Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University’s Master of Science degree in Environmental Science is offered by the Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences (BGES) as one of three interdisciplinary graduate programs in the Environmental Studies Program. The degree program prepares students for a wide range of professional careers that require knowledge of biology, chemistry, or earth sciences in order to address environmental issues. The program is open to both full-time and part-time students.

The program is administered by the department's graduate faculty, which includes Cleveland State faculty, research scientists at the Lerner Research Institute of the Cleveland Clinic, and several Cleveland State University adjunct faculty members from other local institutions.

The MS degree program, with its research thesis focus, prepares students conceptually and technically for careers in applied or basic research in academic, government, or business settings. 

Admission Requirements

• Application Form

• Application Fee
• Undergraduate Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
  • From individuals who are familiar with your work and can assess your academic preparation, abilities, and accomplishments. These may be from previous instructors, supervisors or professional colleagues who are familiar with your recent activities.
• Scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (must average at the 50th percentile or above) 
• Students must have a minimum of one year of calculus, one year of physics, one year of biology, geology, or chemistry, and one term of a computer course or demonstrated proficiency in computer usage. 
• Bachelor's degree is preferred in a science appropriate to the student's area of concentration (biology, chemistry, or geology)

*Admission to the program is based on a combination of a candidate’s undergraduate GPA and the graduate admission test score.  

-International students are required to have met at least one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based): 78 & at least 17 in each section
• TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based): 550
• IELTS: 6.0 and at least 5.0 in each section
• PTE (Pearson’s Test of English): 50
• iTEP: 3.8

Admission Deadlines

All applications must be submitted and complete on the following application deadline dates:

• Domestic Students
  • Rolling
• International Students
  • Fall Semester – January 15th
  • Spring Semester – October 15th

*Fall & Spring admission only.

Career Outcomes

• Graduates are working in governmental laboratories, private laboratories, offices, and field work positions.

• Graduates can find positions including: environmental technician, professor, environmental scientist, environmental project manager, and environmental engineer. 
• These are some of the local companies that are hiring CSU grads: Intertek, CT Consultants, STV, Harrison Consulting Solutions, US Department of the Navy, and ITS.