University master’s degree requirements must be met. In addition, specific degree program requirements are listed in each program.
The graduate study program is developed through discussions involving the graduate student, the student’s adviser, and the student’s graduate committee. The M.S. or M.E.M graduate committee consists of at least three members including the major adviser. The major adviser and one other committee member must be a member of the graduate faculty. The graduate committee must be approved by the ESM Chair.
To encourage the development of interdisciplinary graduate study programs, guidelines for course selection are flexible. Students must complete at least 45 graduate credits.
M.S. Requirements
The M.S. program of study consists of the following minimum credit requirements:
Courses
| | Core courses (one from each core area and selected from program list) | 16 |
| ESM 507 | Seminar | 1-6 |
| | Quantitative analysis (selected from program list) | 4 |
| | Area of concentration | 12 |
| | Elective and supporting courses | 4 |
| | Thesis/project | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 45
M.E.M. Requirements
The M.E.M. program of study consists of the following minimum credit requirements:
Courses
| | Core courses (one from each core area and selected from program list and ESM 551) | 16 |
| ESM 507 | Seminar | 1-6 |
| | Quantitative analysis (selected from program list) | 4 |
| | Area of concentration | 12 |
| | Elective and supporting courses | 4 |
| | Thesis/project | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 45
Core courses
Core courses are required in physical environmental processes, ecological processes and environmental management for all master’s students. M.E.M. students must also complete a core course in project management. Lists of approved core courses are available from the ESM office or online at http://www.pdx.edu/esm.
Quantitative analysis
A course in research methods, experimental design, or statistical analysis, is required to ensure students have sufficient skills for environmental research.
Elective courses
Elective courses are to be defined in the student’s program of study, and agreed upon by the student’s adviser and graduate committee. Courses may be selected to provide additional background, to explore new areas, and to add depth to a scholastic program.
Thesis or project
A central purpose of the M.S. and M.E.M. degree is to teach students the process of problem solving and research. A minimum of 6 credits is required. Students working toward the M.S. degree will be required to complete original research leading to a thesis, which complies with standards established by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Students working toward the M.E.M. degree will be required to complete a project in lieu of a thesis. M.E.M. students will take: 1 unit of ESM 509 Practicum at the beginning of their program, and 5 units of ESM 506. This project is expected to be the product of original work in cooperation with an agency, organization, or firm involved in environmental management activities. The project plan, approach, and project report must be approved by the advisory committee in a manner parallel to that for thesis research. The project report must be presented at a public seminar to be followed by an oral defense of the work conducted by the student’s graduate committee.