UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO · UNITED STATES
MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
The Master of Science (MS) in Earth and Environmental Sciences program at the University of Illinois Chicago provides advanced study in the diverse fields of earth and environmental science. The program is designed to build upon undergraduate knowledge, offering specialized coursework and research opportunities. Students will engage with faculty who are actively involved in research, contributing to discoveries in their respective areas. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in core scientific principles and allows for specialization within various sub-disciplines of earth and environmental science.
Careers
Graduates with an MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences are prepared for a variety of career paths in both the public and private sectors. The program equips students with the analytical and research skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges.
- Environmental Scientist
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Researcher
- Sustainability Specialist
- Science Educator
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic prerequisites for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
- You need a baccalaureate degree in Earth science, environmental science, another natural/physical science, or engineering. Specific prerequisites include one year of Chemistry, one year of Physics (or Physics and Biology), and one year of Calculus. Applicants lacking prerequisites may be admitted with limited standing.
- What English proficiency scores are required for international applicants?
- For TOEFL iBT taken prior to January 21, 2026, a minimum overall score of 80 is needed (R: 19, L: 17, S: 20, W: 21). For IELTS Academic, a minimum overall score of 6.5 is required (R: 6.0, L: 6.0, S: 6.0, W: 6.0). PTE Academic requires an overall score of 54.
- How many credit hours are required for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
- The MS program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of coursework, including a mandatory thesis component. All courses must be taken for a letter grade, with at least 9 hours at the 500-level (excluding research/seminar courses).
- What are the application deadlines for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
- Specific application deadlines are listed on the UIC Graduate College website. The typical intake period for this program is Fall admission.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Environmental Scientist, Geologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Consultant, Researcher, Sustainability Specialist, and Science Educator in both public and private sectors.
- Is information on tuition and living costs available?
- Information on international tuition amounts is not specified in the provided data; refer to the UIC Registrar's website for details. Estimated living costs are not provided.
Entry requirements
Baccalaureate degreeIn Earth science, environmental science, another natural or physical science, or engineering. Students from other fields are considered if their background suggests they can succeed in the program.
Prerequisites1 year of Chemistry, 1 year of Physics (or 1 semester Physics and 1 semester Biology), and 1 year of Calculus. Students with an MS in science may receive up to 32 hours credit toward a PhD. Applicants lacking prerequisites may be admitted with limited standing and required to complete additional courses.
GPAA minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
TOEFL iBT (taken on or after Jan 21, 2026)Overall: 4.5 (R: 4, L: 4, S: 4.5, W: 4.5)
TOEFL iBT (taken prior to Jan 21, 2026)Overall: 80 (R: 19, L: 17, S: 20, W: 21)
IELTS AcademicOverall: 6.5 (R: 6.0, L: 6.0, S: 6.0, W: 6.0)
PTE AcademicOverall: 54 (R: 51, L: 47, S: 53, W: 56)
Three letters of recommendation from professors familiar with the applicant's academic work are required. A personal statement is also required, responding to guided prompts provided by the department.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on international tuition amounts is not specified. The provided fee information relates to cost per credit hour for military tuition assistance.
Tuition (home)Information on domestic tuition amounts is not specified. The provided fee information relates to cost per credit hour for military tuition assistance.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. For specific details, students should refer to the official UIC Registrar's website or the estimated cost of attendance calculator.
How to apply
1. Check Program RequirementsEnsure you meet the specific academic and English proficiency requirements for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program.
2. Gather Application MaterialsCollect transcripts, complete the personal statement (answering guided prompts), and obtain three letters of recommendation from academic references.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online graduate application. Deadlines are listed on the Graduate College website.
4. English Proficiency ScoresSubmit official scores from an accepted English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE) meeting the program's minimum requirements.
5. Await DecisionApplications are reviewed individually. Decisions are typically communicated by the Graduate College.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic prerequisites for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
+
You need a baccalaureate degree in Earth science, environmental science, another natural/physical science, or engineering. Specific prerequisites include one year of Chemistry, one year of Physics (or Physics and Biology), and one year of Calculus. Applicants lacking prerequisites may be admitted with limited standing.
What English proficiency scores are required for international applicants?
+
For TOEFL iBT taken prior to January 21, 2026, a minimum overall score of 80 is needed (R: 19, L: 17, S: 20, W: 21). For IELTS Academic, a minimum overall score of 6.5 is required (R: 6.0, L: 6.0, S: 6.0, W: 6.0). PTE Academic requires an overall score of 54.
How many credit hours are required for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
+
The MS program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of coursework, including a mandatory thesis component. All courses must be taken for a letter grade, with at least 9 hours at the 500-level (excluding research/seminar courses).
What are the application deadlines for the MS in Earth and Environmental Sciences program?
+
Specific application deadlines are listed on the UIC Graduate College website. The typical intake period for this program is Fall admission.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Environmental Scientist, Geologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Consultant, Researcher, Sustainability Specialist, and Science Educator in both public and private sectors.
Is information on tuition and living costs available?
+
Information on international tuition amounts is not specified in the provided data; refer to the UIC Registrar's website for details. Estimated living costs are not provided.