Admission to the MES Program requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Students with any major are encouraged to apply, but must have a sufficient background in the natural sciences. Students focusing on Environmental Science will want to have an undergraduate major or extensive coursework in one of the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering disciplines. Students specializing in Environmental Policy will have undergraduate coursework in political or policy science. Other minimum admissions requirements are listed below. Some applicants may not satisfy all requirements.  Every effort will be made to accommodate such applicants through preparatory classes at the College of Charleston. Exceptions can be made on an individual basis, depending on a candidate's background or experience.

Minimum Requirements

1.  An overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

2.  The Graduate Record Examination General Test (GRE) is required for admissions. A combined score of at least 1100 on the quantitative and verbal sections, and of at least 4 (out of 6) on the writing assessment section, is required. GRE scores submitted must have been earned within the previous five years. Applicants with older GRE scores may be required to retake the exam.

3.  Before starting the MES Program, each student must have completed the following coursework at the undergraduate level:

• One academic year (two semesters with labs) of either Biology or Chemistry
• One academic year (two semesters with labs) of Biology or Chemistry (whichever one has not already been taken), or another physical or natural science

Also, as a prerequisite to the core course EVSS 659: Environmental Statistics (offered in the Spring), students must either take MATH 250: Statistical Methods I (an undergraduate course offered by the College of Charleston) or an equivalent college level statistics course OR pass the MES entrance exam in Statistics. More information can be found on the Statistics Prerequisites page.

To be considered for admission, students must complete an MES application packet. This packet must include:

• The Graduate School Application
• Official Transcripts (sent directly from the institution to the Graduate School)
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Official Scores from the GRE
• Written Statement of Goals in Essay Format (approximately one page)
• Official Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (if applicable)
• $35.00 Application Fee when applying online at www.cofc.edu/gradschool

Applications are due

• November 1, 2007 for Spring 2008
• April 1, 2008 for Summer 2008 and Fall 2008

Prospective students may apply online through the Graduate School at the College of Charleston. For more information, please fill out the online request form or contact  Mark McConnel at the address below.

Mark McConnel, Program Coordinator
MES Program
The College of Charleston
66 George Street
Charleston, SC 29424

Phone: (843) 953-2000
Fax: (843) 953-2001
E-mail: mcconnelm@cofc.edu