UMass Boston

Thesis Track
Non-Thesis Track

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

Letters of Recommendation: 2
Other: Faculty advisor commitment, 3.0 undergraduate GPA

Thesis Track
Non-Thesis Track

Deadlines: January 15 for fall, October 15 for spring

Program Requirements

Complete 30 credits from at least nine courses including two core courses, one skills course, one ethics course, one School for the Environment seminar, one capstone course, and nine to ten credits of electives.

Capstone: Complete a project as part of ENVSCI 698.

Minimum grade: No courses with a grade below B may be applied toward the program. Students who earn a B- in two courses will be considered no longer in good standing and may be dismissed from the program. Students who receive a grade below C in any graduate course will be dismissed from the program.
Grading basis: Courses must be taken graded unless the course is only offered on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required from all courses applied toward the program.
Residency: Graduate course credits earned at another institution, as a non-degree student, or in another department may only be applied to the program with approval from the thesis/project advisor and graduate program director.
Course level: No more than one course taken at UMass Boston at the 300/400-level may be applied toward the program with approval of the thesis/project advisor and graduate program director.
Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Please refer to Cost & Aid - Graduate Students for more information.

For additional information regarding tuition and fees, please visit the Bursar’s Office or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu.

1. Should I contact faculty members directly?

Yes, reach out and talk to faculty whose research interests you.  To be accepted in the program you need a faculty advisor.

2. Is there a separate application I need to fill out to be considered for a teaching assistantship?

No, your general application is all that is required.

3. I'm applying for a master's degree, can I still get a teaching assistantship?

Possibly, preference is given to doctoral students.

4. Can I start my graduate degree in the spring semester?

Yes, however, most students start in the fall semester.  

5. Can I get an application fee waiver?

In special situations this is possible, please contact the graduate program director directly and discuss your situation.

Should you need further assistance please refer to the link below or contact Graduate Program Director Michael Tlusty at michael.tlusty@umb.edu