https://www.uwgb.edu/environmental-science-policy/

Program Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P) program provides outstanding professional training for students with interest in the scientific and/or public policy aspects of today’s environmental challenges. The curriculum prepares graduates for positions in scientific, technical, and administrative organizations and agencies. The program’s core focuses on the identification and analysis of environmental issues, and on developing innovative interdisciplinary approaches and solutions to problems. Students pursuing the M.S. should first seek to select one of three Degree Tracks that best matches their current needs and future professional ambitions: Thesis, Internship, or Course-Based.

The ES&P program also offers four Areas of Emphasis within each Degree Track: Ecosystems Studies, Environmental Technology and Analysis, Environmental Policy and Administration, and a Personal Program of Study. While all Areas of Emphasis seek to integrate the sciences with policy and administration, students choose to specialize in one area depending on career interests. Each emphasis has a practical orientation that engages the student in real-world problems and issues, emphasizing still sets necessary for solving critical environmental challenges. Although one emphasis is the Personal Program of Study, our M.S. degree allows for and encourages students to design their own program around a core of required courses, regardless of their Area of Emphasis.

Our Master of Science degree fits the needs of both part-time and full-time students, and may be completed following either a thesis or non-thesis (Internship or Course-Based) degree plan. Most graduate courses in the program are offered at other times convenient for working individuals. Also, students benefit from the mix of perspectives and experiences held by the various participants in a course: Full-time students gain from the practical knowledge of working professionals, who are in turn challenged by the current theoretical knowledge of those with recent undergraduate degrees. Students like our small class sizes and the close association with faculty. Full-time students with all prerequisites often complete the program in two years, while part-time students usually take three to five.

Our program features faculty who are widely published in the professional literature, active in externally funded research, and committed to excellence in teaching. The faculty associated with the program firmly believe that environmental policy must be based on good science, but also that environmental science is ineffective unless it can be translated into sound policy decisions. The UW-Green Bay Environmental Science and Policy graduate program is closely connected with national, state, and local agencies, providing students with opportunities to become engaged with, and contribute to, meaningful scientific research and policy formulation. Indeed, many graduates of the program are now professionals in these agencies. The University offers modern and well-equipped facilities that support research and study in the areas of environmental science and policy. Office and laboratory computers throughout campus enable access to advanced geographic information system (GIS), statistical, and modeling software.

Field sites available for research include five University-managed natural areas, and a permanent UW-Green Bay forest research site in northern Wisconsin (Wabikon Forest Dynamics Plot), which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Global Earth Observatory Network. UW-Green Bay researchers have established successful ongoing collaborations with regional governmental agencies and conservation organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy, and NEW Water (formerly Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District), as well as local governments and regional businesses and industries.

The UW-Green Bay Cofrin Library collection is strong in all areas of environmental studies, but particularly so in environmental policy and administration. The library provides easy access to many pertinent journals for ES&P students, and interlibrary loans are readily accessible from the broader UW System when sources are not available locally.

Switching Between Thesis, Internship and Course-Based Tracks

Students wishing to switch between Thesis, Internship, and Course-Based Tracks must amend their GR forms accordingly and, pending committee approval, can apply earned credits interchangeably toward degree completion. However, all course substitutions are subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee, Environmental Science & Policy (ES&P) Graduate Program Chair, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research. All other requirements must meet the specifications highlighted above under the "Thesis Track", "Internship Track" or “Course-based Track” catalog sections.

Accelerated Bachelor/Master Program

Credits earned from undergraduate courses cannot be directly applied toward the graduate degree. However, the UW-Green Bay Accelerated Bachelor/Master Program in Environmental Science and Policy provides a mechanism for exceptional students to begin working on their Master’s Degree during their last year of completing their Bachelor's degree in either Environmental Science or Environmental Policy and Planning. The goal of the Accelerated Program is to encourage high performing students in the above undergraduate programs to continue their graduate studies at UW-Green Bay. Undergraduate students are encouraged to discuss the Accelerated Program with the Environmental Science & Policy Program Chair (or other program advisors) before achieving senior status. 

