Admissions | Professional Science Masters

PSM students will complete two graduate certificates in environmentally related areas and complete a project or internship, gaining applied knowledge in the discipline of professional management and practices.

Thinking of applying to graduate school? Read our FAQ to learn more about our programs, application process, and the experience of graduate school.

PSM applicants do not need to pre-identify an advisor to matriculate into the program. However, applicants to the program are expected to contact the PSM Coordinator to express their interest and discuss the requirements. All PSM students will identify a project or internship advisor after some of their graduate certificate coursework is completed and in consultation with the PSM Coordinator. Most PSM students are expected to be self-supported.

Application Materials

Below is the list of the information and materials you will need to provide as part of your application. We recommend preparing these materials in advance of submitting your application.

• Current CV
• Statement of Purpose: In no more than 1,100 words, describe the following:
  • The academic and professional experiences that have prepared you for graduate school. (We recognize that many types of experiences can contribute to an applicant's readiness for graduate study, and encourage you to make clear connections between your relevant prior experiences and your intended next steps.)
  • The two graduate certificates you plan to seek, addressing how you plan to complete any prerequisite coursework you need to complete to be accepted into the graduate certificate programs. Please discuss if you are already enrolled in a graduate certificate program, or have completed one already.
  • The types of internships or projects for which you would most like to gain experience
  • Your career goals for the next 5-10 years
  • Any contributions you would make to diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental science and management
  • Please be as specific as possible, avoiding vague/universal statements (such as descriptions of your broad desire to learn environmental science and/or management). Note that the statement of purpose is also an opportunity to provide relevant context for any areas of weakness in your application (e.g., a low undergraduate GPA due to working multiple jobs).
• References: Submit contact information for at least three individuals who qualified to assess your promise as a grad student. Portland State University will contact your references and provide them with instructions for submitting recommendation forms.
• Copies of transcripts from each college or university attended
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

Contact

If you have questions regarding the online application, please contact the Environmental Science & Management department at 503-725-4982 or esmoffice@pdx.edu. You may also contact Graduate Admissions at 503-725-8410 or gradschool@pdx.edu.

If you have questions regarding general program information, please contact the ESM department chair, Dr. Max Nielsen-Pincus, at maxnp@pdx.edu.

For more information regarding international student admissions, please visit International Student Services.