environmental science phd degree

• Academic Programs
• Doctoral Program
• Doctor of Philosophy — PhD

The doctoral program cultivates scholars who are equipped to understand and develop solutions to complex environmental challenges.

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Program overview.

Doctoral students work with the school’s world-renowned faculty to collaboratively design cutting-edge research projects that engage them in scientific discovery, policy, public discourse, and action.  The five-year program is fully funded and independent of any faculty research grants, allowing doctoral students the intellectual freedom to explore the environmental issues that most inspire them. Students also have access to a broad array of resources across Yale University and its professional and graduate schools, including its faculty and library system.  Graduates complete the doctoral program having gained disciplinary depth and strong leadership skills that enable success in any career path — academic, government research, policy, nonprofits, and the private sector.

Doctoral students at YSE receive five years of guaranteed funding, independent of any faculty research grants, allowing doctoral students the intellectual freedom to explore the environmental issues that most inspire them.

Doctoral Program Handbook

Combined Doctoral Degree Programs

Combined PhD — Yale Anthropology Combined PhD — New York Botanical Garden

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Philosophy — PhD

Program Duration

Required credit hours, additional program options.

• Combined PhD — Yale Anthropology
• Combined PhD — NY Botanical Garden

Why YSE Doctoral Programs?

Research Independence and Funding

Doctoral students at YSE receive five years of guaranteed funding , independent of any faculty research grants, allowing doctoral students the intellectual freedom to explore the environmental issues that most inspire them.

• Current Dissertation Titles
• Funding Information

Acclaimed Faculty

Working closely with some of the top experts in their fields is one of the advantages of a YSE doctoral degree. Our faculty are committed to mentoring the next generation of environmental leaders to tackle the world’s most urgent problems.

• YSE Faculty

Student and Alumni Spotlights

Tracking Environmental and Infrastructure Damage in Ukraine

As co-leader of Black Marble, NASA’s light dataset, Eleanor Stokes '18 PhD is currently tracking the effects of Russian military strikes on Ukraine’s infrastructure and climate-induced natural disasters across the world. NASA’s Black Marble science team, which uses data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite aboard NASA’s Suomi NPP satellite spacecraft  to map  disaster impacts in vulnerable communities , was awarded the 2020 NASA Group Achievement Award for helping realize the vision of the  NASA-ESA-JAXA COVID dashboard  and enabling international partnership in a time of need.  “Humanity is facing major global risks from extreme weather and rising sea levels,” Stokes says. “It’s very important to have a satellite record that can speak to the human piece of the puzzle.

Redefining Human-Wildlife Conflict

In the Tibetan Plateau, Yufang Gao ’14 MESc, ’23 PhD interviews, observes, and travels with Tibetan herders and Buddhist monks. He sets up camera traps and collects scat to analyze the diet of snow leopards. And he has hiked a mountainside 15,000 feet above sea level — all in pursuit of data for his dissertation focused on the quest for harmonious coexistence between people and large carnivores. What is needed for human-wildlife coexistence is a different perspective about conflict, Gao says. “Conflict,” he has found, “is part of coexistence.”

• Master of Environmental Science - MESc

Tracking Forest Inventory

Richard Guldin ’76 MFS, ’79 PhD  has helped reinvent the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program by integrating new sampling designs, field procedures, and innovative software to create an annual inventory that has become a global model. His work earned him the Society of American Foresters’ Sir William Schlich Award.

• Master of Forest Science — MFS

Contact the Doctoral Program

Elisabeth Barsa is the contact for students interested in the YSE doctoral program.

Elisabeth Barsa

Doctoral Program Coordinator

Admissions and Funding Information

Our doctoral program offers scholars from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to pursue a highly individualized area of inquiry under the mentorship of a YSE faculty member. The research conducted by YSE PhD candidates spans global and disciplinary boundaries — and what’s more, it is fully funded.

Doctoral students at YSE receive 5 years of guaranteed funding. Funding packages consist of a stipend , full tuition coverage, and health insurance. For more information on funding and benefits for doctoral students at Yale, visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' stipend payments and financial support pages.

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Phd in environmental sciences, ormanmorton081.jpg.

Students must complete at least 108 graduate credits from the following areas:

• Environmental Sciences Core Courses, 6 Credits
• Methods and Numerical Skills, 9 Credits Minimum
• Area of Concentration, 30 Credits Minimum
• Elective Courses, 26 Credits Maximum
• Thesis, 36 Credits

To encourage the development of interdisciplinary graduate study programs, guidelines for course selection are flexible. In addition to the ES Graduate core courses, students must complete courses that constitute an area of concentration (or track).

