The accelerated degree program in Environmental Science (BS) + Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems (MS) is designed to provide an opportunity for highly motivated and qualified undergraduates to begin pursuing a graduate degree prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree in a 4+1 year format with either one or two co-ops.

The Master of Science in Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems (MS) builds on the knowledge undergraduates gain in their Environmental Science program and allows students to advance into higher-level courses with greater depth. Students interested in a course-based program can choose to do the BS/MS as a non-thesis student, which has advantages when seeking positions in consulting, government, or nonprofit organizations. Students interested in research careers or future doctoral studies can opt to pursue the thesis option, which provides an opportunity to conduct independent research and gain valuable research experience. Students interested in the thesis option require early planning.

This 4+1 program can be taken in either the 4-year undergraduate co-op program (4COP) or the 5-year undergraduate co-op program (5COP). The 4COP program provides students with the benefit of one co-op in spring/summer of their third year while maintaining more flexibility in course loads per term. The 5COP program allows students to complete two coops in second and third year and puts more demand on students’ schedules. Students applying to the 5COP format need early planning and an ability to handle heavier course loads beginning sophomore year. For both options, graduate coursework begins in year 4 (concurrent with the final year of the Bachelor's program) and the MS degree is completed at the end of year 5. Students officially convert to graduate status for year 5.

Learn more in the Course Catalog