Lead Sustainable Change with an M.S. in Environmental Sciences
Elevate your role in sustainable development and policy through our specialized M.S. in Environmental Sciences program. This concentration empowers you to drive transformative change towards a sustainable future.
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.
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
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
$7,120/yr*
Online
$7,685/yr*
Based on 40 credit hours over 2 years.
*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.
Ways to Save on Tuition
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.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
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.
Environmental Engineers
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Median Annual Wage
$107,110
Wage Range
$69,990 – $162,220
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Median Annual Wage
$82,220
Wage Range
$52,520 – $140,010
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Doctoral degree
Range Managers
Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.
Median Annual Wage
$73,010
Wage Range
$47,550 – $110,410
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree, Master’s degree
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Bright OutlookAssist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide
Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.
Median Annual Wage
$116,580
Wage Range
$55,940 – $188,470
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Urban and Regional Planners
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Median Annual Wage
$89,320
Wage Range
$60,010 – $134,490
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Professional degree
Environmental Economists
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incen
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Median Annual Wage
$124,720
Wage Range
$67,360 – $238,060
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
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