Learn lessons from the real world—and put your knowledge to work
With the Master of Science in Environmental Science program, you’ll go beyond classroom and laboratory learning. No matter which concentration you choose, you’ll also complete an experiential requirement to gain practical, relevant experience in one of three ways: through an internship, by demonstrating prior professional experience, or by choosing the thesis option which incorporates field research.
MSES internship experience
Internships approved for course credit (maximum of 12 credit hours) require regular class registration and payment of tuition and fees. Non-credit internships require approval and must total at least 120 work hours. You’ll need to work with our Career Hub to determine internship eligibility and learn what our procedures are. If you are an international student, you should also consult IU’s Office of International Services.
Work with O’Neill’s Career Hub
Prior professional experience
You can apply previous professional experience toward your experiential requirement—for a maximum reduction of nine credit hours.
Thesis option
Another way to fulfill the experiential requirement is through the thesis option which you can pursue for between 18-24 credit hours. This option involves research done under the supervision of a principal advisor and thesis committee. You must identify a faculty advisor early in your degree planning for this option—it can also count for your Capstone.