Environmental science is the study of the interactions between the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere with emphasis on the degradation of the environment as a consequence of human activity and its impact on biodiversity and sustainability. It is an inherently interdisciplinary field that draws knowledge from the natural and social sciences as well as law. Based on this fact our graduate degree program is designed on the following fundamental guiding principles:  

1. Environmental problems and issues facing society are by nature complex. Studying and developing solutions and policies to address and prevent such problems through a sound and rigorous interdisciplinary approach.
2. Provide strong problem-solving skills that take into account the complexity of the problem or issue (i.e., science, politics, technology constraints, economics, and other societal issues).
3. Provide a strong grounding in a particular area of environmental science (e.g., applied ecology, environmental chemistry, risk assessment, water resources, or a specialization tailored to the student's needs) along with some exposure to the wide range of disciplines or fields of study that intersect in addressing most environmental problems.
4. To recruit students with diverse backgrounds within the State of Missouri, nationally, and internationally who are qualified to study Environmental Science at the Masters level.
5. To provide students with quantitative and analytical skills that can be applied to a wide spectrum of environmental issues.
6. To equip students with problem solving skills and the ability to anticipate them.
7. To prepare students enrolled in the program in their pursuit of employment in environmental science fields.