Admission Requirements

Students wishing to enter the Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P) graduate program may apply at any time. However, applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee once in the fall and once in the spring semester only. Priorities for research and teaching assistantships are given to students who apply by October 1 (for enrollment the following spring semester), and March 1 (for fall semester enrollment). All students are encouraged to gain a better understanding of the culture and educational environment at UW-Green Bay by visiting the campus. Graduate School staff can help arrange meetings with potential advisors, attend a graduate class, meet with other graduate students, and tour our facilities.

Minimum admission requirements for the UW-Green Bay Environmental Science & Policy Master’s Degree Program:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• A 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the final two years of study.
• Completion of an undergraduate introductory statistics course, or equivalent.
• Two letters of recommendation or evaluation:
  • Preferred: One letter from a faculty advisor, and one from an employer.
  • Alternate option: Two letters from faculty advisors.
  • Applicants are welcome to use the letter of evaluation form or can request traditional reference letters. 
• A 200-300 word Statement of Interest in the program. In a cover letter, applicants may describe their qualifications, scientific interests, research experiences, and potential faculty advisors (if seeking the Thesis Track)
• Selection of desired Degree Track (Thesis, Internship, or Course-based)
  • Students interested in the Thesis Track need to speak with and identify in the Statement of Interest an advisor willing to supervise the thesis at the time of application.
  • Students interested in the Internship and Course-based Tracks must contact the Chair of the ES&P Graduate Program regarding internship opportunities, expectations, and program details at the time of application.

• Graduate Record Examination scores are NOT required for application to the Environmental Science and Policy Graduate Program.
• As a proof of English proficiency, international students are required to submit a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall band, or a minimum Duolingo score of 110 (from a test date within two years). TOEFL and Duolingo scores must be submitted electronically to UW-Green Bay from them directly. IELTS unofficial scores can be emailed to gradstu@uwgb.edu. The Office of Graduate Studies will verify official scores through the IELTS website. 

Note that each Area of Emphasis (Ecosystems Studies, Environmental Technology and Analysis, Public Policy and Administration, and the Personal Program of Study) requires different skills and preparation. Therefore, prerequisite courses appropriate to the Area of Emphasis are required for admission.

Each applicant’s prior academic background is evaluated by the program’s Admissions Committee. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may be admitted if their academic record and letters of reference indicate potential for successful completion of the program. However, these students will likely be admitted on a “provisional” basis, and could have additional requirements as part of their academic plan in order to compensate for missing course or program prerequisites.  Individuals with a bachelor’s degree who wish to enroll in graduate courses without pursuing a degree may enroll as special students. Undergraduate students currently enrolled in UWGB Environmental Science & Policy programs may earn undergraduate and graduate credit concurrently (see the Accelerated Program page). 

Thesis Track

The Thesis Track is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced research opportunities in the broad realm of environmental science and policy or related disciplines. This Track should be considered by students whose career goals will ultimately require formal and dedicated research training from a hypothesis-driven framework. Students will consult with their Major Advisor and Thesis Committee to determine a specific Area of Emphasis once the Thesis Track has been selected. Note students are initially admitted to the Environmental Science & Policy (ES&P) Program under the Course-based Track unless an advisor from the ES&P graduate faculty has agreed to supervise the student's thesis. Students are encouraged to contact the ES&P Program Chair to assist in this process. Internship and Course-based Track students may switch to the Thesis Track if a project develops through on-campus interactions and an ES&P graduate faculty member agrees to advise that student.

