three semesters; a part-time student, six semesters. Course work must include the following. Administration and policy: A minimum of 12 hours is required, including the following: EVPP 670 Environmental Law or PRLS 501 Introduction to Natural Resources Law PUAD 502 Administration in Public and Nonprofit Organizations or PUAD 620 Organization Theory and Management Behavior PUAD 640 Public Policy Process (with sections tailored to environmental science and policy) PUAD 749 Issues in Public Policy: Environmental Policy and Management Environmental science: A minimum of 12 hours is required, including the following: EVPP 546 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology, EVPP 550 Waterscape Ecology and Management, or EVPP 644 Wetland Ecology and Management EVPP 607 Fundamentals of Ecology (if student has not already taken a course in general ecology) EVPP 641 Environmental Science and Public Policy EVPP 677 Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management Methods and statistics: A minimum of 6 hours is required, including the following: PUAD 611 Problem Solving and Data Analysis I (research design) PUAD 612 Problem Solving and Data Analysis II (statistics) Research/seminar: This requirement is fulfilled with EVPP 741Advanced Topics in Environmental Law and Public Policy: Problems in Environmental Management (4 hours). Electives: Students may choose 3 hours (or more to complete 37) from the following list of approved electives. Other courses may be used subject to approval of the program committee. EVPP 546 Estuarine and Coastal Ecology (if not already taken) EVPP 550 Waterscape Ecology and Management (if not already taken) EVPP 622 Management of Wild Living Resources EVPP 626 Environment and Development in South and East Asia EVPP 627 Environmental Policy in Latin America EVPP 628 Environment and Development in Africa EVPP 630 Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry EVPP 644 Wetland Ecology and Management (if not already taken) EVPP 650 Environmental Analysis and Modeling EVPP 675 Environmental Planning and Administration EVPP 741 Advanced Topics: Environment and Society EVPP 741 Advanced Topics: Ecological Economics EVPP 741 Advanced Topics: Development of U.S. Environmental Policies EVPP 741 Advanced Topics: Overview of Biodiversity Conservation GEOG 550 Introduction to Geographic Information Science PUAD 509 Justice Organizations and Processes PUAD 615 Administrative Law PUAD 622 Program Planning and Implementation PUAD 657 Association Management PUAD 729 Issues in Public Management: Lobbying and Advocacy PUAD 741 Policy Analysis PUAD 742 Program Evaluation MBA 623 Marketing Management MBA 712 Project and Cost Management MBA 724 Marketing Communications MBA 725 Leadership Earth Systems Science, M.S.The interdisciplinary master's program in Earth Systems Science (ESS) is offered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences (Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Department of Geography), and the School of Computational Sciences (SCS). The program addresses the growing national and regional demand for trained professionals in Earth systems science and applications. The degree emphasizes a research-oriented global systems approach to the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere, including their interrelationships and their interactions with the biosphere. Emphasis is on the observation and quantitative analysis of Earth systems. Students completing the program are qualified to pursue careers that require knowledge of the basics of Earth systems science and the requisite tools. Students are encouraged to undertake either an optional master's thesis for more in-depth studies or a research project. In the latter case, students will have to pass a qualifying exam. Degree RequirementsCandidates must successfully complete 30 credit hours as follows:
Graduate Certificate in Environmental ManagementThe graduate certificate allows students to expand their knowledge of the environment and environmental management beyond their undergraduate training. The certificate offers a professional credential to students who might not have the time or background to enroll in a graduate degree program requiring a thesis or dissertation. Students desiring admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. programs in Environmental Science Policy (ESP) who do not currently meet admission requirements can demonstrate their ability to do degree work through successful completion of the certificate with excellent academic achievement. The curriculum provides a substantive appreciation of the biological, physical, and social aspects of environmental problems and methods for their analysis and resolution. AdmissionAdmission requirements are identical to those for admission to the graduate programs in Environmental Science and Policy, except that the GRE and undergraduate GPA targets are more flexible. Prospective students must have the following minimum requirements:
*Exceptions to 2 and 3 are considered on a case-by-case basis. RequirementsThe certificate is awarded after satisfactory completion of six graduate courses (a minimum of 18 semester hours) as specified below:
Environmental Science and Public Policy, Ph.D.The Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy is an interdisciplinary program in the College of Arts and Sciences, which draws on faculty and expertise from the Environmental Science and Policy core faculty as well as from the departments of Biology, Public and International Affairs, Chemistry, Economics, Geography and Earth Science, and Sociology and Anthropology, and the schools of Computational Sciences and Public Policy. This program provides students training to contribute to the solution of complex environmental problems, which requires students to develop knowledge and skills in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data as well as in the integration of scientific understanding into the public policy process. Admission RequirementsApplicants should have a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.000. Applicants should have taken at least two semesters of chemistry and three semesters of biology, including a course in ecology. Application deadline for admission in the fall semester is February 15. Admission to spring semester is not available. In addition to the materials required of all applicants for graduate study at George Mason, applicants should submit the following:
