About the Program
The master of science in Great Lakes ecosystem science program combines coursework in environmental science with communication and project management classes and an internship experience. The M.S. program is designed to meet the needs of industry, consulting firms, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and governmental agencies, preparing graduates for leadership roles as they address a wide range of problems and issues related to the management of resources within the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds.
About the Great Lakes Center
Alexander Y. Karatayev, Great Lakes Center Director
Chris Pennuto, Program Coordinator
Science and Mathematics Complex 319
Phone: (716) 878-4329
greatlakescenter.buffalostate.edu/
Admission Requirements
1. A bachelor's degree in a science (e.g., chemistry, biology, geography, geology, earth science, environmental science) or math discipline from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).
2. An official transcript of the applicant's undergraduate program, giving evidence of satisfactory completion of college science and mathematics courses. It is strongly recommended that all applicants have introductory college coursework in chemistry, biology, geography, geology, and mathematics/statistics. The absence of any of this coursework may be regarded as a deficiency and students may be required to complete this recommended coursework before graduation.
3. Two letters of recommendation and completed survey evaluating the applicant's academic qualifications. It is highly desirable to have at least one letter of recommendation from a professor with whom the applicant has done coursework or projects.
4. A written statement of the applicant's academic background, academic and career plans, and area(s) of research interest.
5. In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in the Graduate Catalog.
Learning Outcomes
Students will:
1. demonstrate analytical skills required to interpret and evaluate research literature
2. demonstrate proficiency in professional writing
3. demonstrate comprehension of the broad aspects of project management and communication strategies.
4. demonstrate ability to effectively organize oral presentation for either informal or formal settings
Program Requirements
Required Core Courses (11 credit hours)
GLC 535 GREAT LAKES ECOSYSTEMS 3
BIO 670 BIOLOGICAL DATA ANALYSIS (or equivalent quantitative data analysis course) 3
Select one from the following: 3
GEG 525 FUNDAMENTALS OF GIS
GEG 528 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN GIS
GEG 529 ADVANCED TOPICS IN GIS
Required Business Communication and Project Management Courses (6 credit hours)
Project Management (3 credit hours)
PSM 601 PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR MATH AND SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS 3
or MET 620 MANAGING ENGINEERING PROJECTS
Communication (3 credit hours)
Select one from the following: 3
PSM 602 COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR MATH AND SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS
COM 519 COMMUNICATION FOR LEADERS AND MANAGERS
COM 610 PUBLIC RELATIONS PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES
Required Internship (3 credit hours)
GLC 688 INTERNSHIP 3
Elective Courses (12 credit hours)
Appropriate biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and geography and planning courses selected by advisement. 12
Total Credit Hours 30