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Environmental Science and Engineering Program Director: Michelle M. Homan, Ph.D.
Master of Science in Environmental Health and Engineering
The program in Environmental Health and Engineering is designed for individuals seeking careers in the environmental health and safety field. Emphasis is placed on coursework and research that assesses the impact of human activity on ecological and human health. Students benefit from Gannon’s location on the shores of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, with access to the Environaut, the university’s research vessel and the University’s relationships with various local industries and environmental agencies. Graduates of our program are working for environmental governmental agencies, environmental consulting firms and for various industries. Students whose career plans are more management and administrative in nature are advised to pursue the Environmental Management option. The Department of Environmental Science & Engineering draws upon the resources of the School of Business to contribute to this program, making Gannon University a regional leader in environmental quality, environmental health, and environmental management. The Master of Science in Environmental Health and Engineering is housed in the College of Engineering and Business.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES The following Program Educational Objectives have been established. • Students will acquire the knowledge and skills in environmental quality management, environmental protection, remediation, modeling, and/or natural resource conservation to prepare for a career in the field of environmental protection. • Students will be able to use scientific research methods to define problems, gather relevant information and data, and analyze research results. • Students will be able to use state-of-the-art computer applications that assist in managing information and solving problems in the area of environmental science.
Program Learning Outcomes The department has developed the following learning outcomes, along with an assessment process, to provide feedback for continuous improvement in the program. Graduates of the Environmental Health and Engineering program should demonstrate: 1. proficiency in the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and physics as applied to natural and engineered environmental systems; 2. knowledge of environmental health, science, and engineering fundamentals relevant to the areas of air, water, land, and soil; 3. capability to design an environmental research study, to collect and analyze data, and communicate the results; 4. understanding of environmental regulations and the roles of public and private organizations in environmental regulatory compliance; 5. the ability to communicate effectively and function as a member on multi-disciplinary teams; 6. advanced knowledge and competency in at least one of the following specializations: water and wastewater treatment, soil and groundwater pollution, environmental health and safety, or environmental management; and 7. knowledge of contemporary environmental issues on a local and global scale.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK The application of environmental science is felt in essentially every walk of life today, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, water and wastewater treatment, land reclamation, and recreation. Opportunities for employment include not only government and non-profit agencies, but also environmental consulting firms and private corporations needing professionals to manage their in-house programs.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Students are expected to have a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering from an accredited college or university, with courses in math (calculus preferred), biology (preferably including ecology and microbiology), chemistry, physics, and earth sciences. If an applicant’s undergraduate science and math preparation are not adequate, appropriate undergraduate courses may be required in addition to the graduate program. If the applicant’s undergraduate grade point average is less than 3.0 (4 point scale), the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required as part of the application package. All international applicants must submit GRE scores to be considered.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND ENGINEERING CURRICULUM A minimum of 36 credits are required for the M.S. degree; number of credits per course are indicated. Each student’s program is determined by the student and advisor to meet the student’s individual career needs.