The Master of Science in Environmental Quality Sciences prepares students to address the challenges of global environmental issues: development of alternative water and energy resources, water and soil pollution treatment, waste recycling, agricultural intensification, environmentally-sustainable pest control and plant protection, and related economics.

The multidisciplinary program is taught by academic staff from the Robert H. Smith Faculty's Environmental Quality and Natural Resources in Agriculture department and the Agricultural Research Center's Volcani Institute. The courses cover broad areas of scientific research, such as: environmental microbiology, ecology, soil and water, economics, weed control, botany and plant protection. The common denominator of these diverse fields is the goal to understand and promote processes that affect and improve the quality of the environment and nurture a sustainable agricultural environment for future generations.

The one-year program leads to a non-thesis Master of Science in Agriculture majoring in Environmental Quality Sciences. After successful completion of the first year, qualified graduates can be reviewed for admission to the thesis track for a second year of studies to earn a thesis degree, and continue for a PhD degree either in Israel or elsewhere. Upon completion of their studies, the majority of alumni return to their home countries, where they hold key positions in industry, education, academics, research, NGOs and government organizations. 

• B.Sc. degree in the sciences from a recognized university in a relevant field: agriculture, biology, chemistry, land and water resources, engineering, agricultural engineering, chemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, soil science, etc. 
• GPA of 80 or above (B- on the letter scale).
• High level of proficiency in all English skills, documented by one of the following:
  • At least 89 on the TOEFL internet-based test
  • At least 6.0 on the IELTS
  • Documentation of previous academic studies conducted in English.
• Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be academic (not from family members).
• Relevant experience is recommended but not mandatory.

Semester A

• Experimental Design and Statistical Analyses + Practice
• Scientific Writing and Presentation
• Environmental Pollution and Risk Assessment
• Water and Environment 
• Introduction to Economics of Natural Resources (Elective)
• Agricultural Micrometeoroly (Elective)
• Basic Irrigation Systems (Elective)
• Research Methods (three semesters)

Semester B

• Financing Impact and Sustainable Development
• Global Pollution Workshop
• Environmental Microbiology
• Workshop from Theory to field
• Biological Pest Control (Elective)
• Weed Management (Elective)
• Forest Management in Israel (Elective)
• Economics of Growth and Development (Elective)
• Biotechnology for Agricultural Crops (Elective)

Semester A+B+C

• Research Methods

Semester C

• Seminar

The curriculum is subject to change.

Plants and Environment Application deadlines:

• dmission with a scholarship request: December 3, 2023 - May 1, 2024
• Admission for self-funding students: December 3, 2023 - July 1, 2024

Link to registration: http://hsr.huji.ac.il  

Online registration step-by-step guide (EKMD portal)