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Our students come from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds, and institutions around the U.S. and abroad. Our current students have degrees spanning Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Natural Resources, Biochemistry, Philosophy, Agricultural Mechanization and Business, English, and many others.

Fast Facts

• The EVSS Program originated in 1996 and, as of Fall 2023, has over 600 graduates
• 77 current students, 22 of which are concurrent students who will receive a degree from the EVSS Program and the MPA Program
• Fall 2022 cohort size: 18
• Average cohort size: 21
  
• Average class size: 10
  
• Currently, 65% of our students are female and 35% are male
• 90% of our students are considered full-time (taking 6+ credit hours) and 10% are considered part-time
• 95% of our students receive some sort of funding
• Program length: 2 years for full-time EVSS students (pending no research delays), 3 years for full-time EVSS/MPA students.
• The top 3 reasons our students choose to pursue a master of science degree in Environmental Studies:
  • To develop a career in Environmental Studies
  • To increase professional competence
  • Greater ability to find a job
• The top 3 reasons our students choose the MES Program at the College of Charleston:
  • Location
  • Curriculum
  • Research opportunities
• EVSS alumni can be found working in the Charleston area and across the country in prominent positions of policy, science, and education.
• Want to know what our current students are working on? Check out our current student directory!

Full-Time Student Timeline

Our full-time EVSS students follow this general timeline to graduate in 2 years (4 semesters):

Specializations within the EVSS Program

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the EVSS Program, our students can choose elective courses and thesis or internship projects that allow them to specialize in a specific aspect of environmental studies. Our students work with their Academic Advisor and EVSS staff to successfully develop a Program of Study that closely aligns with their research and job aspirations, enabling students to get the most out of their graduate degree as possible. Current students in the EVSS program are focusing on topics such as planetary science, fisheries conservation, environmental education assessment, sustainable agriculture, and more.