Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE)
Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) Program Director: Hwidong Kim, Ph.D., PE
Master of Science in Environmental Science and Management
The program in Environmental Science and Management is diverse and dynamic, focusing on challenges in both the outdoor and built environment. The Department of Environmental Science & Engineering draws upon established relationships with local industries and environmental agencies making Gannon University a regional leader in environmental quality, environmental health, and environmental management. Two options are offered within the M.S. program: 1.) Environmental Health & Safety and 2.) Environmental Management. Graduates of the Environmental Health & Safety option have the ability to develop and implement technologies to improve and protect both environmental and human health. Many graduates are employed in areas of environmental compliance in the industry, consulting firms or the government. Students whose career plans are management and administrative in nature may pursue the Environmental Management option. This option combines environmental science courses with business courses in order to prepare students for environmental leadership roles.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES The department has developed the following learning outcomes and an assessment process, to provide feedback for continuous improvement in the program. Graduates of the Environmental Science and Management program should demonstrate: 1. knowledge of environmental health, science, and engineering fundamentals relevant to the areas of air, water, land, and soil; 2. capability to design an environmental research study, collect and analyze data, and communicate the results; 3. understanding of environmental regulations and the roles of public and private organizations in environmental regulatory compliance; 4. the ability to communicate effectively and function as a member on multi-disciplinary teams; 5. knowledge of contemporary environmental issues on a local and global scale; and 6. c ontributions, such as service, to the profession and/or community.
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EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK The application of environmental science is felt in essentially every walk of life, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, water/wastewater treatment, land reclamation, and recreation. Opportunities for employment include not only government and non-profit agencies but private corporations need professionals to manage their in-house programs.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Students should have a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from an accredited college or university, with courses in math, biology (preferably including ecology and microbiology), chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. If an applicant’s undergraduate science and math preparation are not adequate, appropriate undergraduate courses may be required in addition to the graduate program. If the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0 (4 point scale), the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required as part of the application package.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM A minimum of 30 credits are required for the M.S. degree; number of credits per course is indicated. The student and advisor determine each student’s program to meet the student’s individual career needs. Requirements for the Option in Environmental Health & Safety GENV 500 Environmental Research Methods 3 GENV 536 Environmental Chemistry 3 GENV 537 Environmental Chemistry Lab 1 GENV 542 Environmental Toxicology 3 GENV 544 Environmental Law & Regulations 3 GENV 643 Principles of Environmental Science & Engineering 3 GENV 694 Thesis 6 or GENV 695 Research Paper or Project 3 Additional electives approved by the program director to satisfy the program requirements of 30 credits. Option in Environmental Management The role of the environmental manager has evolved rapidly since the enactment of sweeping environmental legislation of the early 1970s and the need for environmental professionals continues to this day. Proper environmental stewardship can lead to greater competitiveness and profitability and is required under numerous federal regulations. The need for individuals who understand business and management principles, and who also have a thorough understanding of environmental science and technology is in high demand.
