Oregon PSM

The worlds of science and business are increasingly interconnected, creating strong demand for environmental professionals who can create partnerships for research, policy, and public outreach initiatives. The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Environmental Science at OSU is the first program of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and was created with the help of professional affiliates employed in leadership roles in industry and agencies concerned with the environment. Special training in business management, communications, and ethics complement core science curriculum, and students are required to complete an internship in lieu of thesis research. Several federal research laboratories are located in the Corvallis region, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

The PSM program can usually be completed in two years, based on full-time study and at least 54 credit hours. Core environmental science courses form the foundation of this program by providing students with basic skills in environmental research methods and analysis. Coursework in areas of concentration give focus and identity to each student’s curriculum and allows for flexibility in response to changing employment demands. Areas of concentration are currently offered in: Biogeochemistry, Ecology, Environmental Education, Quantitative Analysis, Social Science, Natural Resources, Water Resources, and Sustainable Natural Resources. Sustainable Natural Resources is offered online as an 18-unit block during summer term. Numerical skills courses expose students to research design, statistical analysis, modeling, survey design, or other quantitative and qualitative techniques. Professional courses are required in communication, research ethics, and business management. Students are required to complete a 3 to 6 month internship (6-12 credits) in lieu of thesis research.