How to Apply

Below are the requirements to be considered eligible for the program:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) of study. Students with lower GPAs may be considered, but cannot be admitted directly to the program.
  • The degree need not be in the sciences or education, provided the other requirements for admission are met.
  • If you are still in the process of completing your degree, you may still apply and be provisionally accepted under the condition that you complete your degree before your first classes begin at SOU.
• 18 quarter hours (12 semester hours) of natural history course work. A year of introductory biology and 2-3 additional courses in natural history or ecology is preferred.
  • Non-traditional preparation may be considered by the EE Admissions Committee. If asking for a portion of the required pre-requisite course work to be waived, a statement should accompany the application outlining the experiences that the applicant wishes the Committee to consider. The intent is to assure the Committee that the applicant is prepared to succeed in graduate-level courses in biology.
  • Students may apply for post-baccalaureate status and enroll in a total of 12 graduate credits pre-approved by the Coordinator of the Environmental Education Program. Upon receiving a grade of “B” or better in each course, students may apply for change of status leading to full admission into the program.
    Note: Admission to take graduate course work at SOU as a post-baccalaureate student does not constitute admission to the Master’s Degree Program. A maximum of 12 post-baccalaureate credits may be applied to the graduate program.

Transfer Credits

• A maximum of 15 hours of graduate course work (at SOU or other institutions) completed prior to full admission to a SOU Masters Degree Program may be transferred into the program with the permission of the Program Director.

Below are the materials required for an application to the Master of Science in Environmental Education program:

• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Official GRE scores (SOU code R4702).
  • Scores about the 50th percentile or better are desired.
• Three letters of recommendation.
  • This should include at least one from a professor who can testify to your academic potential.
  • Note: Letters must be received directly from the references, not the applicant.
• A completed Environmental Education essay.
  • Write a one to two page statement of purpose explaining why you have decided to pursue the Environmental Education graduate program at Southern Oregon University.
  • Your statement should include information on your background in this field or related fields, as well as any short or long-term career goals you have related to obtaining this degree.
• A Resume or Curriculum vitae.

If you are an international student, you will need to submit the following additional materials to Admissions:

• Official TOEFL scores.
  • If you are from a native English-speaking country, you may be exempt. Check SOU’s International Students English Language Proficiency Requirements.
  • The minimum score requirement for each test is as follows:
    • IBT – 76
    • CBT – 207
    • PBT – 540
• A scanned copy of your university diploma.

To be given consideration for a graduate assistantship or dual enrollment in the EE/MAT programs, all materials must be received by the January deadline.

Otherwise, all materials must be received by the April deadline to be considered for admission in the upcoming year.

Please fill out the following applications:

1. SOU Graduate Online Application (online submission)
   (Please apply for Summer Enrollment)
2. Environmental Education Application (email to seec@sou.edu)

Please have the following materials sent to Admissions:

1. Official copies of transcripts from all institutions from which credits were attained
2. Official GRE scores forwarded to school (SOU code: R4702)

To:

Admissions
1250 Siskiyou Blvd
Ashland, OR 97520
(541) 552-6411

In addition, please mail or email the following materials to the Environmental Education Office:

(GRE scores and transcripts do not need to be included in the EE Application sent directly to the Environmental Education Office)

1. Three letters of recommendation, addressed to Dr. Arielle Halpern
   (Must be received from references, not applicant)
2. An Environmental Education Essay
3. A copy of your Resume or Curriculum vitae
4. A Graduate Assistantship Essay*

*A Graduate Assistantship Essay is required for those wishing to be considered for a graduate assistantship position.

To:

The Environmental Education Office OR seec@sou.edu
S.T.E.M. Division
1250 Siskiyou Blvd
Ashland, OR 97520

For applicants also applying for the Master of Arts in Teaching dual enrollment option, the program requirements can be found under the additional application requirements on the MAT Option page.

Please mail the following materials to the School of Education:

1. Dual Environmental Education-Teacher Licensure Supplemental Application 
2. Two teaching letters of recommendation (included in the application above)

To:

Applications Coordinator
School of Education
Southern Oregon University
1250 Siskiyou Blvd
Ashland, OR 97520