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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
IS A SPECIFIC UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIRED?
The
Institute of Environmental Sciences purposely recruits students from a
variety of different backgrounds, experiences and fields of study; so
there is no specific undergraduate major or degree requirement. We do
expect, however, that applicants have a bachelor's degree from an
accredited institution and a demonstrated interest in environmental
issues. An undergraduate-level course in ecology is required of all students,
but this can be taken at Miami if you haven't had it yet.
IS THE GRE TEST REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?
No!
GRE test scores are not required of applicants. Your undergraduate
academic record, letters of recommendation, work or volunteer experience
and statement of purpose are the factors used to make admission decisions.
Considerable emphasis is placed on your written statement of goals and
expectations for the program. Test scores may be submitted if they more
fully demonstrate capability for graduate level study, especially if
undergraduate grades are weak.
WHAT IS YOUR APPLICATION DEADLINE?
Students can apply at any time. There is no specific deadline for applications. However, we will begin reviewing applications and accepting students for the next academic year beginning January 20. We will continue accepting students until the class is filled; so it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible.
WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID?
It
is the goal of IES that every student who is admitted to the program and
wants to attend be able to do so. IES does award a limited number of graduate
teaching and research assistantships each year, and we are constantly
searching for new assistantship opportunities in departments all over
campus. In addition IES has two research-funded assistantships - as manager of the atmospheric monitoring station and another as a county stream monitor. A majority of our students receive some form of financial aid, but
this cannot be guaranteed. We therefore encourage students to apply for federal financial
aid, as well as any local, state or federal scholarships and fellowships
for which you may be eligible.
HOW CAN I BEST PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE PROGRAM, ONCE I'VE DECIDED TO
ATTEND?
There
is nothing you are specifically required to do, but there are several
things that could help you get into the right frame of mind. Read a major
metropolitan daily newspaper if you don't already. Inform yourself about
current national, international and local environmental issues. Think
about different "sides" of the issues and consider who supports
them and why. Read some of the classic literature on environmental issues
such as A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, Biodiversity by E.O. Wilson
or Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Walk through a park or natural area
near you and just observe.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FINISH THE DEGREE?
The
length of time required to complete the M.En. degree varies somewhat with
your background and your area of study at IES. Generally speaking,
however, most students complete the coursework within two full years of
academic study. The core classes are
completed in two semesters, and area
of concentration courses are completed in an additional 1-4 semesters.
Completion of the research
requirement may take an additional six months, depending on the option
chosen (practicum, internship or thesis).
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GO ON TO A Ph.D. PROGRAM AFTER COMPLETION OF THE M.En.
DEGREE AT IES?
Yes!
It is definitely possible to continue study at the Ph.D. level. A number
of our graduates (ca. 15%) have gone on to study in such fields as botany,
chemistry, environmental science/engineering, geography, technical
writing/communication and zoology.
HOW CAN I FIND A GRADUATE OF IES, WITH WHOM I CAN TALK ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
See
the profiles of IES graduates for an
introduction to several of our grads. If you would like further
information about graduates who live in your area or names of people you
may contact, complete the request for further
information form.
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