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Getting Ahead in the Environmental Field Starts Here

Approaches to environmental issues are not one-size-fits-all, and neither is the environmental studies master's degree program at Point Park University.

Gain the knowledge, tools and networks needed to advance or begin your career in the environmental field through an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws from the fields of science, economics and politics to understand and develop innovative solutions to environmental issues. 

Environmental Studies Virtual Open House

Why a Master's Degree in Environmental Studies from Point Park University?

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that connects key concepts from many disciplines in an environmental context.

Our 30-credit environmental studies program is designed to accommodate busy students by offering an accelerated format of evening classes that can be completed in as little as one year. This format allows students to earn their degree faster and get to work creating impactful strides towards solving challenges facing society and the environment.

Why Point Park University?

As the only university directly in Downtown Pittsburgh, Point Park offers many unique features in its MSES program, including:

  • Highly-experienced faculty who have worked in the environmental field
  • Innovative curriculum that provides opportunities for networking, research and internships 
  • An urban experience for graduate students and the connection to various employers who are just steps from campus
  • Evening classes to accommodate busy students
  • Small class sizes

MSES Program at a Glance

This is a table describing the duration, start date, course structure, cost and financial aid options for the Master of Science in environmental studies program.

Duration

Full time: One year (four classes per fall and spring; two classes in summer)
Part time: Flexible scheduling of classes

Start Date

Fall
Course Structure 30 credits (10 classes)

Cost

$759 per credit (plus a University fee of $60, technology fee of $30 and health services fee of $5 per credit)

Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships, alumni grants and graduate merit scholarships
Pictured is a student Matthew Love conducting a stream survey at Lowries Run. Photo by Matthew Opdyke, Ph.D.

Courses & Research Themes

As a Point Park University MSES graduate student, you will gain new perspectives and a broad knowledge of environmental issues from courses in environmental science, law, politics and communication.

Furthermore, depth in a specific theme of environmental studies will prepare you as a leader in problem-solving and communication.  

Research themes include:

  • Business communication of environmental issues
  • Federal & state environmental policymaking
  • Land trust conservation & management
  • Urban renewal and environmental sustainability
  • Wetland ecology & restoration

Faculty bring industry experience and expertise to the classroom.

Learn from professors with extensive industry and academic experience in the environmental studies field.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is Matthew Opdyke, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental studies.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Matthew Opdyke, Ph.D.
  • Awarded various grants including one from the Coldwater Heritage Partnership to study the effects of acid rain 
  • Published author in Green Teacher Magazine and Ecological Society of America's website
  • Presented at Ecological Society of America Conference

Career Opportunities

With a master's degree in environmental studies, you will have the option to pursue various careers in areas such as:

  • Conservation science
  • Environmental consulting
  • Environmental health, safety and sustainability
  • Nonprofit public relations
  • Outreach and environmental education

 

Alumni Success

Learn where our graduates have gone on to build their environmental science careers.

More news & features
Pictured is MSES alumna Hana Rydl.
Hana Rydl '16
"Exposure to public speaking while presenting my projects in school helped me tremendously, and still does daily in my work. The M.S. program also taught me time management, critical thinking and expanded my knowledge about environmental issues that I need to know for my work."
Pictured is MSES alumna Courtney Mahronich. Photo by Olivia Ruk.
Courtney Mahronich '12
"Having a background in environmental studies has helped me with understanding the environmental benefits of trails and the importance of revitalizing our riverfronts."

News & Features

Students’ Research Work With Project Bee Watch Showcased at Ecological Science of America Conference
Monday, September 16, 2019 At the Ecological Science of America 2019 conference in Louisville, Ky., Environmental Science Professor Matthew Opdyke, Ph.D., presented the work he and his students Paula Ambrose ’20, and Keri Rouse ’14, 19, did with Project Bee Watch, a local citizen project to assess the status of pollinators in the region.
Graduate Students Present Research on Current Environmental Challenges
Monday, August 19, 2019 From the impacts of acid mine drainage to the role of diversity in sustainable agriculture, Point Park University graduate students in the Master of Science in environmental studies program presented research on a variety of important issues in the field.
Graduate Students and Environmental Firm Collaborate on Stream Flow Project in Schenley Park
Monday, December 10, 2018 Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc., a top 200 environmental firm in the nation headquartered in Pittsburgh, recently invited Point Park University graduate students to join them on a client project measuring stream flow in Schenley Park.

Learn More

For questions and additional details about the Master of Science in environmental studies program, contact our Office of Graduate Admission.

Domestic applicants: gradadmission@pointpark.edu or 412-392-3808

International applicants: iss@pointpark.edu or 412-392-4775