The master of arts in Great Lakes Environmental Science program offers a strong foundation in environmental science and allows students to approach problems from a purely scientific perspective. Graduates are trained to effectively deal with a broad range of problems and issues related to ecosystem structure and function within the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds, which prepares them for advanced research, professional employment, or study at the Ph.D. level.
About the Great Lakes Center
Alexander Y. Karatayev, Great Lakes Center Director
Chris Pennuto, Program Coordinator
Science and Mathematics Complex 319
Phone: (716) 878-4329
1. A bachelor's degree in a science (e.g., chemistry, biology, geography, geology, earth science, environmental science) or math discipline from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
2. An official transcript of the applicant's undergraduate program giving evidence of satisfactory completion of college science and mathematics courses. It is strongly recommended that all applicants have introductory college coursework in chemistry, biology, geography, geology, and mathematics/statistics. The absence of any of this coursework may be regarded as a deficiency and students may be required to complete this recommended coursework before graduation.
3. Two letters of recommendation evaluating the applicant's academic qualifications. It is highly desirable to have at least one letter of recommendation from a professor with whom the applicant has done coursework or projects.
4. A written statement of the applicant's academic background, academic and career plans, and area(s) of research interest. Applicants interested in completing a thesis must identify one or more potential faculty advisors with whom they are interested in working on their thesis research. This information should be included in the applicant’s written statement. A list of GLES faculty participants can be found at https://greatlakescenter.buffalostate.edu/faculty. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors prior to submitting their applications.
5. In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in the Graduate Catalog.
Students will:
1. demonstrate analytical skills required to interpret and evaluate research literature
2. demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing
3. demonstrate proficiency for effective oral communication of scientific information
4. plan and conduct research using accepted standards for ethical science
Required Core Courses (12 credit hours)
GLC 535 GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEMS 3
BIO 670 BIOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS (or equivalent quantitative data analysis course) 3
Select one from the following: 3
GEG 525 FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS
GEG 528 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN GIS
GEG 529 ADVANCED TOPICS IN GIS
Elective Courses (15 credit hours)
Appropriate biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and geography and planning courses selected by advisement. 15
Master's Thesis (6 credit hours)
GLC 695 MASTER'S THESIS 6
Total Credit Hours 30
All courses are 3 credit hours unless otherwise indicated
