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    University of California-Santa Barbara

    Master of Environmental Science and Management

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Barbara, USMESMIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $78,636.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    51%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    85
    Cohort
    students
    76
    Credits
    $120.00
    App fee

    Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara is a 76-credit, 2-year, in-person MESM program based in Santa Barbara, US. Tuition is $78,636 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Two-year professional program with core courses in environmental science, economics, policy, and law, specialization electives, and a master's group project or eco-entrepreneurship project addressing real-world environmental problems.

    Focus: both

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min The University requires a minimum score of 4.0 (For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026) or 80 (For exams taken before January 21, 2026) for the TOEFL exam
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7.0 overall band score (University minimum, but Bren School expects significantly higher)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $22,000.00
    Annual living cost

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    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 Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara is $78,636 across 76 required credits.
    Is Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara online or in-person?
    Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara take to complete?
    Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara is structured around 2 years and 76 credits.
    Is Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    How competitive is Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara?
    Master of Environmental Science and Management at University of California-Santa Barbara reports an acceptance rate of approximately 51%.