Program Breakdown
Social Sciences versus Desert Ecology (Natural Science) Track
The Environmental Studies program offers students two tracks: a natural science track, with a strong theoretical and practical grounding in the scientific aspects of dryland ecology, and a social sciences track, with a focus on sustainable human presence and impact in drylands.
At the same time it provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary topics and skill sets required to address the environmental challenges faced by urban and rural communities, especially in fragile arid and semi-arid zones.
Students who successfully complete ecology specialization requirements will receive a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Desert Studies. Students who successfully complete the social sciences requirements will be awarded a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in Desert Studies.
For specific course requirements for the two tracks please see Requirements and Guidelines.
Master's Program Breakdown
The degree requires acquisition of 50 credits over four academic semesters and preparation of a thesis based on the student's independent research project under the guidance of a faculty member from Ben-Gurion University. After a short orientation at the Sede Boqer Campus, students spend the first two semesters in residence at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, completing a core curriculum of courses in environmental studies.
Students are required to select an advisor and choose a general topic before starting their studies. By the end of the first semester, students are expected to have a graduate committee. By the end of the ninth month of studies students must submit their research proposal for approval. The duration of the program is spent collecting data and advancing the thesis research while completing the program's course requirements. The third and fourth semesters are typically spent in residence at the Sede Boqer Campus, taking courses in desert studies relevant to the student's thesis. By the end of the second year, students are expected to complete and submit their thesis.
Language: The academic program is predominantly taught in English, although students are permitted to take graduate or advanced courses in Hebrew at Ben-Gurion University in accordance with the recommendations of their advisors.
For application information please click here.