Using the concept of continuous assessment as outlined by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the MES graduate committee will establish formal assessment criteria for each of the program objectives. The goal of the assessment program will be to develop appropriate and quantifiable evaluation criteria for assessing the success of the program. At least one direct and one indirect assessment instrument will be used to assess each program objective. Student learning outcomes for each course found in the program will be carefully developed and used to promote program success. Both the MES graduate committee, as well as the program advisory committee, will use the assessment results to identify potential areas of concern with the program, and will recommend appropriate solutions. The program developers fully recognize the importance of continuous assessment, particularly for a new graduate program. By integrating the best assessment practices with the program following its initiation, it is anticipated that the MES program at KSU will be equated with other regionally and nationally recognized graduate programs in the field of environmental studies.

The Master's in Environmental Studies program will be comprised of 36 credit hours, including 30 hours of coursework and 6 capstone project hours. It should be noted that the capstone project is typically less comprehensive than a traditional master's thesis. Students interested in pursuing the master's degree full-time should plan to spend about two years in residence.

The core curriculum deals with the interaction among environmental science and current environmental issues along with policy response. The electives and the capstone

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