Ecology and Sustainability M.S.

Matthew Cover, Ph.D., Program Director

View information for the Department of Biological Sciences .

Students in the M.S. in Ecology and Sustainability Program at Stanislaus State gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them for successful careers in fields that contribute solutions to environmental and sustainability issues. Our society, and California in particular, has an urgent need for professionals with deep ecological insight who can manage systems to ensure the long-term sustainability of human and ecosystem health. The M.S. in Ecology and Sustainability is a thesis-based, 2 year degree program with two possible concentrations: (1) Ecological Conservation, and (2) Ecological Economics. Students study and conduct field and laboratory research in a variety of systems, including nearby habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, rivers, oak forests, and marine ecosystems, as well as in agricultural lands, urban areas, restored ecosystems, and social/economic systems.

Programs in Ecology and Sustainability

There are two degree programs within the M.S. in Ecology and Sustainability:

1. Master of Science (M.S.) in Ecology and Sustainability with a concentration in Ecological Conservation. This degree program focuses on the importance of ecology and conservation with respect to ecosystem health and is appropriate for students who wish to pursue careers working with governmental agencies and private entities to bring about, restore, and maintain the biodiversity and ecosystem/environmental health that are backbones of sustainability.
2. Master of Science (M.S.) in Ecology and Sustainability with a concentration in Ecological Economics. This degree program combines the fields of Ecology and Sustainability with Economics to explore how business practices can be both environmentally and financially sound. It is intended for students who wish to work with economists in various industries to bring about changes that are environmentally sustainable and at the same time financially profitable in business, corporate, and governmental settings.

For either concentration, students must complete 17 core units plus 19-20 units in the concentration of choice, for a total of 36-37 units. If students choose to complete both concentrations, the 19-20 units designated for each concentration must be completed.

Prerequisites for Admission

1. A Bachelor of Science degree in one of the Biological Sciences, comparable to the biology program at Stanislaus State, from an accredited college or university
2. GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 units (based on a 4 point scale)
3. Transcripts of all undergraduate coursework
4. GRE General Exam results (no minimum score requirement)
5. Three letters of recommendation from university faculty members and/or employers if appropriate
6. Résumé with cover letter (indicating career aspirations and research interests)
7. Approval for admission by the Department of Biological Sciences and the Stanislaus State Graduate School.

A student whose undergraduate program is not similar to the B.S. in Biology at Stanislaus State may be admitted to Stanislaus State in provisional status and required to complete courses, with a minimum grade of C-, missing in his/her background as deemed necessary by the graduate director. These courses must be completed prior to further evaluation for admittance into the M.S. in Ecology and Sustainability.

General Requirements for the Master’s Degree

1. Complete 36 graduate units for the concentration in Ecological Conservation or 37 graduate units for the concentration in Ecological Economics
2. Maintain an overall GPA of at least 3.0
3. Complete and orally defend a thesis