way that minimizes degradation of land, water, and air quality will require highly trained scientists and engineers as well as graduates with a broad understanding of the complex interrelated issues.

Scientists and professionals are needed who, after achieving a solid disciplinary education in science-related fields as undergraduates, have learned integrated and interdisciplinary approaches to deal with these problems. The KSU MES program is designed to cut across traditional academic disciplines and colleges and to provide sound and effective graduate education and research on these important environmental issues.

The degree is a collaborative effort among the Division of Agriculture, Food, and Environment and the Division of Mathematics and Sciences, the Land Grant Program, the Division of Literature, Languages, and Philosophy, and the Whitney Young School of Honors and Liberal Studies. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to provide graduates with the ability to communicate effectively across traditional discipline boundaries, while fully developing specific areas of expertise. The MES degree requires the completion of 36 credit hours, including a 6 credit capstone project. The core curriculum deals with the interaction between environmental science and current environmental issues along with the development of appropriate policy responses. The electives and the capstone project give students the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in their area of interest.

Graduates of the KSU MES program are expected to hold positions as environmental professionals in state and local government agencies and in non-profit and private enterprises. The MES program will produce graduates who can provide critical leadership in improving the overall quality of life for all Kentuckyians as they address the needs and demands of our growing demographics. The program will appeal to students seeking meaningful employment with a commitment to human values and prepare them for a wide range of jobs and leadership opportunities. Some students will use the MES program to prepare for doctoral studies in a variety of related environmental fields.

Admission Requirements

The interdisciplinary nature of the program will allow students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds to enroll in the MES program. All applicants (part-time and full-time) must meet the minimum standards for admission to graduate study at KSU. Applicants should be aware that a student is admitted to a graduate program, not to graduate studies in general. It should also be noted that all entering students must have successfully completed a college algebra (MAT 115) course as part of their undergraduate degree regardless of their major. The MES Graduate Admissions Committee will use the following materials for admission considerations:

  • Application form with a letter outlining the applicant's goals and career objectives. The application form can be found at the KSU website or obtained from the KSU admissions office.
  • Transcripts: Copies of all official transcripts must be mailed from the applicant's undergraduate institution directly to the Office of Graduate Studies, Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY 40601.
  • GRE scores: Official scores should be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies. It is the responsibility of the applicant to apply for and take the examination and have the test scores sent.
  • Three letters of recommendation (professional and/or academic) mailed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

The following types of admission will be available to candidates for the MES program:

  1. Regular: Requirements for this unconditional admission are
  2. A complete application package including the application form, official transcripts, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.
  3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
  4. Satisfactory completion of course prerequisites for the MES program.
  5. An overall undergraduate grade-point-average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  6. A GRE minimum combined score of 1,000 (Verbal and Quantitative).
  7. TOEFL score for international students (minimum score of 500).
  8. Provisional: If an applicant is unable to provide all the necessary documents, but otherwise meets the admissions criteria, he/she may be granted provisional admission. Provisional admission may not be permitted for more than one semester and all credentials must be received before the end of the semester in which the students has registered. To move from provisional status to regular admission status, students must either meet all regular admissions requirements or complete 9 hours of graduate study with at least 3.0 GPA.
  9. Non-degree: A non-degree status is allowed for students that wish to take graduate courses but do not intend to seek the MES degree. The student must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).

Degree Requirements

The MES program is made up of 36 credits including 30 hours of coursework and six 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.

Advisement

When students apply for admission, they must declare if they are going to pursue the thesis option or capstone option and be selected by a faculty advisor. During the first semester at KSU the student and advisor will work to design a course of study

The University