The Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Management (MSENS) at AUS is designed to develop the next generation of leaders equipped to address complex environmental challenges.
This interdisciplinary program is offered by the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences (BCE), in collaboration with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (MTH).
The curriculum integrates environmental science, sustainability policy, resource management, data analysis, GIS and remote sensing, and applied tools for sustainability assessments and decision-making. Beyond the classroom, students develop the managerial and analytical skills needed to evaluate environmental systems, design sustainable solutions and guide evidence-based policy and planning. These opportunities are further enhanced through hands-on research, fieldwork and applied projects in collaboration with industry, government and NGOs.
In addition to preparing students for careers in government, industry and non-governmental organizations, the program also provides a strong foundation for those seeking further academic advancement in environmental sciences and sustainability-related research.
Our program offers you the flexibility to choose one of two paths, both 30 credit hours in total:
AUS offers graduate students research and teaching assistantships awarded on a competitive basis. This offers not only financial assistance but also hands-on experience in teaching and research helpful to students interested in pursuing a career in academia. In addition, the program offers flexible study arrangements, including part-time options, available for busy professionals.
For more information contact [email protected].
The mission of the MSENS program is to prepare future leaders with the scientific knowledge, technical expertise and management skills needed to address the environmental sustainability challenges of the UAE, the Gulf region and the global community. The program equips students to integrate ecological understanding, sustainability management, policy analysis and advanced data science into effective solutions that promote climate resilience, responsible resource use and sustainable development.
Graduates of the AUS MSENS program will be prepared to:
Upon graduation, an AUS MSENS graduate should demonstrate the ability to:
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the university’s general graduate admission requirements, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry or a related natural science field from an independently accredited university recognized by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and AUS. Applicants from other disciplines may be considered if they demonstrate sufficient preparation in scientific principles relevant to environmental research and management.
For more information on application procedures and deadlines, please click here.
Degree Requirements
To qualify for graduation with a Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Management (MSENS), students must successfully complete the following requirements.
Program Pathways (30 credit hours total)
The MSENS curriculum is designed for flexibility, requiring the successful completion of 30 credit hours. Students may select one of two pathways:
Course-Based Option: 12 core credit hours and 18 elective credit hours
Thesis Option: 12 core credit hours, 12 elective credit hours and 6 credit hours of research thesis
All students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Required Core Courses (12 credit hours)
All students must complete all required courses for a total of 12 credit hours:
Students choosing the thesis option must complete:
ENS 699 Master’s Thesis (6 credit hours)
Elective Courses (12 or 18 credit hours)
Students must complete a minimum of four elective courses (for a minimum of 12 credit hours in the thesis option and 18 credit hours in course option), selected from the following list:
With approval of the advisor, program coordinator, and Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs, up to two graduate courses may be taken from outside the program if they support the program learning outcomes.
Master’s Thesis
Students in the thesis option must complete a substantial independent research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense before an examining committee.
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