MS in Environmental Analysis

Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Analysis

Overview

The Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Analysis at Rice University prepares students to become leaders in addressing today's most pressing environmental challenges. This interdisciplinary graduate program integrates advanced scientific training with business, leadership, communication, and project management, equipping graduates with the technical expertise and professional skills needed to bridge the gap between science and industry. Students gain expertise in environmental systems, sustainability, environmental chemistry, ecology, geospatial analysis, data analytics, remote sensing, modeling, and environmental policy while completing a required professional internship that provides valuable real-world experience.

The curriculum emphasizes applied learning and data-driven decision-making, preparing graduates to analyze complex environmental issues, communicate scientific findings to diverse audiences, and develop innovative, sustainable solutions. In addition to specialized environmental coursework, students complete core Professional Science Master's courses in management, policy and ethics, leadership, and professional development while collaborating with students from other PSM programs. This interdisciplinary approach fosters the cross-functional skills employers seek in today's workforce.

Designed for students from STEM backgrounds, the Environmental Analysis PSM offers a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to individual career goals. Graduates are well prepared for careers with environmental consulting firms, energy and sustainability organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and other employers seeking professionals who can combine scientific expertise with business acumen.

The primary objectives of this interdisciplinary degree encompass:

  • Equipping students with quantitative skills such as statistics, remote sensing, data analysis, and modeling.
  • Instructing students on the application of technical and analytical skills, along with scientific evaluation methods, to effectively address environmental issues.
  • Cultivating students' capacity to foresee and address environmental challenges proactively.
  • Providing instruction in business and management skills, as well as professional ethics, to thrive within a business environment.

Focus Areas

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Management and Policy
  • Quantitative Decision Making

At A Glance

  • Degree: Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Analysis
  • Credit Hours: 39 credit hours of graduate coursework plus a required 3-credit professional internship
  • Time to Completion: Complete the degree in as few as 3 semesters (16 months)
  • Format: Full-time or part-time, 100% in person at Rice University in Houston, Texas
  • Curriculum: Combines advanced environmental science coursework with business, management, leadership, and professional development education. View curriculum here.
  • Professional Experience: Includes a required internship that provides hands-on industry experience
  • Career Outcomes: Prepares graduates for careers in environmental consulting, environmental compliance, sustainability, environmental health and safety (EHS), water resources, air quality, environmental remediation, environmental policy, climate and resilience planning, renewable energy, environmental data analysis, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and corporate environmental management.
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Faculty

Dan Cohan Program Advisor (Civil & Environmental Engineering)
Evan Siemann Program Director (BioSciences)
Scott Egan Program Advisor (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)
Thomas Killian (Dean of the School of Natural Sciences)
Philip Bedient (Civil and Environmental Engineering)
James Blackburn (Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
Mary Purugganan (PSM Professional Communication)
Mason Tomson (Faculty, Civil and Environmental Engineering)