A new interdisciplinary Master's in Environmental Studies (MES) program is being proposed at Kentucky State University. The program has as its goal the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge in the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies. The new MES program is unique not only because it is the only program of its kind in the Commonwealth, but also because it is the only graduate interdisciplinary program at KSU. The degree will be a collaborative effort between the Division of Mathematics and Sciences, the Land Grant Program, the Aquaculture Program, the Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies, and the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to provide graduates the ability to communicate effectively across traditional discipline boundaries, while fully developing specific areas of expertise. After completing the KSU MES program, degree recipients will seek employment with a commitment to human values and will undoubtedly find both jobs and leadership opportunities which will: (1) bring about a more livable environment; (2) assure the MES graduate a fine career with the potential for growth and advancement; (3) bring local and national recognition to Kentucky State University.

Global ecological problems will be among one of the biggest challenges for mankind in the next millennium. Ecological issues, which involve environmental degradation and resource depletion, are often the ultimate cause of economic and political upheaval. It is important to understand the processes and the principles of the environment to be able to deal with these issues. This type of understanding requires research on the problems themselves and on the basic science underlying the problems. Some of the dominant environmental issues in the 21st century include acid precipitation, hazardous waste management, global climate change, water quality, impairment of lakes

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