Thesis Track (31 total credits)

All Thesis Track students accepted into the Environmental Science and Policy program are required to successfully complete the following set of core courses. Those who lack appropriate prerequisites may need to take additional courses to strengthen their background before taking a core class. Electives counting toward the degree are selected from the student’s Area of Emphasis for a minimum of 16 credits. Selected elective courses must be unduplicated from the program’s Core Requirements, and are in addition to thesis credits (see Registration for Thesis Credit below). Thesis students should enroll for a minimum of six thesis credits (ENV S&P 799) that coincide with major research activities, including writing and thesis defense preparation.

Students must select and complete an Area of Emphasis:

• Ecosystems Studies

• Environmental Policy and Administration
• Environmental Technology and Analysis
• Personal Program of Study

Progress to Degree:

1. Selection of the Thesis Committee
2. Thesis Proposal
3. Registration for Thesis Credit
4. Thesis Defense
5. Thesis Document Preparation
6. Thesis Document Deposition

Selection of the Thesis Committee

The student submits an Official Declaration of Master’s Degree (GR-1 Form) to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than the end of the semester in which the first six graduate credits are completed. This confirms the student’s area of emphasis in the program, their intention to pursue a thesis track, and pairs a student with a major professor/thesis adviser. Thesis students should begin to develop a thesis committee and thesis proposal in collaboration with their major professor.

Thesis Track students should select a Thesis Committee as early as possible (i.e., during the first or second semester). The Committee is responsible for supervising the student’s program of study and should: 1) guide the student in selection of elective courses, 2) determine whether the student has developed and implemented a research project with the necessary rigor, and 3) make certain that the student’s project is consistent with the degree and interdisciplinary context of the subject area. Thesis Committees must have at least three members, with at least two faculty from accredited universities, and where the Major Advisor is an ES&P graduate faculty member. Committee members from outside an accredited university should have a PhD or M.S. with significant work experience. Any exception to these guidelines must be approved by the ES&P Program Chair. If, during the student’s course of study, he or she wishes to change committee members or advisors, the student must explain why the change is necessary or desirable. If the change is acceptable to both outgoing and incoming Committee members, the student must notify the Office of Graduate Studies in writing.

Thesis Proposal

Thesis Track students are expected to develop a thesis proposal with the committee’s assistance. The thesis proposal is a formal document that provides an overview of the planned study. It must include an explanation of the research problem, issue, or situation to be addressed, its relevance or application, and the methods and resources that will be used in completing the project. On or before the successful completion of twenty-one credits of course work, the student prepares the proposal, using the Guidelines for Preparing the Proposal provided by the Office of Graduate Studies. A copy of the Guidelines and Approval of Thesis or Project Proposal (GR-2 Form) are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website www.uwgb.edu/graduate. The thesis proposal must be successfully defended to the graduate committee in both oral and written formats. Once approved, a copy of the approved proposal and the signed GR-2 Form are sent to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research for final approval and inclusion in the student’s official file. Approval of the thesis proposal places the student into candidacy for the degree.

Registration for Thesis Credit

Thesis Track students must take a minimum of 6 thesis credits in addition to the program core and electives. Students may only register for thesis credits with an approved proposal on file. Enrollment for thesis credits may be for one to six credits per term and may be spread over several terms as appropriate. A student must be registered for a minimum of one thesis credit or the thesis continuation course (ES&P 693) during the term in which a thesis defense is scheduled.

Thesis Defense

The thesis defense is an open event attended by the candidate’s graduate committee and other interested individuals. The defense helps the committee to judge whether the student has adequately understood and seriously attempted to solve a significant problem. To schedule the thesis defense, the student must file the Request for Thesis Defense/Project Presentation (GR-3 Form) with the Office of Graduate Studies at least two weeks in advance of the proposed date. After a satisfactory defense, the student will initiate the Approval of Thesis Defense or Project Presentation (GR-4 Form) to seek committee approval and signatures for the student's records. A dissenting signature must be accompanied by an explanation from the dissenting member. A candidate is considered to have passed his or her thesis defense only after all issues have been resolved and the completed GR-4 Form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Thesis Document Preparation

The thesis is a formal document and must be prepared to conform to UW-Green Bay library requirements and graduate program standards. In preparing the thesis document, students should carefully follow the Style and Format Requirements for the Master of Science Thesis. Guidelines can be found under the Student Resources web page. It is the student’s responsibility to prepare and present the final document in an acceptable format. Several writers’ guides and style manuals are available for guidance.