Download a program of study template (.docx)

   Learn about the program requirements and how to apply

Environmental Sciences Core Courses

The graduate core consists of three courses, totaling 6 credits. The purpose of the core is to introduce new students to faculty, to give students a sense of programmatic identity, to foster interdisciplinary thinking among students and faculty, to expose students to the breadth of existing environmental science courses, to expose students to a specific area in environmental science, to give students the opportunity for academic exploration, and to teach research skills.

The two courses are:

• Environmental Perspectives and Methods ENSC 515 (3 credits, Fall term)
• Environmental Analysis ENSC 520 (3 credits, Winter term)

Methods and Numerical Skills Courses

Courses in research methods, experimental design, statistical analysis, and modeling ensure students have sufficient skills for environmental research. Nine credits minimum of course work are required for the Ph.D. degree.

• Areas of Concentration (Tracks)

Sets of courses that constitute an area of concentration have been established to give focus to study and research. Eight areas of concentration have been defined. New areas of concentration can be developed by groups of faculty and students. Areas of concentration consist of at least 30 credits for Ph.D. students. See the list of concentrations.

Elective Courses

Elective courses are listed in the student's program of study, and agreed upon by the student and the advising committee. Courses may be selected to provide additional background, to explore new areas, and to add depth to a program.

Ph.D. Thesis or Manuscript Model 

A central purpose of the Ph.D. degree is to teach students the process of environmental research. A minimum of 36 credits are required for original research leading to a Ph.D. thesis, or manuscript model, that complies with standards established by the Graduate School and the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program. Consult the ESGP handbook, the Graduate School website, and your committee for Ph.D. thesis guidelines.

Example guidelines for the manuscript model are found here and may be modified by your committee (2 or 3 papers) as relevant.

Preliminary Exam

Students are required to take a preliminary exam when working towards a doctor degree. Please review the preliminary exam guidelines.

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Environmental sciences graduate degree programs are interdisciplinary and focus on topics such as environmental engineering, ecosystems and environmental policy. These are the best earth sciences schools for environmental sciences. Read the methodology »

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Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Doctoral program.

The Doctoral degree in Environmental Science is a research degree that requires successful completion of an innovative dissertation project. A five- to six-faculty member Doctoral Committee will help the student select courses for a degree plan. Students entering the Ph.D. program without a MS degree are required to take a minimum of 72 hours of graduate-level course work, while students entering the Ph.D. program with an MS degree are required to take a minimum of 42 additional hours. The Ph.D. degree requires the entire Foundation Core (4 hours), 12 credit hours from at least 3 of the distribution groups, 7 organized elective courses (incoming w/o Master's) or 4 organized elective courses (students w/ previous Master's in related field, such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science), as well as 12 hours of dissertation research. Organized electives do not include special problems credit hours or research credit hours, and may be selected from the core groups as electives or from non-core options as agreed upon by the student's advising committee. Here is a flow chart/diagram that illustrates the requirements. See the Environmental Sciences Curriculum page for further information.

For further information concerning the PhD application process, please visit here .

• Application Process
• Prerequisites

CORE & DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS

The core and distribution requirements are describe under environmental science curriculum. The remaining hours in the curriculum can come from one of the cores or from diverse perspectives across non-core electives at the direction of the student's graduate advising committee in addition to thesis/dissertation research hours.

CONCENTRATIONS (PHD ONLY, OPTIONAL)

Students may elect to specialize in one of five areas of concentration , such that the identified concentration is listed on their transcript when she/he graduates. The five concentrations are Ecology and Conservation Biology, Geoscience, Human Ecology, Toxicology, and Science Education Research. Please select the hyperlink to find more information about the requirements of each concentration.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAMS

These guidelines generally follow the requirements published in the Graduate Catalog for Biological Sciences ( http://www.unt.edu/catalog/grad/biol.htm ).

Doctoral Degree

The PhD degree is a research degree that includes the requirement of a scholarly dissertation based upon original research. Students entering the Ph.D. program immediately after a Bachelor's degree are required to take a minimum of 72 hours of graduate-level course work, while students entering the Ph.D. program after the Master's Degree are required to take a minimum of 42 additional hours of graduate-level course work.

