As one of the oldest and largest in the nation, our MSES program provides the gold standard for students wanting to pursue a career at the intersection of environmental science, policy, and law. With a Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) degree from the O’Neill School (ranked #1 for Environmental Policy and Management among all colleges and universities by U.S. News), you’ll become an environmental leader—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.
Lead the future of environmental science with our best-in-class MSES degree
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.
Consider a dual degree
Get more education in less time with a dual MSES-MPA degree—earning two master’s degrees in less time than it would take to earn each degree separately. By combining your MSES with an MPA degree, you further expand your career potential.
The MSES Program
2years to complete
48credit hours
75% of O’Neill master’s students receive funding packages of at least 25%
Competitive funding packages are available to assist in making our top-ranked school affordable.
Core Curriculum
Master the fundamentals with courses in Applied Math for Environmental Science, Statistics for Environmental Science, Statistics for Environmental Science, Applied Ecology, Environmental Engineering, and Environmental Chemistry. You’ll also choose from courses in environmental policy, management, law, and economics.
Concentrations
You’ll choose at least one specialized area of concentration, focusing on your area—or areas—of interest.
Experiential Requirement
You’ll complete an internship, reserch project, or other professional volunteer experience.
Capstone Project
You’ll complete a semester-long group project working on a complex problem, often for a real-world client.
Important dates
Fall term
Classes begin in August
- Priority deadline: January 15
- International student deadline: March 1
- Final deadline: May 1*
*Deadline has been extended to July 1
Spring term
Classes begin in January
- International student deadline: October 1
- Final deadline: November 15