Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES)

Earn an MSES degree and shape the future of environmental science

With a Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) degree from the O’Neill School, you’ll become an environmental professional—mastering the science, along with the analytical and policy skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and lead the way toward solving environmental issues facing our global society. Our MSES program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Completion of this degree also makes you eligible for STEM OPT extension.

Add an MPA to your MSES degree

Get more education in less time with a dual degree—combine your MSES with an MPA and earn two master's degrees in less time than it would take to earn each degree separately and become sought after by environmental agencies also seeking policy expertise.

Learn more about the MPA-MSES

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100% of O'Neill master's students are considered for funding.

Competitive funding packages are available to assist in making our top-ranked school affordable. Email us about funding your degree. 

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100%of reporting 2022-23 MSES and MPA-MSES masters students go into employment, military, or continuing education upon receiving their degree

Application deadlines

Spring term
  • International deadline: October 1
  • Final deadline: November 15
Fall term
  • Priority deadline: January 15
  • Final deadline: May 1 
  • International deadline: March 1 

Prerequisites for the MSES

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Our recent grads have started their careers as:

  • Wetlands Project Manager, Indiana Department of Environmental Management
  • Park Ranger, National Parks Service
  • Environmental Quality Analyst, State of Michigan
  • Ecologist Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division
  • Policy Regulatory Planner, Midcontinent Independent System Operator
  • Environmental Protection Specialist, U.S Environmental Protection Agency
  • Landscape Conservation Design Specialist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Wetlands Specialist, Burns & McDonnell

Let’s talk about your options and career goals!

Patrick Lewis

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Mallory Elver

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Benefit from our interdisciplinary approach

You’ll study at a top-tier research institution with access to an expansive and varied curriculum—earning an integrated, holistic degree from a school with an established, national reputation.

Graduate prepared to lead in the public, nonprofit, or corporate world, pairing big-picture ideas with hands-on experience.

The MSES Program

2years to complete

48credit hours

Learn from the best

Our faculty members are top research scientists, serious scholars, and dedicated educators, advisors, and mentors. They earn accolades—from National Science Foundation awards to Fulbright fellowships to the Nobel Prize. As a student at O’Neill, you’ll benefit from their expertise and work alongside them in a collaborative environment.

Learn more about faculty research

The professors at the O’Neill School are some of the best researchers in their field and as a student you have them at your disposal. They’ll talk to you about their labs and other research opportunities available to you.

—Nicholas Scubelek, Intern with Indiana Geological and Water Survey