Master of Science in Environmental Science–Master of Science in Chemistry (M.S.E.S.–M.S.)
Department of Chemistry

Students in the MSES-MS Chemistry program take 51 credit hours (of which, at least 21 credits must be from both O’Neill and Chemistry). Note that double counting of courses among components is permitted, so long as overall credit requirements are met.

Chemistry Core (9 credit hours)

In consultation with an advisor, select 3 courses from the following list:

Environmental Science Core Competencies (9 credit hours)

In consultation with an advisor, select three courses from the following list:

Eonomics, Management, and Policy Core Competencies (Typically 6-9 credit hours)

Students are encouraged to acquire competency in these areas of environmental management. The selection of courses will vary according to the student’s professional objectives and an advisor can approve alternative courses that may be relevant.

Tool Skills Courses (3 credit hours)

Students are encouraged to acquire competency in analytical methods by focusing on tool skills appropriate to their professional objectives.

Dual Program Capstone (3 credit hours)

Each candidate for the MSES-MS in Chemistry dual degree program should take a 3-credit hour course during which they participate in a team to carry out an integrative project that addresses a multidisciplinary problem, or the candidate should conduct a graduate-level research project that culminates in a publication or thesis (theses will be formatted according to Chemistry Department requirements). Capstone course credit may be double-counted in either Concentration or Tool Skill requirements.

The capstone requirement may be met in one of the following ways:

Experiential Requirement (0-3 credit hours)

Each candidate for the MSES-MS in Chemistry dual degree program must obtain professionally relevant experience through one of the following options:

1. Approved Internship (0-3 credit hours)
The student will work with the O’Neill Career Hub to arrange for a suitable internship. Internships vary greatly according to the expectations and requirements of the sponsor. Students are expected to give careful attention in the selection of an internship suitable to their professional goals. Typically, students do not use credit hours for the internship, and as a result, have no fees for the experience. However, students who want the additional credit hours can receive up to 3 credit hours for an internship involving the appropriate amount of work; these students will owe fees for the 3 credit hours.
2. Prior Experience (3 credit hours)
Students who have had significant environmental management, technical or administrative work experience in the past may receive 3 credit hours. To receive 3 credit hours, a student must have a minimum of one year’s technical or administrative work experience. Under no circumstances will prior professional experience credit and transfer credit total more than 21 hours. Students receiving prior professional experience credit should carefully plan the balance of their program with their faculty advisors.
3. Three credits of research experience in the laboratory of a graduate faculty member
Graduate research course numbers are, in the Chemistry department, CHEM-C 8X0 and in the MSES, SPEAE625. More involved research projects that culminate in a thesis or publication can be applied toward the capstone course requirement (see above).

Environmental Chemistry, Toxicology, and Risk Assesment Concentration (15-18 credit hours)

This concentration addresses the fate and transport of chemicals in the environment and the hazards and risks to human health and the environment associated with chemical pollution. Courses on the chemical/physical/biological reactions of pollutants in soil, aquatic, and atmospheric systems are included. Additional courses study the hazards associated with chemicals used in modern society, technologies available to manage and remediate contaminated sites, the toxicological effects of chemical exposure, and methods to assess risks associated with chemicals in the environment.

*At least two courses should be selected from the Chemistry Department and at least two courses
should be selected from O’Neill. An advisor can approve alternative courses that may be relevant.