Master of Science [M.S] [Interdisciplinary Ecology] From University of Florida

Environmental problems are fundamentally human problems and should be understood in terms of human motivations and actions in a biophysical context. Their solution requires holistic thinking about dynamic ecological systems and the social, economic, and political forces driving human action. To this end, the goal of the Interdisciplinary Ecology graduate program is to provide advanced training in ecosystems thinking and the main theories and methodologies of the biophysical and social sciences to foster integrative approaches to complex real-world problems. Interdisciplinary Ecology students are intensely interested in the sustainability problem, and they welcome the challenge of addressing it through more than one traditional discipline.The degree programs combine 1) course work in the science of ecology and additional natural and social sciences; and 2) competence in a recognized discipline in one of these fields of study. The former is achieved with a core-course and distribution requirement and the latter by extra course work for the master?s and a concentration for the doctoral degree. A thesis or dissertation provides first-hand experience creating scientific knowledge. The non-thesis master?s option provides rapid, advanced preparation for the job market in 3 to 4 semesters, without research experience. Course requirements are 36 semester hours for the thesis option, 38 hours for the non-thesis option, and 60 hours beyond the master?s degree for the doctoral degree