Academic Catalog
Environmental Studies (M.A.) 2025-2026 Catalog Year
The Water School
Program Admission Requirements
The Program Has One Application Deadline Per Year: February 15.
- Submit an FGCU Graduate Admissions Application and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
- Earned baccalaureate degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education sanctioned accrediting body () or equivalent foreign institution.
- A cover letter of introduction including a statement of academic and career goals and interests.
- Official copies of undergraduate transcripts and scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test (GRE subject exam is not required). Interquartile scores on the GRE for students previously admitted to the program are available at the bottom of the MA home page
- International students must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University regulation.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester hours of upper division undergraduate coursework. GPA from previous graduate coursework (if any) may also be taken into consideration.
- At least three letters of recommendation from people familiar with the applicant's academic and research potential and/or professional experience.
- Completion of the following:
- One course in General Biology lab
- One environmental science course (e.g., Environmental Chemistry or Geology)
- One course in Environmental Policy or related professional experience
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be maintained for all coursework in the degree program.
- Submit an application for graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- A maximum of 9 credits of course work, for courses equivalent to listed requirements or electives, may be transferred from other institutions or from pre-degree enrollment at FGCU. These are subject to approval of the Degree Program Coordinator.
- Earn more than 50% of the credits toward the degree through FGCU.
- Earn a minimum of 36 credits.
- Students must register for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which they apply for graduation.
Program Requirements
- Required Courses in the Major (12 credits)
Successful completion of each course requires a grade of B or better.
EVR 6322 Con App Sustainability (3)
EVR 6825 Environ Program Evaluation (3)
EVS 6941 Environmental Practicum I (3)
EVS 6942 Environmental Practicum II (3) - Restricted Electives in the Major (24 credits)
Successful completion of each course requires a grade of B or better unless otherwise noted.
Complete one from the following:
OCB 6635 Estuarine Ecology (3)
PCB 6064C Advanced Ecology (3)
Complete two from the following:
EVR 5925 Environmental Education (3)
EVR 6237 Natural Resource Management (3)
EVS 6937 Environmental Policy (3)
URP 5316 Land-Use Planning (3)
Complete 3 credits of an additional graduate-level course in science:
One course approved in advance by program leader that employs or exemplifies the scientific method and addresses some aspect of environmental science. Possible courses include but are not limited to the following:
GLY 5661C Conservation Paleobiology (3)
OCB 6050 Biological Oceanography (3)
OCG 6053 Coastal & Watershed Geology (3)
PCB 5307C Limnology (3)
Complete 3 credits of an additional graduate-level course:
One course approved in advance by the program leader that emphasizes needed skill for the intended career path. Examples of such course topics include, but are not limited to: computer modeling, GIS technology, educational methods, statistics, data analysis, and economics. Possible courses include but are not limited to the following:
EVR 6045C Data Analysis Enviro Science (3)
GIS 5306C Advanced GIS: Spatial Analysis (3)
PAD 5933 Proposal Writing & Grant Admin (3)
STA 5355 Appl Mathematical Statistics (3)
Complete 9 credits of additional graduate-level courses as approved by the program leader:
Successful completion of each elective under this section requires a grade of C or better. The following common graduate electives applicable to the M.A. Environmental Studies program are grouped in areas of interest:
Courses related to management:
PAD 5142 Management of Non-profit Org (3)
URP 5312 Growth Mgmt & Comp. Planning (3)
Courses related to education:
EVR 5414 Interpreting the Environment (3)
EVR 5925 Environmental Education (3)
Total Credits Required: 36