Environmental Sciences Program Overview

Environmental sciences are central to the economy of the Pacific Northwest and to the mission of Oregon State University (OSU). The countries of the Pacific Rim are anticipated to generate more than $600 billion in environmental risk assessment, monitoring, and ecotoxicology services over the next few decades.

Recognized as a Land, Forestry, Sea, and Space Grant institution, OSU has exceptional strengths in many of the disciplines needed to provide high-quality interdisciplinary education and satisfy the growing demand for trained environmental professionals. In addition, several federal research laboratories are located in the Corvallis region, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

This Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Program at OSU was created with the help of professional affiliates employed in leadership roles in industry and agencies concerned with the environment. Special training in business management, communications, and ethics complement core science curriculum, and students are required to complete an internship in lieu of thesis research. Associated Oregon Industries (AOI) was founded in 1895 as a nonprofit statewide business advocate and today represents over 20,000 companies. The Executive Committee of the Environmental Industries Section of AOI, as well as other agencies, have and will continue to provide significant input into the development of this PSM program.

Graduates of the Environmental Sciences PSM Program are well-qualified for a variety of employment opportunities in this field.