Thesis Document Deposition

1. Upon satisfactory completion of the thesis defense, the student then has 20 calendar days after the last day of classes to submit their final thesis/project document to the Office of Graduate Studies and 42 calendar days after the last day of classes for all other graduation requirements to be completed and verified.
2. The Office of Graduate Studies will review the thesis for style and formatting. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research will sign the title page or return the document for further revisions. 
3. The candidate is required to supply a digital copy of their thesis that will be archived in the Cofrin Library and posted to the library website. A properly formatted title page and one signed Grant of Permission and Copyright form is required for archiving purposes.
4. The Office of Graduate Studies will arrange for the manuscript to be printed and bound at the student's request (optional). The candidate is responsible for thesis printing, binding and shipping costs. These fees must be paid (by check, cash, or credit card) to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to binding.
5. Diplomas are not awarded until all degree requirements are met. This includes certification by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research that the thesis conforms to all UW-Green Bay library requirements, that the graduate program standard thesis defense has taken place and that the candidate has paid any thesis-related fees.

Internship Track

The Internship Track M.S. is designed for students whose career goals require postgraduate education and conceptual training in environmental science and policy and related fields, but not formal research experience or training. The Internship Track is appropriate for students seeking applied experience in the field or laboratory, generally outside of the university setting. Examples of students that should consider this option include those seeking to blend environmental science and policy with sustainable business applications, outreach and education, policy development and environmental regulation, promotion of clinical environmental health and regulation of environmental contaminants, environmental consulting, invasive species management, ecosystem restoration or landscape design.

Internship Track graduate students are expected to locate, pursue and complete an internship in a setting most aligned with their future career goals. The internship must incorporate a significant independent project to complement coursework. Examples of hosts for internship-based projects include local business, federal agencies (Fish and Wildlife Service, Geological Survey) or non-profit organizations. Internship Track students are encouraged to explore various internship opportunities, internship partners, and expected project outcomes with the ES&P Graduate Program Chair.

Internship Track (34 total credits)

Internship Track students accepted into the Environmental Science and Policy program are required to successfully complete the following set of core courses. Those who lack appropriate prerequisites may need to take additional courses to strengthen their background before taking a core class. Electives counting toward the degree can be selected from the selected area of emphasis (e.g., Ecosystem Studies, Environmental Technology and Analysis) for a minimum of 16 credits. Selected elective courses must be unduplicated from the program’s Core Requirements and in addition to internship credits. Internship Track students should enroll for a minimum of 6 internship credits that coincide with internship activities. Successful completion of the internship, committee approval of achieved internship objectives and outcomes, and a successful public oral defense of the internship experience will result in the awarding of the Master’s of Science degree.

Students must select and complete an Area of Emphasis:

• Ecosystems Studies
• Environmental Policy and Administration
• Environmental Technology and Analysis
• Personal Program of Study

Progress to Degree:

1. Selection of the Internship Committee

2. Internship Proposal

3. Registration for Internship Credit

4. Internship Project Defense

5. Internship Document Preparation

6. Internship Document Deposition

Selection of the Internship Committee

The student submits an Official Declaration of Master’s Degree (GR-1 Form) to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than the end of the semester in which the first six graduate credits are completed. This confirms the student’s area of emphasis and their intention to pursue the internship track.

