Master of Science in Environmental Sciences with Emphasis in Environmental Biology (STEM)

at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville USA

The management information systems (MIS) graduate program is a STEM-designated business program. MIS is an applied business program that focuses on the areas of:

• Information systems
• Software development
• Computer system architectures
• Business intelligence and data analytics
• Information security
• Cloud management
• Related management issues

Business Analytics

The business analytics specialization equips future business leaders with an understanding of the fundamentals of business analytics, exposure to concepts of analytics and information-driven decision making in various functional business domains, and experience in applying concepts of business analytics in a variety of industry-leading software platforms.

Coursework in the specialization balances theoretical concepts with applied exercises, cases, and projects. Students have the opportunity to apply concepts of business analytics to a real-world project addressing substantive business questions. These experiences enable the student that specializes in business analytics to emerge with a fundamental grounding in:

• Concepts of business analytics
• Process of designing and executing appropriate analyses based on the business issues involved
• Delivery of findings to a management audience

The business administration program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, and provides a broad education in the functional areas of modern business, the behavior of organizations and decision-making processes, as well as analytical methods for solving basic problems affecting commerce and business practices. Our students find that the combination of knowledge acquisition and skill development is appealing and rewarding. Students in the School of Business will also learn about the ethical and global issues facing today’s businesses, while refining their communication skills and abilities. They will also learn to make leadership decisions based on quantitative data using analytical tools.

What can I do with a degree in Business Administration?
Graduates of the business administration program are well prepared to become business professionals who understand the environment in which business operates, and can analyze how business operations are impacted by economic, social, political and legal environments. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in administration or management of business firms, in banking and insurance, and in federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as a variety of other settings where knowledge of business functions and practices is required. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 5% through 2029.

Human Resource Management
The human resource management (HRM) specialization provides students with the general and technical knowledge and skills for entry-level positions and careers in the personnel or human resource management function of organizations. Courses emphasize both the general theory of HRM, the expanding role of HRM in organizational effectiveness, the development and effective use of human resources in organizations, and the technical areas of selection, compensation, labor relations, training, and performance appraisal. The specialization prepares students for professional careers in a wide variety of organizations.

Sociologists are interested in changing the world. But, we do so by systematically studying society rather than using our biases or assumptions. Once we understand the larger social forces that influence our own behavior and that of others, we can create policies, organizations, and even families that benefit the majority of people rather than the powerful few.

At SIUE, we focus on application. Students in the Department of Sociology participate in hands-on experiences so they can apply what they learn in their classes. Students pursuing general sociology work in communities helping gather data and provide suggestions on how to make those communities stronger. Diversity and social justice students complete internships in nonprofit organizations learning to write grants and help groups find resources. Students specializing in employment relations complete internships in organizations where they help uncover how to make workers more committed and productive. Through systematically gathering information from different groups, sociology can be a powerful tool for the betterment of communities and organizations.

Employment Relations
The specialization option in employment relations is designed to prepare students to apply sociological knowledge to the practical problems of the workplace. Fundamental changes in work and industry have intensified employer demands for broadly skilled professionals, supervisors, administrators, coordinators and consultants capable of critically evaluating, planning and implementing workplace changes.

The Master of Science in accountancy (MSA) in the School of Business provides an advanced professional plan of study designed to prepare individuals for careers as professional accountants in public accounting, industry, or nonprofit and governmental sectors. Through the Department of Accounting, students learn the skills and knowledge needed to enter the accounting field and to form a foundation for advancement to the highest levels of the profession. Completion of this program will provide, in most cases, the educational qualifications required to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. Upon completion of the MSA, candidates should have acquired the technical knowledge that will serve as a basis for preparation for the relevant professional examination required for certification as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor.

What can I do with a Master's Degree in Accounting?
MSA graduates qualify to sit for the CPA exam in Illinois and have rewarding careers in public accounting as auditors, tax specialists or consultants. Graduates who work in corporate accounting may be employed as managerial accountants, internal auditors, income tax specialists, systems experts or management consultants. In the nonprofit sector, accountants play important roles in governmental entities, healthcare organizations and charitable agencies. Based on their wide range of business exposure and knowledge, many accountants ultimately move into high-level management positions.

The fast change of pace in our society is creating new career opportunities for individuals trained in multiple disciplines. The Master of Science in integrative studies allows students to access expertise from two or three areas and integrate courses into a degree that meets the needs of an emerging career field.

Consider integrative studies if:

• You have diverse interests that span two or three academic disciplines and you want to blend these interests into one cohesive program
• You have a career interest in an emerging field that crosses academic disciplines, such as cultural heritage and resources management or marketing communications
• You want to advance in a non-traditional sector or start your own business

What can I do with a degree in Integrative Studies?
A Master of Science in integrative studies can lead to a multitude of career paths as well as entry into doctoral programs. The degree will meet the needs of students seeking knowledge for advancement in a specific industry, looking to move to an emerging field that is multidisciplinary or starting their own business. Employment outlook and salary information for these careers vary widely. A carefully designed plan of study will provide students with a unique combination of skills and knowledge that will be advantageous in the job market.

