Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science, M.S.


Program Educational Objectives


The LMU Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science offers Master of Science programs in three major fields of study: 1) Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Engineering, 2) Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources Engineering and Hydrology, and 3) Environmental Science.

The Environmental Science graduate program has established the following program educational objectives that are consistent with the mission of the University and that describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first several years following graduation. Environmental Science program graduates will:

  1. Apply critical thinking skills in their profession to identify, evaluate, and develop science-based solutions to 21st century environmental issues and challenges;
  2. Demonstrate and apply ethical, socially equitable, and sustainable practices and principles to issues in their profession; and
  3. Advance in their careers by staying current in the field, working on interdisciplinary teams, and/or obtaining professional certifications.

To accomplish these program educational objectives, a variety of courses in the fields of environmental science and environmental engineering are offered with an emphasis on sustainability. Additional opportunities are available to broaden the educational experience through courses in other departments, independent study, and directed research resulting in a thesis. A broad base of theory and design is provided integrating current issues and professional practices.

Student Outcomes


The Environmental Science graduate program has established the following student outcomes:

  1. Apply scientific, mathematical, and sustainability principles to identify problems and analyze solutions in environmental science;
  2. Critically assess, evaluate, and understand sustainability, ethics, and social justice in environmental science; and
  3. Effectively communicate scientific principles related to the environment and sustainability.

Admission Requirements


All applicants must possess a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree or undergraduate engineering degree, which shall include:

  • General Chemistry, at least one college-level course
  • Calculus, at least one college-level course
  • Life and physical science, at least four college-level courses, which could include biology, chemistry, environmental science, or physics.

Applicants with non-engineering undergraduate degrees who are considering a M.S. in one of the Civil Engineering tracks can change into the Civil Engineering program (Environmental Engineering or Water Resources Engineering) before or after enrollment, provided that all M.S. Civil Engineering admissions requirements are met including one year of college-level calculus. Such students will be required to pass the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Engineering exam before the degree is awarded.

The Department may require new applicants who lack an adequate background in mathematics, chemistry, or science to take additional courses prior to being admitted to or continuing in the program.

A completed application form and $50 application fee. Admission into the program is in strict conformity with the requirements for all graduate students. Upon review of the student’s undergraduate and professional preparation, additional admission requirements may be set by the Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science.

Program Requirements


The candidate for the Master of Science in Environmental Science must satisfy the following requirements:

Complete with a 3.0 (“B”) average a minimum of 30 semester hours.

All courses are three semester hours except where specified. At least 18 semester hours must be at the 600 level. Students that have taken any of the core or elective courses below as part of his/her undergraduate degree at LMU will be required to take a different course as part of the M.S. program. Equivalent courses at other institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Elective Courses:


Successfully complete


Non-thesis students:


  • 0 semester hours or
  • 0 semester hours
  • Students not electing to perform a master’s thesis must take a comprehensive oral exam. The exam provides an opportunity to assess the student’s understanding of some of the fundamental principles of environmental engineering, water resources engineering, and/or environmental science. It provides an opportunity for the student to demonstrate her/his problem-solving abilities using knowledge learned through coursework and an indication of student accomplishment broader than what is obtained from conventional classroom assessment. The exam is generally offered on the Friday of final examinations week. Students can register for the class only if all course requirements will be complete at the end of the semester in which they plan to take the exam. Formal requirements may be obtained from the department.

Thesis students:


  • 0 semester hours or
  • 0 semester hours
  • Students can elect to perform a master’s thesis on a research topic under the guidance of a faculty member. Such students have the option to enroll in a 3-semester-hour master’s thesis independent studies (ENVS 695  or CIVL 695 ) in any term. The master’s thesis independent studies can satisfy a Global Perspectives Elective requirement and may be taken a maximum of two times. Formal requirements may be obtained from the department.

Changing to the Civil Engineering Program


Students with non-engineering undergraduate degrees can change into the Civil Engineering Master’s Program (Environmental Engineering or Water Resources Engineering) at any time provided that they 1) meet all Civil Engineering admissions requirement and 2) they are in good academic standing. Such students are also required to pass the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying Fundamentals of Engineering exam before their degree is awarded.

Note:


In addition to the above requirements, a Master of Science candidate intending to switch to Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering emphasis or Water Resources Engineering track) must possess an undergraduate Engineering degree or pass the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam prior to applying for graduation.