Environmental Sciences

The Environmental Sciences program at the University of Colorado Denver offers students an interdisciplinary education designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex environmental challenges. This program emphasizes understanding the interactions between natural systems and human activities, fostering a comprehensive perspective on issues such as climate change, pollution, resource management, and sustainability. Students have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that integrates principles from biology, chemistry, geology, ecology, and social sciences, providing a well-rounded foundation in environmental science. The curriculum is structured to combine theoretical understanding with practical applications, encouraging students to participate in hands-on research, laboratory work, and field studies, often in collaboration with local communities and industry partners.

The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths, including environmental consulting, policy analysis, natural resource management, environmental education, and research. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling them to analyze environmental data, interpret scientific findings, and propose effective solutions to real-world problems. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as environmental policy, climate science, or sustainable development, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals.

Faculty members are active researchers and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and promoting innovative approaches to environmental issues. The program also emphasizes experiential learning through internships, service projects, and collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations. By graduating from this program, students gain a solid scientific foundation coupled with practical experience, positioning them to make meaningful contributions toward creating sustainable solutions for a healthier planet. Whether students aspire to continue their education in graduate programs or to immediately enter the workforce, the Environmental Sciences program at the University of Colorado Denver prepares them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to succeed in a dynamic and evolving field.

The MS in Environmental Sciences is a 39 hour program that provides students with two alternate plans: Plan I requires athesis, while Plan II is a non­thesis program. Generalrequirements for the program include a set of core courses (12semester hours) and elective courses (24­27 semester hours minimum). Students choosing to complete the thesis optionmust also complete 3 hours of thesis credit, while thosechoosing the non­thesis option must complete 3 hours of additional elective coursework.

The degree is offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with the cooperation ofthe College of Engineering and Applied Science. In addition, some courses offered by theCollege of Architecture and Planning, the School of Public Affairs and the Business School arerelevant and applicable to the program.​

The Non-thesis option is composed of the following:

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The Thesis option is composed of the following:

Requirements for Admission

A baccalaureate degree in one of the natural/physical sciences or engineering (or equivalent background) is required for admission into the environmental science master's program. In addition, the minimum undergraduate science and math requirements for admission are:

• two semesters general chemistry or biology with lab
• one semester physics (may be algebra-based)
• one semester of upper division statistics

If only two semesters of the prerequisite courses are lacking, students may be admitted, butmust take them in the first year in the program.​ If the prerequisite course is not completed in the first year, the student will be dis-enrolled from the program. Some of the core or elective courses offered in the program may require additional prerequisite courses. The prerequisites will not count towards the MS degree. Applicants who have fulfilled all of the prerequisites have a better chance of acceptance into the program.

The University of Colorado Denver has a minimum requirement of 3.00 undergraduate grade point average (GPA) for applicants to the graduate school. The program admits new studends for the fall semester only; and the number of students admitted to the program depends, in part, on space availability. 

TEST SCORES: TOEFL, IELTS, OR PTE

​SCORE REQUIREMENTS:

TOEFL

Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 75 IBT / 537 PBT

IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: 6.5

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if an applicant has graduated from the ESL Academy. Information regarding other considerations for exemption, including country of citizenship/origin, and special circumstances can be found here. Please note that some graduate level programs will require a higher score on the TOEFL/IELTS and applicants should consult the department for additional details

PTE ACADEMIC

Minimum PTE Academic Score Accepted: 51

TThe Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is currently in a pilot review at the University of Colorado Denver. We will accept a 51 PTE Academic score with the following subscores:

There are three types of financial aid available: student hourly teachingassistantship; research assistantship positions funded by grants to specific programfaculty; and the regular package of financial aid (primarily loans) available throughthe financial aid office on the Denver campus. Incoming students will beautomatically considered for program­distributed assistance at the time ofadmission to the program. Continuing students will be regularly apprised ofavailable aid and positions. 

The University of Colorado Denver offers a comprehensive Environmental Sciences program designed to prepare students to understand and address complex environmental issues. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining scientific principles with policy considerations to equip graduates with the skills necessary for careers in environmental consulting, research, policy development, and resource management. Students enrolled in the program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, outdoor research sites, and partnerships with local and national environmental organizations, providing practical experience alongside theoretical learning. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including ecology, geology, chemistry, atmospheric sciences, and sustainability. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a strong ethical foundation to promote responsible environmental stewardship. The program also offers opportunities for specialization through electives and project-based coursework, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests such as conservation biology, environmental policy, or renewable energy. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce directly in various sectors focused on environmental health and sustainability. The program benefits from faculty expertise and research initiatives that keep the curriculum current with emerging environmental challenges and technological advancements. Additionally, CU Denver’s location in the Denver metropolitan area provides unique access to diverse ecosystems, urban environmental issues, and regional environmental initiatives that enhance experiential learning. Overall, the Environmental Sciences program at the University of Colorado Denver is committed to fostering environmentally conscious professionals equipped to make meaningful contributions towards a sustainable future.