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

at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville USA

The liberal studies program, offered in the College of Arts and Sciences, is designed as a flexible bachelor's degree program. With a broad-based curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, the liberal studies program emphasizes breadth of study rather than focus on a single discipline. This program is designed to meet the needs of students whose educational, professional and personal goals may not be fully met through a specific major at SIUE, as well as those who wish to plan and develop a program appropriate to their interests. Students planning to pursue graduate studies should take courses in this program that will satisfy graduate admission requirements.

The liberal studies program is intended to enhance the knowledge of students in a variety of areas. Extensive course alternatives allow students to adapt their curriculum to meet individual needs. This program is of special value to those who are seeking broad-based preparation or skills, those who already possess occupational skills and seek to enhance them, and those who seek enrichment of their personal and professional lives. Allowing for student flexibility, courses are offered in online, hybrid, evening, weekend and traditional formats.

What can I do with a degree in Liberal Studies?
The liberal studies program supports learning across a variety of areas, and the extensive course options allow students to adapt their curriculum to meet individual needs and career goals. These options, along with the development of targeted skills, help students build a resume that is robust and unique, and stands out to prospective employers. This program is valuable to students who are not seeking a career based in a single discipline, to those who already possess occupational skills, and to those who seek enrichment of their personal and professional lives. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in liberal studies can also be prepared for a graduate program based upon their degree completion pathway.

The Bachelor of Science in nutrition from the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior focuses on the study of foods and nutrients and their effect on the health of individuals. Housed in the Department of Applied Health, the program combines coursework in both the basic sciences and nutritional sciences to provide students with the preparation needed to excel in a variety of professional nutrition and health settings. An intensive study in biological and physical sciences is emphasized as a basis for understanding the science of nutrition and the relationships between nutrients and human health. Core course requirements focus on human nutrition with areas of study in energy metabolism, proteins, vitamins, minerals, community nutrition, and diet in the prevention and treatment of diseases. At SIUE, the major in nutrition is designed to meet the admission requirements for post-graduate programs in dietetics, as well as admission requirements of most colleges of medicine, nursing, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy and other healthcare professions.

What can I do with a degree in Nutrition?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, national job growth for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to be 15% through 2026. At SIUE, we provide the curriculum and pre-professional training for students wishing to enter graduate school to pursue programs in nutrition/dietetics on their way to careers as registered dietitians. Students must complete graduate training and 1,200 hours of internship to begin a career as a registered dietitian (RD). The role of nutritionists and dietitians will continue to be important as the understanding of food and nutrition in preventing and treating illnesses becomes more prevalent.

The Master of Science in computer science program in the School of Engineering includes applied and theoretical aspects of advanced computing topics. Courses within the Department of Computer Science include advanced operating systems, computer architecture, computer networks, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, database systems and information assurance. Students who choose to complete a thesis directly engage with faculty to develop a deep understanding of the research topic.

What can I do with a degree in Computer Science?
Graduates with a degree in computer science are prepared for positions such as software developer, consultant, systems programmer, project leader, and application software specialist. Graduates also pursue careers as research scientists, technology infrastructure specialists or technology consultants. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts continued high demand and high salaries well into the next decade for computer scientists and software engineers. Students who choose to complete the thesis program during their course of study will be well-prepared to enter a PhD program.

Undergraduate courses in speech-language pathology and audiology within the Department of Applied Health provide students with a scientific background for understanding communication disorders. Students acquire knowledge in speech and hearing science, normal processes and the development of speech, language and hearing. Students also study disorders of speech, language and hearing, and review assessment methods and procedures in communication disorders.

The field of speech-language pathology and audiology is broad, and there are many opportunities to further support and expand students’ experiences. In the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior at SIUE, students are encouraged to pursue minors and take elective courses that will establish a strong science and liberal arts background. Complementary minors include psychology, linguistics, foreign language and health science, among others. This diverse background provides students with a competitive edge in graduate school and in the workforce.

What can I do with a degree in Speech-language Pathology and Audiology?
Many of our students choose to continue their education and pursue a graduate degree in speech-language pathology and audiology, which leads to certification and the opportunity to practice as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

With a projected growth rate of 19% through 2022, certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists are in high-demand and are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community clinics, schools, private practice, colleges and universities, state and federal agencies, rehabilitation centers, and nursing homes. Some certified speech-language pathologists and audiologists enter public-school settings, while others establish private practices or become affiliated with physicians.

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.