Environmental Science and Policy Internship Track students should select a committee during the first or second semester. The internship committee is responsible for supervising the student’s program of study and should: 1) guide the student in selection of courses, 2) determine whether the student has selected or completed an internship with the appropriate rigor, and 3) make certain that the student’s internship is consistent with the degree and confronts the interdisciplinary dimensions of the subject area. The Internship Track committee is expected to consist of three individuals: the main internship supervisor (external or internal to UWGB), one member of the ES&P graduate faculty, and the Chair of the ES&P Graduate Program.

Internship Proposal

Internship Track students are expected to develop a proposal with the committee’s assistance. The internship proposal is a formal document that provides an overview of the planned project. It must include an explanation of the problem, issue, or situation to be addressed, its relevance or application, and the methods and resources that will be used in completing the project. On or before the successful completion of twenty-one credits of course work, the student prepares the proposal, using the Guidelines for Preparing the Proposal provided by the Office of Graduate Studies. A copy of the Guidelines and Approval of Thesis or Project Proposal (GR-2 Form) are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website www.uwgb.edu/graduate. The internship proposal must be successfully defended to the graduate committee in both oral and written formats. Once approved, a copy of the approved proposal and the signed GR-2 Form are sent to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research for final approval and inclusion in the student’s official file. Approval of the thesis proposal places the student into candidacy for the degree.

Registration for Internship Credit

Internship Track students must take a minimum of six internship credits in addition to the program core and electives. Students may only register for internship credits with an approved project proposal on file. Ideally, the duration of an internship should be part-time (10-20 hours per week) for a full academic calendar year or full time (30-40 hours per week) during a single summer semester. Enrollment for internship credits should not exceed three credits per semester during the regular academic year or six credits for a summer long internship.

Internship Project Defense

Successful completion of the Internship Track M.S. involves two essential requirements. First, the student must satisfactorily complete a public-presentation of the internship project to be attended by the candidate’s graduate committee and other interested individuals. The defense permits the committee to ascertain whether the student has adequately processed course requirements and has meaningfully achieved the goals of the project-based internship. To schedule the internship defense, the student must file the Request for Thesis Defense/Project Presentation (GR-3 Form) with the Office of Graduate Studies at least one week in advance of the proposed date. The internship project defense should be scheduled during one of the academic terms unless other specific arrangements are acceptable to all parties. After a satisfactory defense, the student will initiate the Approval of Thesis Defense or Project Presentation (GR-4 Form) to seek committee approval and signatures for the student's records. Second, students must complete a final report to be reviewed by the committee before the defense. After a satisfactory defense of both oral and written materials, the major professor and committee members sign the form and return it to the Office of Graduate Studies. A dissenting signature must be accompanied by an explanation from the dissenting member. A candidate is considered to have passed his or her internship defense only after all issues have been resolved and the completed GR-4 Form is returned to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Internship Document Preparation

The internship project (i.e., technical report, website, multimedia tool, public outreach and educational documents, data analysis, etc.) should be converted into a formal document that conforms with UW-Green Bay library requirements and graduate program standards. In preparing the internship project document, students should attempt to follow the Style and Format Requirements for the Master’s of Science Thesis. The student is responsible for working with the Office of Graduate Studies to prepare and present the final document in an acceptable format. Several writers’ guides and style manuals are commercially available. Students should also carefully follow the guidelines provided by the internship committee.

Internship Document Deposition

1. Upon satisfactory completion of the internship defense, the student then has 20 calendar days after the last day of classes to submit their final internship project to the Office of Graduate Studies and 42 calendar days after the last day of classes for all other graduation requirements to be completed and verified.
2. The Office of Graduate Studies will review the internship project for style and formatting. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research will sign the title page or return the document for further revisions. 
3. The candidate is required to supply a digital copy of their internship that will be archived in the Cofrin Library and posted to the library website. A properly formatted title page and one signed Grant of Permission and Copyright form is required for archiving purposes.
4. The Office of Graduate Studies will arrange for the internship project to be printed and bound at the student's request (optional). The candidate is responsible for printing, binding and shipping costs. These fees must be paid (by check, cash, or credit card) to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to binding.
5. Diplomas are not awarded until all degree requirements are met. This includes certification by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research that the internship conforms to all UW-Green Bay library requirements, that the graduate program standard internship defense has taken place and that the candidate has paid any internship-related fees.

