Master of Environmental StudiesGraduate Program on the Environment

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Overview of MES Program

For Prospective Students

For Current Students

MES Electives

Electives offer students the opportunity to study a specific subject in more depth than is possible in core programs.
Examples of elective courses regularly offered in the MES program are listed below. MES students may also participate in MPA electives and apply the credits earned toward their MES elective requirements. Additionally, students can take up to eight elective credits of course work consisting of internships and individual contracts. Students should consult with the director or their faculty advisor in selecting their elective courses.

The electives listed as examples below are a few of the many available. Each year's offerings change somewhat. Other electives may be offered that will address issues of current interest. Electives are taken for four credits, or quarter-hours, unless otherwise noted, and usually meet one night each week with field trips scheduled on weekends. 

Environmental Law and Policy

Environmental Policy

This elective covers environmental law and policy at the federal, state and local levels. Case law, statutory law and administrative regulations related to environmental policy are considered. Emphasis is given to political, social,
economic and environmental impact issues that lead to litigation and the reformulation of environmental policy as a result of litigation.

Salmonid Ecology

This course takes a holistic approach to studying the use of river systems by salmon and trout. Geology and hydrology have largely created and maintained natural river systems, while photosynthesizing vegetation and opportunistic salmonid life coexist in this often harsh physical setting. This course explores the use of a variety of habitats by various salmonid species in the Pacific Northwest.

View Current MES Electives in Evergreen's Evening and Weekend Studies Catalog

Other electives recently offered that may be available in the future include:

  • Conserving and Restoring Biodiversity
  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Health
  • Environmental Policy and Man
  • Fish Ecology (Complete title TBA)
  • Genetics: Principles and Applications
  • Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis
  • Hydrology
  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • The Behavior and Ecology of Pacific Salmon
  • Trade and the Environment (Complete title TBA)
  • Tribal Natural Resource Policy
  • Wetland Ecology and Management