As a holistic and integrative program, the Master of Science in Environmental Science incorporates contemporary thinking on the relationship between nature and human society and on how the relationship is influenced by such factors as local, national and global policies and structures, mode of production and others. This is an inter-College program designed to produce environmental researchers, teachers and managers.

Admission Requirements

An applicant with a bachelors degree in the biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, economics, sociology and other social sciences may be admitted to the MS EnvSci Program.

The Graduate School’s requirements for admission in UPLB apply but the School sets the grade requirements. Admission is based on the applicant’s indicated competence and potential to complete the program. A completed application form, a copy of official transcript of undergraduate (and graduate) works, two letters of recommendation, and a certificate of proficiency in English for international students are the minimum admission requirements.

UP graduates with a GWA of 2.5 or better and non-UP graduate with 2.25 or better will be qualified for regular admission. Those with GWA lower than the above will be screened based on their work experience, number of publication and evaluation of submitted essay on selected topic.

Application must be received by the UPLB Graduate School or the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) not later than January 30 for the first semester applicant and September 30 for the second semester applicant.

Course Requirements

• Core Courses (13 units)
  ENS 201 Ecosystems Structure and Dynamics (3)
  ENS 211 Systems Analysis and Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources Management (3)
  ENS 275 Contemporary Issues in Environment and Development (3)
  ENS 296 Environmental Impact Assessment: Perspectives from the Natural and Social Sciences (4)

• Graduate Seminar (ENS 299; 1 unit)
• Master’s Thesis (ENS 300; 6 units)
• Specialization Courses (12)

Minimum Number of Units Required: 32

Areas of Specialization

Environmental Planning and Management

Environmental Planning and Management as an area of specialization focuses on the following:

• environmental policy;
• environmental program planning and administration;
• environmental impact assessment;
• urban and industrial ecology;
• environmental monitoring and evaluation; and
• environmental planning approaches and methods.

Environmental Restoration

Ecosystem restoration can be a tool for protecting biological diversity on the planet; it requires the recreation of prior structure and function including ecosystem services. Areas of focus include degraded forest and agro-ecosystems management, degraded aquatic ecosystems management, mined-out area restoration, volcanic debris restoration and river-bank stabilization.

Community-Based Resource Management

In the last two to three decades of environmental management, a new paradigm of governance arose from among many developing countries: no longer was the periphery or community to be discounted in relevance but to be made a partner in decision-making, and no longer is the top-to-bottom programming to be preferred but this is to be complemented by an equally strong bottom-to-top planning. A new thinking in environment and resource management emerged: community based approaches are likely to bring about better control of resource access and use, and if done correctly, is likely to sustain sound development. Areas of focus are:

• forest resources management;
• coastal resources management;
• waste management;
• mineral resource management; and
• agricultural systems management.

Protected Areas Management

Protected areas, such as wildlife reserves, parks and nature reserves, provide economic, ecological, educational and cultural benefits. Protected areas management considers social and demographic analyses of the local populations and the present and future threats to their sustainability caused by land use changes.

Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology

This program enables students to understand the chemical nature, effects and detection of environmental problems as well as acquire basic skills in conducting water, soil and air quality analyses. Areas of focus are:

• method development on water/wastewater analysis;
• water quality monitoring and assessment;
• wastewater characterization and treatment;
• waste utilization and pollution control; and
• chemodynamics and fate of chemicals