Master of Science in Environmental Studies

Hands-On Experiential Learning

With the world facing so many environmental challenges, Ohio University’s Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MSES) program prepares the next generation of environmental scientists, leaders, and innovators with the skills and knowledge to tackle the complexity of these modern environmental problems.

Become a Leader in Environmental Science

Founded in 1974, this interdisciplinary program is designed for exceptional students motivated by a variety of environmental issues. Students link knowledge from multiple disciplines to address real-world problems. The MSES program seeks students who want a learning-by-doing approach to develop their skills to innovate and advance solutions to the most pressing sustainability challenges of our time. Students have backgrounds ranging from business, humanities, and the social sciences to the physical and biological sciences and engineering. Working closely with a faculty advisor, they are provided with experiential research, hands-on training, professional development, and strategies to succeed in a fast-changing field.

Local Classrooms, Global Impact

The Environmental Studies program takes advantage of the local environment and global opportunities. Athens, the home of Ohio University, is located in one of the most scenic parts of Ohio, near 12 state parks and the Wayne National Forest. The region has an emerging rural economy with strengths in alternative and renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste-to-wealth enterprises. Environmental topics important to the area include:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Community planning and organizing
• Acid mine drainage
• Water resources management
• Natural resources, including timber and non-timber forest products
• Industry located near the Ohio River

Students have access to a range of on-campus and community assets. The University’s research facilities include The Ridges, a 740-acre area with forests and farmland, also home to the Voinovich School. Nearby watersheds offer study of the impacts of abandoned coal mines and thriving watershed restoration projects. Dedicated laboratories are committed to studying ecological systems, clean energy, geochemistry, and water quality. Finally, the local social and environmental entrepreneurship ecosystem supports growth of ventures in the region.

Expand Your Impact

At the Voinovich School, students have the opportunity to effect change and broaden their impact through public service and policy. The Voinovich School is composed of faculty, professional staff, and students working in interdisciplinary project teams in the following areas:

• Social innovation and public service, including education policy; government; nonprofit management; public health and wellness; community engagement; policy analysis; and program evaluation
• Economic development and entrepreneurship
• Energy and the environment, including climate change and resiliency, energy and environmental policy, bioenergy, and watershed restoration

Alumni work in a range of roles at local, state, national, and international organizations, including:

• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Department of the Interior
• ReStore
• Rural Action
• Athens-Hocking Recycling Centers
• The Wilds
• RTI International
• Cardinal Health
• Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife
• Donovan Energy