Program: Environmental Risk Analysis (MS) - University of Southern California

Apr 01, 2025

USC Catalogue 2019-2020

The focus of the MS, Environmental Risk Analysis degree is on advanced training for students with an existing science background. Students will enter the MS program with a BS degree in a core natural science field or in engineering, environmental science and certain fields of geography. Students take a core curriculum in science, engineering and finance, which is supplemented by important tools courses in risk assessment, statistics and computer modeling. Students learn about the basics of environmental science in a two-semester combination of courses and seminars (ENST 501 , ENST 502 , ENST 503 , ENST 504 ). An advanced environmental science seminar (ENST 505a , ENST 505b ) is offered in a two-semester sequence and ties together science, technology and finance with risk assessment and policy. The first semester of the course is devoted to analyzing case studies taken from business, industry and government. During the second semester students work on a project that employs the tools they have acquired in linking science, policy, technology and finance.

A master’s thesis is not required for the MS degree. The MS degree in environmental risk analysis will give students the quantitative skills needed to understand and assess environmental risks and to use that information in business, industry, government and society.

Required Courses

A minimum of 48 units is required.

Environmental Risk Analysis

ENST 530 Environmental Risk Analysis Units: 4

Environmental Science

ENST 501 Environmental Science I Units: 2 *
ENST 502 Environmental Science Seminar I Units: 1
ENST 503 Environmental Science II Units: 2
ENST 504 Environmental Science Seminar II Units: 1
ENST 505a Advanced Environmental Science Seminar Units: 2
ENST 505b Advanced Environmental Science Seminar Units: 2

Note:

*ENST 502 and ENST 504 are corequisites for ENST 501 and ENST 503 , respectively, and ENST 501 is a prerequisite for ENST 503 .

Natural Science

One graduate-level science course from outside undergraduate major and two graduate-level science courses

Finance

GSBA 510 Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting Units: 1.5, 2, 3
GSBA 543 Managerial Perspectives Units: 3 or
MOR 569 Negotiation and Deal-Making Units: 3
GSBA 548 Corporate Finance Units: 2, 3

Technical Skills

ENST 510 Statistics for Environmental Analysis Units: 4
One modeling course
Two technology/engineering courses

Additional Requirements

Admission Requirements

Students who wish to enter the Master of Science program in environmental risk analysis are expected to have a GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). Students with a baccalaureate degree in the natural sciences, mathematics, environmental science, geography and engineering will be admitted into the program. It is recommended that students have completed an introductory human environment, social ecology or environmental studies course in the social sciences as well as a course in economics and/or environmental policy. The director of the Environmental Studies Program will consider relevant course work and work experience as a possible substitute for the required and recommended course work.

Selection Criteria

Selection for graduate study is based on letters of reference, the student’s previous academic record, the Graduate Record Examinations and a statement of purpose of graduate study.

Application Procedure

Applicants should contact the Environmental Studies Program office for an admission package. All applicants should return their applications by March 1 for full consideration. The following components of the application are required: (1) a completed USC Application for Admission to Graduate Studies; (2) official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work taken to date; (3) the results of the General Test of the GRE or notification of when it will be taken and that a request has been made to send the results to USC; and (4) at least three letters of recommendation from persons directly familiar with the student’s academic work and potential for successful graduate study.

Advisement

Advisement for the graduate program in environmental studies is viewed as an ongoing process. Before entering graduate school and during the first months of graduate school, each student should work with the director of the Environmental Studies Program on devising a plan for completing his or her course work.

Degree Requirements

The master’s degree in environmental risk analysis is under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.