In addition, it is recommended that each applicant schedule an interview with the graduate coordinator or an environmental faculty member in the chosen focus. Admission decisions are based on the student's qualifications and the availability of a faculty advisor. Degree RequirementsThe Environmental Science and Public Policy doctoral program requires a minimum of 78 graduate credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Students with a master's degree in an appropriate field may obtain a reduction of credit for appropriate course work of up to 30 graduate credits. To ensure that all students obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to function as an environmental professional, the program requires all students to fulfill the following category requirements: Category 1. Natural sciences: A minimum of 12 credits is required in areas of natural science such as biology, chemistry, geology, geography, or environmental engineering. Category 2. Public policy: A minimum of 12 credits is required in areas related to public policy such as public affairs, economics, sociology, and business. A course in environmental law is required as part of this category requirement. Category 3. Methods and technology: A minimum of 6 credits is required in research skills such as statistics, remote sensing, geographic information systems, analytical chemistry, modeling, or information technology. Category 4. Doctoral seminar: EVPP 991 must be taken once, and students must present a total of 4 graduate seminar credits. Beyond these basic requirements, students focus their study on environmental science or environmental public policy. Those focusing on environmental science should take a total of 24 credits in natural science; those focusing on environmental public policy should take 24 credits of public policy course work. A specific set of recommended courses is provided for students in the environmental public policy focus. Previous thesis research courses may not be applied to this degree. On admission to the program, each student is assigned an advisor from the environmental faculty. The advisor guides the student through course selection. An advisor may be changed by mutual consent of student and advisor or by petition to the program director and the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Each student is required to complete a course work proposal by the end of the second semester of courses. The proposal must be approved by the advisor and the program director. In keeping with the general philosophy inherent in a Ph.D. degree, students adopt an individual program that focuses on a specific area of research. The students' course work must provide the knowledge base from which original research projects in their specific areas of interest can be successfully completed. By the end of the fourth semester of course work, the student should assemble a dissertation committee of at least four graduate faculty members with representation from at least two academic departments. After reviewing the student's course work proposal, progress to date, and area of research, the committee makes final recommendations concerning course work that will be codified in the program of study to be signed by all committee members and the graduate coordinator. On completion of all (or nearly all) course work, the student may request to take the qualifying or candidacy exam. The qualifying exam has both oral and written parts. The written portion consists of questions submitted by each member of the dissertation committee. Successful completion of the written exam should be followed by the oral portion within one month. The qualifying exam may be repeated once at the discretion of the student's committee. On completion of all course work, passage of the qualifying exam, and submission of the program of study, the student is recommended for advancement to candidacy by the graduate coordinator. Students must advance to candidacy within six years of admission to the program. DissertationStudents must complete a dissertation (12 to 24 credits) by registering for credit in a combination of EVPP 998 and EVPP 999. No more than half the credits specified for dissertation credit on the student's program of study may be taken as EVPP 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal. The dissertation is an original written work, demonstrating mastery of subject matter, methodologies, and conceptual foundations on a specific problem in the general field of environmental science and public policy. The dissertation will generally involve collection and analysis of original data or the substantially new analysis and reinterpretation of existing data. Before the student may enroll in dissertation research, he or she must have advanced to candidacy and have a dissertation proposal approved by the dissertation committee, the program director, and the dean of the college. The student must present the completed dissertation in a public seminar and defend the work before the dissertation committee. Awarding of the degree is contingent on approval of the dissertation by the dissertation committee, the graduate coor dinator, and the dean. The dissertation and defense must be completed within five years of advancement to candidacy. |