Alaska Pacific University’s Master of Science in Environmental Science (MSES) Program focuses on the relationship between (1) field based environmental science and (2) the local, state, federal, and international politics and economics that affect policies, with special emphasis on Alaskan and northern issues. The science portion emphasizes both knowledge and practical field abilities in biology, chemistry, and geology. The policy portion emphasizes the historical development of current policies, agreements, laws, and regulations, as well as their use and effects.

The following are the degree objectives for Master of Science in Environmental Science:

• Increase knowledge of environmental science and policy by articulating these concepts and understandings in field and laboratory settings, both academic and applied
• Sharpen skills in written and oral communication to the level of delivering professional presentations and crafting publishable papers
• Apply analytic techniques including modeling, statistical inference, and database management and display, in field and laboratory settings, both academic and applied
• Design, undertake, analyze, write and defend an original research project as a graduate thesis

Admissions

The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU are found at the beginning of the section describing the graduate program. In addition, there are several specific requirements for the MSES program as follows:

1. Letters of Recommendation. Submit three current letters of recommendation
2. Resume. Submit a current resume.
3. Standardized Test. Submit scores from the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) general test which are no more than four years old. Alaska Pacific’s reporting code is 4201.
4. Essay: Write and submit a 500 word essay outlining your motivations for seeking the Master of Science in Environmental Science Degree. Include your professional interests, career goals, and research topic(s) you wish to pursue for your thesis. Please note the faculty members whose research interests are similar to your own.
5. Admission Deadlines: We recommend that students begin their MSES in the Fall semester.
   • Priority deadline Fall semester—February 15 (If you are interested in receiving a graduate assistantship your application must be complete by this date and include an application for a graduate assistantship)
   • Final deadline for Fall semester—June 1
   • Final deadline for Spring Semester—November 1

Alaska Pacific University and Carroll University 3+2 program for Environmental Science

The 3+2 Environmental Science agreement between Alaska Pacific University (APU) and Carroll University (CU) is an exciting opportunity for both institutions allowing students to start at CU and end at APU. Three years of undergraduate coursework are completed at Carroll University followed by two years of graduate study at Alaska Pacific University. The first year of APU courses transfer back to Carroll to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in biology or chemistry. The agreement with APU specifies that students should be able to complete the Master of Science degree after two years of study in Alaska.

In preparation for this graduate program, students must complete a minimum of 104 credits at Carroll and 36 graduate credits at Alaska Pacific University. Students will be charged the graduate rate for all courses taken at Alaska Pacific University.

MSES Degree Requirements

Each Master of Science in Environmental Science graduate is required to:

1. Successfully complete six required courses and four elective courses.
2. Successfully complete an individually designed research thesis.
3. Submit MSES thesis committee approval form to the Registrar’s Office prior to graduation.