Great Lakes Environmental Science
Students can pursue graduate studies with the Great Lakes Center through two interdisciplinary applied environmental science programs, a thesis-based Master of Arts (MA) and an internship-based professional Master of Science (MS) program. Both programs will provide students with the opportunity to attain a broad understanding of the physical, chemical, biological, and social factors that comprise the Great Lakes ecosystems. Graduates will be prepared to deal effectively with a broad range of problems and issues related to ecosystem structure and function within the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds.
GLES program fact sheet (PDF, 176KB)
GLES graduate student handbook (PDF, 547KB)
Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.A.
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.
Overview Program requirements M.A. roadmap
Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S.
The master of science in Great Lakes Environmental Science program combines coursework in environmental science with communication and project management classes and an internship experience. The M.S. program is designed to meet the needs of industry, consulting firms, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governmental agencies, preparing graduates for leadership roles as they address a wide range of problems and issues related to the management of resources within the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds.
Great Lakes Environmental Science, M.S. 4+1 Pathway
The Great Lakes Environmental Science (GLES) Master of Science (M.S.) 4+1 pathway offers qualified students an expedited and cost-effective opportunity to pursue the degree. The pathway initiates graduate-level coursework at the undergraduate level, providing students with seamless entry to the master’s degree program and an accelerated course of study toward an advanced degree.
Admission requirements
- Admissions requirements for each program will require 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 3.00 (4.0 scale).
- 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.
- Two letters of recommendation evaluating the applicant’s academic qualifications.
- A written statement of the applicant’s academic background, future plans, and area 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. Please consult the list of GLES faculty participants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors prior to submitting their applications.
In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in the Graduate Catalog.
Contact information
Chris Pennuto
GLES Program Coordinator
Science and Mathematics Complex 326
Phone: (716) 878-4105
Fax: (716) 878-6644
Email: pennutcm@buffalostate.edu
Alexander Karatayev
Director, Great Lakes Center
Science and Mathematics Complex 319
Phone: (716) 878-4329
Fax: (716) 878-6644
E-mail: karataay@buffalostate.edu
Applying
Prospective graduate students interested in entering the M.A. or M.S. in Great Lakes Environmental Science programs at Buffalo State University must apply through the Graduate Studies Office.
Graduate Assistant (GA) positions are occasionally available to students enrolled in the Great Lakes Environmental Science programs. Graduate applications must be received by April 1 to be considered for GA funding.