Economics
The specialization in economics provides students with knowledge of analytical methods for solving basic problems affecting profit and growth of the business organization. In addition, economics offers courses that are fundamental to forecasting, planning, and budgeting. Graduates of the program are qualified for careers in administration and management of business firms, in banking and insurance, and in federal, state and local government agencies.

The program integrates theory, research and practice, and includes the study of cognitive, emotional, psychological and social factors that influence sport and exercise behaviors, as well as the effects of physical activity on psychological factors. In addition to coursework in sport psychology, exercise psychology, rehabilitation and health psychology, sport sociology, psychology of coaching, and physical activity promotion, students may enroll in elective courses throughout the University to match their educational experience to their career objectives. The program also has close ties to SIUE's Division I athletics program.

SIUE’s exercise and sport psychology program offers a number of distinct advantages, including:

• Development of knowledge and skills in students' areas of interest through strong faculty mentoring.
• An optimal student-faculty ratio, ensuring students receive personalized attention.
• Advising focused on career success through the selection of courses, research topics and applied experiences.
• Required courses are offered in the afternoon or evening to meet the needs of professionals.

What can I do with a degree in Exercise and Sport Psychology?
Graduates of the exercise and sport psychology specialization have careers in mental training, fitness, campus recreation, exercise administration, sport administration, coaching, personal training, sport psychology, and exercise and rehab settings. Our graduates are also employed in exercise (fitness) and rehabilitation (clinic, hospital) settings. Some graduates choose to continue their education at the doctoral level.

This program, which is held within SIUE's School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, is intended for students who seek master's-level training appropriate for clinical work with primarily adult clients. This training often leads to employment in organizations providing clinical psychological services (e.g., community mental health agencies, hospitals, mental health facilities) or continued education in doctoral training programs. The clinical psychology program in the Department of Psychology is a full-time program only, with most courses offered during the day in seminar rooms and clinical settings.

What can I do with a degree in Clinical Psychology?
Many of our graduates enter doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology or other fields, either immediately after graduation or after some time in the field. Those who enter the workforce immediately after graduation have obtained positions in psychiatric hospitals, research institutions and various types of clinical agencies.

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.

Environmental Management
The environmental management specialization prepares students for careers in management and protection of natural resources, and for providing services related to environmental quality and sustainability. The curriculum offers an interdisciplinary approach to deal with various environmental management issues, including:

• Pollution control
• Regulations
• Remediation
• Hazardous waste disposal
• Sustainability

The program also includes hands-on technical training, such as geographic information systems (GIS) and environmental risk assessment. Examples of careers for graduates include environmental consultants; environmental educators; social and environmental impact analysts; resource policy analysts; natural resource planners; managers of wildlife, parks, forests and rangelands; conservation officers; watershed managers; soil conservationists; and sustainability officers.

Philosophy is the attempt to think carefully, critically and systematically about the most challenging questions that face humanity. Philosophy is the oldest academic discipline, with roots that trace to ancient Greece and to thinkers who asked probing questions about themselves and the world around them. Philosophy is called, “the queen of the sciences” because every major academic discipline—from math to psychology—was part of philosophy at one time. Philosophy continues to spawn new cutting-edge fields, such as cognitive science.

At SIUE, pursuing a degree in philosophy allows you to follow your interests. Classes are centered on discussion so you can be an active participant every day. In order to develop your abilities to solve complex problems, generate ideas, communicate clearly, respond to others, adapt to change, and think creatively, faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Philosophy will challenge you throughout your course of study. Being challenged helps students develop deep analytical skills that will translate into everyday life, as well as their chosen profession.

What can I do with a degree in Philosophy?
The focus on clear thinking and writing prepares students for a wide range of careers, including law, medicine, bioethics, finance, diplomacy, journalism, public relations and business. Philosophy students tend to score higher on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and the verbal and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) than students from other majors, and are among the highest scorers on the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). Famous philosophy majors include: Steven Colbert, Angela Davis, Carly Fiorina, Mary Higgins Clark, Carl Ichan, Bruce Lee, George Soros and David Souter. The skills developed by philosophy majors help ensure they will thrive wherever their interests take them.

At SIUE, we have a graduate student-to-faculty ratio of two-to-one, so our students receive personalized attention from faculty recognized for outstanding teaching and excellent research. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics at SIUE provides learning and research opportunities in many areas and students are exposed to various cultures from diverse faculty members in the College of Arts and Sciences.

What can I do with a degree in Mathematics?
Professionals holding positions as mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries consistently rank their careers at the top of surveys on job satisfaction and security. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook in these fields remains strong, and growth is projected at 25% over the next 10 years.