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Environmental Science and Engineering Program Director: Harry R. Diz, Ph.D., P.E. The environmental program at Gannon University is a rigorous program which builds on the basic sciences to emphasize the application of science and technology to environmental problem solving in industry and society. The program builds strong analytical skills and a broad understanding of environmental problems.
Master of Science in Environmental Health and Engineering
The program in Environmental Health and Engineering is diverse and dynamic, focusing on challenges in research as well as sitespecific problem solving. 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. Students whose career plans are more management and administrative in nature may pursue the Environmental Management option. In all cases, students benefit from Gannon’s location in the city of Erie on the shores of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, with access to the Environaut, Gannon’s research vessel, and utilizing the University’s relationships with various local industries and environmental agencies. Through this program, Gannon University has become the center of environmental research, exploration, education, and protection in the region.
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 such that they are prepared to begin a career in the field of environmental protection. • Students will be able to use scientific research methods to define problems, gather relevant information, 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 To accomplish these objectives, the department has set forth 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 environmental health; 3. Capability to design and conduct experiments for aqueous systems and to collect and analyze data in the environmental health setting; 4. Understanding of environmental regulations and the roles of public and private organizations in environmental regulatory compliance; 5. 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 modeling, environmental health and safety, or environmental management. 7. A 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.