Master of Arts in Environmental Sciences

The Department of Environmental Sciences is an academic department offering instruction and conducting research in the areas of ecology, geosciences, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. This unique juxtaposition of several sciences in one department fosters cooperation and exchange among traditional disciplines that share similar methodological and philosophical approaches. The research endeavors of faculty, researchers, and graduate students, whether disciplinary or interdisciplinary, deal with problems of fundamental scientific interest regarding physical and ecological systems with direct and indirect relevance for society. The department offers three graduate degree programs: The Master of Arts, Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy. The M.A. degree candidate must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, including 24 credits of course work at the graduate level. The student's M.A. program of study is developed in consultation with the candidate's major professor and includes a thesis. Training in ecology, hydrology, atmospheric science, and geosciences is expected of the degree candidate. The M.S. program emphasizes new scientific research in addition to fundamental coursework. A degree candidate must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours including 24 hours of graduate level coursework. One course from each of the four core areas of the department (ecology, hydrology, geosciences, and atmospheric sciences) is required.

In all cases, anyone applying for admission must submit to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences: (1) an application, (2) an unofficial transcript of your entire college record, and (3) at least two letters of recommendation. Foreign students must also submit a TOEFL score. GRE scores will not be considered/accepted. Admission to the program is based upon a holistic assessment of an applicant's personal statement, prior research experience, letters of recommendation, TOEFL scores (if required), and GPA. Other information indicative of the applicant's academic and research abilities should be included. Direct contact with faculty with similar interests is essential. A personal interview is recommended.

Candidates for admission must show a past history of scholarship and academic excellence and a desire and determination to further their studies in the environmental sciences with an emphasis on original scientific research. Although not specifically required for admission, a firm background in mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, geology, and biology will be to the student's advantage. The Dean's minimum standards for admission are an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (last two years)'successful applicants, however, are more likely to have a GPA of at least 3.4. and have shown particular promise for research through correspondence, telephone conversations, personal interviews, or evidence of scholarship and research not represented by grades or test scores

The statement of purpose should indicate your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the University of Virginia and describe your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and intellectual or life experiences in order to aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. Your commitment to a selected field of study is presumed in the receipt of your application, instead, please discuss specific issues in the field that engage you. Please limit your submission to between 500 and 1,000 words.

The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum paper-based TOEFL score requirement is 600. Applicants may submit scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an alternative to the TOEFL exam. The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section.