Course-based Track

The Course-based Track is designed to be the most flexible pathway towards earning the Environmental Science and Policy Master’s Degree. This track is particularly appropriate for professionals who are already employed in primary or secondary education (e.g., high school biology) or applied environmental science or public policy fields. A Master’s degree obtained via the Course-based Track will be particularly valuable for individuals interested in teaching opportunities at the community college level; development of advanced skills in environmental consulting, geographic information technology, environmental data analysis, etc.; and a deeper understanding of environmental policy and policy implementation. Course-based Track students may further wish to build a more competitive foundation for pursuing related careers in business sustainability, ecological restoration and various medical fields. 

Course-based Track (37 total credits)

Course-based students must fulfill the following core requirements. Electives counting toward the degree may be selected from any area of emphasis for a minimum of 17 credits. Course-based students may also seek to further personalize their degree in the areas of education, business, engineering or mathematics. Thus, Course-based students may substitute a maximum of 6 elective credits (i.e., two 3 credit classes) from other University of Wisconsin – Green Bay campus programs. Elective course substitutions must be approved by the ES&P Graduate Chair and the courses cannot be duplicated from the program’s Core Requirement. There is no formal defense or written exam required to earn the Master’s of Science degree under this option. However, Course-based students are encouraged to seek elective credits through independent research or internship opportunities with graduate faculty.

Students pursuing the Course-based Track are not required to form a committee of advisors. However, Course-based Track students are encouraged to speak with the ES&P Graduate Chair (or any other member of the ES&P graduate faculty) for development of the course-based program.

Students must select and complete an Area of Emphasis:

• Ecosystems Studies

• Environmental Policy and Administration
• Environmental Technology and Analysis
• Personal Program of Study

Progress to Degree

1. The candidate is admitted to the ES&P graduate program.
2. The student submits an Official Declaration of Master’s Degree (GR-1 Form) to the Office of Graduate Studies no later than the end of the semester in which the first six graduate credits are completed. This confirms the student intention to pursue the Course-based Track and alerts the ES&P Graduate Chair of this decision.
3. The Course-based student completes 37 credit hours, 9 credits from the program core and 28 elective credits from any area of emphasis.
4. The student registers to graduate and the degree is awarded and graduate receives diploma.

Area of Emphasis 

One of the primary goals of the Environmental Science and Policy (ES&P) graduate program is to prepare technically competent and creative individuals for advanced professional positions in the public or private sectors. Individuals pursuing such career objectives will focus on course work in the emphases of Ecosystems Studies or Environmental Technology and Analysis. Another objective of the ES&P graduate program is to prepare highly skilled and imaginative individuals for management and policy-making positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Individuals with such career objectives will focus on environmental policy course work in the emphasis of Environmental Policy and Administration. Students will be prepared to deal with a variety of environmental problems and to pursue further graduate work in this or related areas. An additional option is to develop a “personal program of study” fitting to the specific career interests of the student. In addition to the general core requirements described above, students will select a program of study from one of the areas of emphasis described below.

Requirements

Area of emphases and credit loads are described in detail below (credits are unduplicated by the program core). Note that some undergraduate courses are cross-listed as graduate courses and require only graduate status to enroll. It is strongly recommended that a student speak with the professor assigned to the course prior to enrolling to ensure that the student is adequately prepared to succeed in the course. Personal programs of study must conform to Environmental Science and Policy program guidelines and be approved in advance by the student’s graduate committee, the Environmental Science and Policy program chair, and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Studies & Research.

• Ecosystems Studies
• Environmental Policy and Administration
• Environmental Technology and Analysis
• Personal Program of Study

Faculty