Master Environmental Planning and Management with an M.S. in Environmental Sciences

Unlock your potential in environmental planning and management through our specialized M.S. in Environmental Sciences program. This concentration empowers you to lead and make a lasting impact in the field of environmental planning.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze environmental issues in a logical manner by breaking down an issue into constituent parts, identifying players and relationships among players in those parts, describing these relationships, recognizing unstated assumptions, distinguishing facts from opinions and distinguishing statements of cause from statements of effect.
  • Critically appraise the value of data and information relevant to environmental questions and problems, including the appropriateness and adequacy of any qualitative or quantitative methods used in its compilation. In evaluating evidence or arguments, a student integrates key theories, information from works of recognized excellence and facts and generalizations germane to a field to verify the soundness of arguments.
  • Synthesize diverse ideas relevant to environmental science to form a coherent perspective on how best to further research in the field and/or create polices or practices designed to address environmental problems. The parts to be integrated may, to the extent necessary, come from a variety of disciplines.
  • Create a research proposal or applied plan of work that includes asking and answering questions relevant to environmental studies, testing hypotheses or assumptions based on previous research or observations, collecting information to analyze the factors involved, modifying the hypotheses or assumptions based on new factors or considerations and then making inferences and recommendations based on findings.
  • Design effective ways of presenting data and information from the environmental sciences to others through written, visual and oral means.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $13,380*
Online: $15,440*
Duration
2 years
Credit Hours
40
STEM Designated
Yes

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $14,240*
Online $15,370*

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visu

Median Annual Wage $66,810
Wage Range $49,420 – $102,510
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Median Annual Wage $105,870
Wage Range $76,280 – $167,770
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge

Median Annual Wage $82,220
Wage Range $52,520 – $140,010
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or

Median Annual Wage $55,090
Wage Range $38,170 – $94,160
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for

Median Annual Wage $82,220
Wage Range $52,520 – $140,010
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage $94,980
Wage Range $57,780 – $164,190
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training, Master’s degree
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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2026-08-24