The Professional Science Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability enables students from diverse academic backgrounds, such as environmental studies, business, engineering, natural resources, and agriculture, to understand the latest ecosystem science and develop the skills needed for emerging professions in areas such as greenhouse gas/carbon management, water sustainability and watershed management, and climate adaptation.

After completing the program, students are able to:

  • Describe ecosystem processes and sustainable management strategies to maintain those processes.
  • Discuss current issues in environmental policy related to ecosystem sustainability.
  • Evaluate the linkages between socioeconomic and ecological processes that influence ecosystem sustainability.
  • Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to assess ecosystem sustainability using systems approaches and integrative methods.
  • Build, work within, and lead interdisciplinary teams in a professional environment.

The Professional Science Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability focuses a core set of classes on understanding ecosystem sustainability and climate change and offers multiple tracks for students to focus electives in courses related to carbon management, watershed management, and sustainable food systems. The program is typically completed in three semesters, plus a 400-hour internship. A minimum of 36 credits is required to complete this program.

Effective Fall 2021 

ESS 501Principles of Ecosystem Sustainability3
ESS 524Foundations for Carbon/Greenhouse Gas Mgmt3
ESS 542Greenhouse Gas Policies2
ESS 543/ATS 543Global Climate Change2
ESS 587Internship4-6
STAR 511Design and Data Analysis for Researchers I4
Technical Tools Electives 19
Other Electives 29
Program Total Credits:36

A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this program.