Sustainability
The integrative studies degree with a focus in sustainability prepares students to apply sustainability concepts, principles and technical approaches to address “green” career needs in a variety of fields. The curriculum integrates sustainable sociology and environmental management, with special focuses on sustainability research, planning and leadership skills, environmental regulation requirements, and community-based sustainable management of natural resources. Through innovative curriculum and training, students will explore institutional, social and environmental approaches to better understand and provide innovative solutions to complex sustainability challenges.

The environmental sciences undergraduate program, in the College of Arts and Sciences at SIUE, is interdisciplinary, and is designed to cultivate students' perspectives of environmental issues, and to provide them with refined knowledge of environmental issues on a local, regional and global scale. The curriculum within the Department of Environmental Sciences will increase students’ technical competence in addressing these environmental issues, their origins, ramifications and resolutions. The program will promote experiential learning and professional education to prepare students for career opportunities in a wide variety of workplaces.

What can I do with a degree in Environmental Sciences?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8% through 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S. Graduates with a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with specializations in environmental health, environmental toxicology and environmental management will have career opportunities in their areas of interest. For example, a licensed environmental health practitioner can be employed for inspection, sampling and reporting for sanitary, food safety, sewage and waste disposal, drinking water, pest control, or industrial hygiene.

The Department of Applied Communication Studies, housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a program leading to the master of arts in applied communication studies, with specializations available in corporate and organizational communication, health communication, interpersonal communication, or public relations.

The graduate program in applied communication studies provides students with a broad curriculum, designed to deepen their understanding of communication theory and their ability to analyze, generate and apply communication research, as well as to enhance their knowledge and skills necessary for their development as leaders across an array of communication professions.

What can I do with a degree in Applied Communication Studies?
Graduates with a master's degree in applied communication studies are qualified for careers in business, industry, nonprofit and governmental settings, as well as in higher education (at the community college level). Mastery of communication theory, research methods and application strategies is particularly relevant for students seeking careers in fields such as management, training and development, sales, advertising, public relations, community relations, intra- and inter-organizational communication, consulting, fundraising, event organizing, community health relations, communication training in health organizations, and human resources.

Sociologists are interested in changing the world. But, we do so by systematically studying society rather than using our biases or assumptions. Once we understand the larger social forces that influence our own behavior and that of others, we can create policies, organizations, and even families that benefit the majority of people rather than the powerful few.

At SIUE, we focus on application. Students in the Department of Sociology participate in hands-on experiences so they can apply what they learn in their classes. Students pursuing general sociology work in communities helping gather data and provide suggestions on how to make those communities stronger. Diversity and social justice students complete internships in nonprofit organizations learning to write grants and help groups find resources. Students specializing in employment relations complete internships in organizations where they help uncover how to make workers more committed and productive. Through systematically gathering information from different groups, sociology can be a powerful tool for the betterment of communities and organizations.

Employment Relations
The specialization option in employment relations is designed to prepare students to apply sociological knowledge to the practical problems of the workplace. Fundamental changes in work and industry have intensified employer demands for broadly skilled professionals, supervisors, administrators, coordinators and consultants capable of critically evaluating, planning and implementing workplace changes.

The mission of the environmental sciences graduate program is to cultivate students’ perspectives of environmental issues and provide students with refined knowledge of environmental issues at the local, regional and global scale. The program will increase the student’s technical competence in addressing and analyzing these issues, their origins, ramifications and resolutions. The environmental sciences graduate program at SIUE is designed to enhance and promote professional education and career opportunities in a wide area of interests.

What can I do with a degree in Environmental Sciences?
Students completing the graduate program in environmental sciences have career opportunities with governmental agencies, private industries, consulting firms and educational institutions. Areas of responsibility may include environmental field or laboratory research and analysis, environmental policy and law, environmental remediation, solid and hazardous waste management, groundwater pollution control, water management, air quality management, environmental and ecological risk assessments, and restoration environmental engineering.

The biological sciences encompass the study of all life on Earth. Biological sciences programs are offered through the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. At SIUE, our diverse programs of study include specializations that allow students the opportunity to pursue any areas that are of interest to them. Students can customize their academic program in order to better prepare them for their chosen career.

What can I do with a degree in Biological Sciences?
Many careers are available for people with basic or advanced training in biology. There are opportunities in botany, ecology, education, fisheries, forensics, forestry, genetic engineering, horticulture, medical technology, microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology, physiology, wildlife management and zoology. Technical and supervisory positions are available in federal, state, industrial and university laboratories. Environment and health-related occupations almost always require sound, basic training in biology. Most students entering schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, osteopathy, veterinary science, chiropractic and podiatry are biology majors. Basic training in biology is essential for careers in allied health sciences, including nutrition, pharmacy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Integrative Biology
The curriculum in this program is designed to provide a firm basis in biological sciences for students with a variety of goals. It is an attractive major for students planning to enter graduate school or for students pursuing careers in biological research or in applied work in areas such as agriculture, conservation, and wildlife management. Students in this program may elect to concentrate in such specific disciplines as botany, microbiology, physiology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and zoology by completing their electives through courses in these areas. Some disciplines require chemistry courses beyond the minimum requirements.