Skip to main content
    Back to Programs
    University of California-Merced

    Environmental Systems

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Merced, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $62,150.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    50%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    24
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced is a 24-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Merced, US. Tuition is $62,150 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program addresses interdisciplinary environmental challenges related to changing climate and resource sustainability through integrated research in science, engineering, management, economics, and policy. Focus areas include conservation and resource management, ecology evolution and biodiversity, biochemistry and environmental chemistry, sustainable energy, environmental and ecological engineering, and water resources and climate.

    Focus: research
    US News Environmental Engineering #82

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Deadlines

    Pro

    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    Standardized tests

    Pro

    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

    Sign up for 7-day free trial

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US) — STEM OPT extension may be possible if the student’s degree CIP code is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List; UC Merced explains that STEM OPT applies to qualifying STEM degrees and can extend OPT by 24 months.

    $14,712.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

    Sign in to track what you need to submit for this program.

    Sign in
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced is $62,150 across 24 required credits.
    Is Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced online or in-person?
    Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced is offered in-person.
    How long does Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced take to complete?
    Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced is structured around 2 years and 24 credits.
    What GPA is required for Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 (B)
    Is Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Environmental Systems at University of California-Merced is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.