This track trains students in field, laboratory and computing techniques to investigate multiple components of the environmental sciences, including soil and sediment contaminant assessment, coastal and marine aquatic environments, coastal morphology, remote sensing, climate science and reconstruction, as well as geographic information science (GIS). The thesis track applies discipline content to real-world issues within our region and across the globe. Many of our thesis students publish their work in a peer-reviewed journal.

Research conducted by graduate students reflects the core specializations of the Department. Within each of these broad areas, there are numerous opportunities for students to pursue their interests in collaboration with faculty. To learn about specific research areas, prospective graduate students should review the research interests of the faculty, and the descriptions of current graduate research opportunities.

Students should formalize, no later than the end of the second semester, their Thesis Advisor and Thesis Committee members. Completion of the thesis track is contingent upon identification of a suitable Thesis Advisor. Applicants who intend to pursue this track are strongly encouraged to contact faculty in their field of specialization during the application process to secure a Thesis Advisor. Once a faculty member has agreed to act as a Thesis Advisor, the student will submit a detailed Research and/or Course Plan (the Program of Study) to a Thesis Committee consisting of at least three faculty including the Thesis Advisor; at least two Committee members must be Earth and Environmental Sciences faculty. The Thesis Committee guides students through their course of study and their research. The Committee will advise the student on the acceptability of the Program of Study and will decide on any further steps to be taken in shaping the thesis research project. Students are expected to maintain an active discourse with, and seek advice from, their Committee. Committee meetings should be scheduled by the student or Thesis Advisor as specific problems or accumulated research demands.

This option explores environmental science content from a variety of perspectives to understand how human populations and activities affect, and are affected by soil, sediment, water and air. Through coursework, field trips and lab activities, our students investigate human environment interactions, current environmental research areas and modern tools and techniques of the environmental professional. The non-thesis track may include an internship.