The objective of the Environmental Chemistry Area of Specialization (AOS) is to train scientists to apply basic chemical principles to the study of the environmental behaviors of natural and anthropogenic chemicals. Environmental chemistry includes interdisciplinary studies which integrate across subjects such as geochemistry, analytical chemistry, transport processes, and toxicology to determine the cycling and impact of chemicals in the natural environment. Excellent research facilities equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation are available at several of our campuses, including dedicated environmental chemistry laboratories at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (CBL) in Solomons, Maryland.

As both the Masters and Ph.D. are research-oriented programs, emphasis is placed on learning and applying the scientific method, employing strong quantitative approaches, and developing effective scientific writing skills. Students graduating from MEES through this AOS will find professional positions in Federal,state, and local government agencies (such as EPA, FDA, NIH), private chemical and manufacturing industries, academic institutions, and consulting firms.

Prerequisites:

A Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences or engineering, including a grade of C or better in the following courses:
1. Two semesters of Calculus
2. Two semesters of Physics
3. Two semesters of General Chemistry
4. Two semesters of Biology
5. Two semesters of Organic or other Advanced Chemistry (e.g., Biochemistry)

Core Courses and Other Requirements - 2004 or later entrants (M.S. and Ph.D.):

1. One fundamental and one advanced course in Environmental Chemistry or Geochemistry (one 400-600 level, one 600-700 level, 3-4 credits)
2. One course in Physical Transport Processes (600 level 3-4 credits)
3. One course in Aquatic Toxicology/Ecology (600 level 3-4 credits)
4. One 400 or 600 level course from one of the other MEES AOSs (from an approved list)
5. One course or seminar in Environmental Management, Policy, Ethics, or Philosophy of Science (a 3-4 credit course can satisfy item 4) (400 or 600 level)
6. A course in Statistics/Applied Mathematics (600 level for the Ph.D., 400 level for the M.S.)
7. One graduate level seminar for each year in residence (on average) up to cap
8. One or more courses in Physical Chemistry are strongly encouraged (2-4 credits each)
9. Courses in Experimental Design and Analysis and in Scientific Writing are also recommended

Core Courses and Other Requirements - prior to 2004 (M.S. and Ph.D.):

1. One course in Environmental Chemistry or Geochemistry (400 or 600 level, 3-4 credits)
2. One course in Physical Transport Processes (400 or 600 level 3-4 credits)
3. One course in Aquatic Toxicology/Ecology (400 or 600 level 3-4 credits)
4. One 400 or 600 level course from one of the other MEES AOSs (from an approved list)
5. One course or seminar in Environmental Management (a 3-4 credit course can satisfy item 4) (400 or 600 level)
6. A course in Statistics/Biostatistics (600 level for the Ph.D., 400 level for the M.S.)
7. One graduate level seminar for each year in residence (on average)
8. One or more courses in Physical Chemistry are strongly encouraged (2-4 credits each)
9. Courses in Experimental Design and Analysis and in Scientific Writing are also recommended