Looking for Masters Environmental Restoration Program

I have my BSCE and I'm interested in finding a Masters program for "environmental restoration". ....Ideally it would be part engineering and part "bird and bunny" stuff.

I've done a little internet researching but haven't come up with much.

If anyone knows of any programs with this focus, I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

Thanks,

DK

A few questions:

1. Are you looking for an M.S. in Engineering or would a M.S. in a 'purely science' discipline suffice? I found that many engineering degrees are locked into core elements of the discipline. When I wanted to develop a better background at modeling groundwater fate and transport of organic contaminants, I ended up going to the Geology Department (actually Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute). As long as you are flexible with your requirement, that should broaden your oppurtunities.

2. Are you looking for online education? If so, try checking out Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS). The website to the university I have pursued my M.S. at, in part through FEEDS, is FSU-FAMU College of Engineering FEEDS Page

3. When you say restoration, what do you really mean? There are MANY courses offered in Urban & Regional Planning that align more closely towards restoration in the sense of rehabilitation like Brownsfield. There are other Departments that may offer other aspects based on your area of interest.

If you provide some answers, I may be able to provide better direction.

JR

Not to hijack your thread dk, but jr, did you ever wrap up your thesis? I know what you are going through in terms of getting it done, but man, it feels good when you finally finish.

Good luck,

ktulu

ktulu --

I switched topics and advisors so I could 'fast-track it' for an early fall completion date. The plan is to finish up the review draft by summer's end and defend very, very early in the fall.

I am on my way to being there :thumbs: hmy: It will definitely feel righteous once it is complete Thanks for asking.

JR

Answers:

1. I'm leaning towards an MS in engineering but wouldn't be opposed to getting it on the science side.

2. I'm open to any program, online or brick and mortar. I'll check out your link.

3. I have focused on "environmental managment and environmental restoration" type projects (i.e., water level managment structures for duck habitat, planting trees in previous agricultural areas, deep water over-wintering habitat for fish, structures to allow DNR to combat invasive plant species, fish passages, erosion control, restoring natural areas to pre-flood conditions, re-establishing wetlands, creating new wetlands, protecting islands, etc, etc.). I'm looking to be a "specialist" in this area.

THanks,

DK

jregieng said:

A few questions:
1. Are you looking for an M.S. in Engineering or would a M.S. in a 'purely science' discipline suffice? I found that many engineering degrees are locked into core elements of the discipline. When I wanted to develop a better background at modeling groundwater fate and transport of organic contaminants, I ended up going to the Geology Department (actually Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute). As long as you are flexible with your requirement, that should broaden your oppurtunities.

2. Are you looking for online education? If so, try checking out Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS). The website to the university I have pursued my M.S. at, in part through FEEDS, is FSU-FAMU College of Engineering FEEDS Page

3. When you say restoration, what do you really mean? There are MANY courses offered in Urban & Regional Planning that align more closely towards restoration in the sense of rehabilitation like Brownsfield. There are other Departments that may offer other aspects based on your area of interest.

If you provide some answers, I may be able to provide better direction.

JR

Click to expand...

dkent --

Based on your responses, the University of Florida sponsors an Interdisciplinary Program based on Wetlands Ecology/Restoration through the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences (Department Home Page).

Excellent, challenging degree program. Great balance of theoretical and practical classes. Lots of oppurtunities to expand your education and interest based on your expressed interest. Also, this degree program offers an affordable education. Not to mention LOTS of hot chics !!!!

I am an alum for the Env Eng BS program and took some of my coursework through the Center for Wetlands at UF. I wanted to do my M.S. at UF but had to look for a job after six straight years of school. hmy: My education has served me well - placed me heads and shoulders above many of my colleagues, especially when it comes to analyzing pollutant conditions/sources/indicators for natural and manmade ecological systems.

The link for information is Howard T. Odum Center for Wetlands

If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to PM me.

Regards,

JR

I was reading my Department's Employee newsletter and there is apparently a new program at the University of Florida called the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Looks like they have courses, scholarships/fellowships, and even job opps :bio:

You can access the website at Florida Master Naturalist Program

JR

I think you are looking for a Master Degree in Agricultural/Biosystem Engineering specializing in the Environmental option. With that you can take some classes in other departments such agronomy, entomology, and horticulture (forests/plants) that you can tie in with your engineering specialty.

Also a class in Quantitative Biology for Engineers would be helpful as well.

There are many good jobs for this sort of specialty with groups such as Ducks Unlimited.

Ohio State has a program

http://streams.osu.edu/

Thanks jregieng, et al ! This is just the info I was looking for.

DK

Slugger926 said:

I think you are looking for a Master Degree in Agricultural/Biosystem Engineering specializing in the Environmental option. With that you can take some classes in other departments such agronomy, entomology, and horticulture (forests/plants) that you can tie in with your engineering specialty.

Click to expand...

Agreed - I got a master's in envl engineering and it's hardcore water, wastewater, air, groundwater, modeling, etc. rather than the more biological/ecological angle the original poster seems interested in.

^^ Yeah, but I think the "hardcore" MS in Environmental Engineering would be a more valuable degree, and would not be a negative in trying to get the kinds of work you are looking for, provided you can add some of the specialty coursework in the field you are interested in. If you go for a more specialized MS, it may give you a slight competitive edge in going after one of those jobs, but it will certainly not work in your favor if and when the time comes that you decide to move into something else, like private practice.