PROGRAM OUTCOMES
MS3 graduates will develop the skills to:
* Understand the relevant concepts and methods of economics, politics, ethics, design, and environmental geography pertaining to the sustainability of environmental resources and quality of life.
* Critically evaluate the sustainability of energy systems, technology, the built environment, and environmental regulations and policy.
* Work effectively within the private and public sector to develop and implement sound and equitable strategies for achieving sustainability.
CAREERS
Students who complete the program will be well prepared to move into the growing field of
environmental careers within local, state, and federal government, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and within various industries, or continue in a doctoral program.
These opportunities include:
* Environmental Planning
* Local, State, and Federal Agencies
* Nonprofit Organizations
* Sustainability Consulting
* Environmental Positions in Industry
* Green Energy & Energy Efficiency Initiatives
* Regulatory Agencies (EPA, PA DEP)
* Sustainability Education
CURRICULUM
The MS3 program is offered through the Department of Geography, Geology and the Environment. The MS3 curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills to critically evaluate the sustainability of energy use, the built environment, the economy, and environmental policy, at both the community and global level. The department has a strong tradition of fieldwork and each graduate will gain the hands-on experience to lead others as we find ethical and equitable solutions to our environmental challenges.
The graduate program consists of 33 credits taken over one calendar year that begins with a summer session in August, and concludes the following summer. The MS3 program includes a significant element of independent research and problem solving. Each student will either conduct research with a faculty member and write a professional paper, or work with a community member in a structured sustainability internship. All students produce a professional portfolio to synthesize their experiences in the graduate program and to highlight their individual research areas.
Masters of Science in Sustainable Systems
Summer 2009
| 32-602 |
3 |
Principles of Sustainability |
(This course begins online in July, and concludes with two weeks on campus in late August)
Fall 2009
| 32-325/525 |
3 |
Introduction to GISci |
| 32-650 |
3 |
Water, Climate & Sustainability |
| 32-616 |
3 |
Planning for Sustainable Communities |
| 32-632 |
3 |
Energy and Society |
Spring 2010
| 32-625 |
3 |
Environmental GISci |
| 24-654 |
3 |
Seminar in Professional Writing |
| 32-631 |
3 |
Environmental Economic Geography |
| 32-638 |
3 |
Green Building Design |
Summer 2010
| 32-750 |
3 |
Internship OR |
| 32-700 |
3 |
Independent Study |
Total 33 credit hours
ROBERT A. MACOSKEY CENTER
MS3 students will take full advantage of the Robert A. Macoskey Center forSustainable Systems Education and Research, an 83-acre facility on the campus of Slippery Rock University that promotes sustainability through demonstration, education and research. The center includes a wind turbine and solar panels, organic community and market gardens, a small woodlot, a composting research and demonstration project, and restoration ecology projects. Harmony House, a multipurpose renovated farmhouse at the Macoskey Center, provides additional space for program activities. It has been redesigned for energy efficiency, and includes a library and student research space.
TUITION AND GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Information on current tuition rates and graduate assistantships can be found on the Office of Graduate Admissions web site at www.sru.edu/graduate. Financial Aid information is available through the Financial Aid Office by emailing financial.aid@sru.edu, or by calling 724-738-2044.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission into the MS3 program, all applicants must submit the following materials to the SRU Graduate Admissions Office along with a completed application form and non-refundable application fee:
1. Official scores from the Graduate Record of Examination (GRE).
2. A final official transcript sent directly from the institution that conferred the applicant’s undergraduate degree, and official transcripts from any other undergraduate or graduate coursework completed.
3. Two written letters of recommendation. If the applicant is a recent graduate, at least one letter must come from an undergraduate professor.
4. A cover letter describing how this degree will help you reach your career goals.
5. A writing sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate complex ideas in a well organized and professional manner.
6. A resume.
In addition to the credentials listed above, applicants should have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale). Applicants who do not meet all of the above criteria may be offered conditional admission upon recommendation of the graduate coordinator and approval by the director of Graduate Admissions.
*The educational policies and procedures are continually being reviewed and changed in keeping with the mission of the university. Consequently, this document cannot be considered binding and is intended to be used as only an informational guide. Students are responsible for being informed of official policies and regulations for meeting all appropriate requirements.
|