The Ph.D. degree requires the entire Foundation Core coursework (4 hours), one to two classes from three of the four distribution groups (12 hours), elective courses as agreed upon by the student's advisory committee, as well as 12 hours of Dissertation (e.g., BIOL 6950).

• The degree plan should be completed by the end of the student's second semester.
• Core requirements should be completed by the end of the 2nd year (doesn't mean it can't extend beyond, but student's eligibility for TA etc., may become jeopardized).
• Comprehensive Exam and Proposal should be completed no later than 3.5 years upon entry (i.e., you have 18 mos. post completion of coursework to complete both qualifiers and proposal).
• In total, a student should complete all coursework, qualifiers and proposal within 3.5 years of entry into the program.
• The Comprehensive Exam and Proposal represent separate entities. The oral exam can include the student's proposed research but is not contingent on him/her having completed the proposal. In other words, the oral is open-ended - depending on performance of written exams, general questions or research-related questions.
• Comprehensive exams include both a written section and a separate oral component. Both should be completed within a defined ~2 week period, with the student deciding how he/she wishes to space the 2 exams out over the defined period.
• The proposal may be drafted any time but formal submission cannot be completed (i.e., signed off on by all committee members) until a student has completed the Comprehensive Exam. The proposal shall consist of a written document and whether it is to include a presentation by the student (for his/her committee or the academic public) shall be left to the discretion of the student's adviser and committee.
• Failure to meet these requirements may result in probation and/or expulsion from the ES program by the EC.

ANNUAL REVIEW

At the end of each Spring Semester the ES graduate review committee will meet with students to assess their progress through the program. Review information will be used to guide progress and to make recommendations regarding teaching assistant funding (which is ultimately determined through the Department of Biological Science).

• ENV SCI Curriculum

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University of California, Santa Barbara

Become a leader in solving environmental problems through interdisciplinary research

Phd in environmental science and management.

Bren’s PhD in Environmental Science and Management is a doctoral program designed to develop the broad knowledge, analytical powers, technical skills, and innovative thinking required to be a leader in your field.

As a Bren doctoral student you have the opportunity to engage in research that crosses disciplines, and to take courses at the Bren School or in other renowned UCSB departments, such as geography, ecology, earth science, economics, political science, and marine biology. Choose from a research track in either Natural Sciences or Engineering, or in Social Sciences.

As a student in the Bren PhD program, you'll benefit from the school’s superb facilities, smaller size, close faculty mentorship, academic excellence, and opportunities to work across disciplines.

The Bren PhD program is mentorship-based; you will work closely with at least one Bren professor in their area of expertise. Your sponsor serves as your student advisor and the chair of your PhD committee. This faculty sponsor is also responsible for providing intellectual support and academic and career advice, as well as assisting you to obtain financial support from Graduate Student Researcher positions, Teaching Assistant positions, fellowships, and other areas of support.

The PhD program is intended to be full-time and courses are offered at the UC Santa Barbara campus. Currently, the Bren School does not offer any online degree options. 

Your future as a leader in solving environmental problems begins with being prepared for admission to the PhD in Environmental Science and Management at the Bren School. The admissions team is here to answer your questions about eligibility, the application process, research, faculty sponsorship, and how to choose your path in a PhD program in environmental science and management.

The Bren PhD program academic requirements are highly individualized for your mentorship-based experience. The PhD in Environmental Science and Management is a research degree awarded upon demonstration of academic excellence and performance of original research. There is no specific unit requirement, though there are required interdisciplinary seminar courses that enrich your experience and help you complete research with integrity. For students also completing an optional PhD emphasis or certificate, additional requirements and coursework may apply.

PhD Emphases & Certificates

Enhance your PhD experience by adding an optional PhD emphasis and/or certificate. Students have several opportunities for: 

Climate Science and Climate Change

Develop a broader understanding of the physical principles governing climate on Earth, climate changes associated with natural variability and anthropogenic forcings, and the impacts of climate change on the environment and society.

Economics and Environmental Science

Acquire a deep and expert knowledge of economics and the complex connections between the environment and economics.

Environment and Society

Receive additional training and mentorship in interdisciplinary studies such as global political economics, social justice, environmental politics, and population ecology.

Information Technology and Society

Explore further themes of the societal implications of information technology, including studies in media, science education and instruction, and data visualization.

Management Practice

Gain an in-depth understanding of entrepreneurial, business, and management practices in global technology-based companies.

PhD Research

The work of Bren PhD students is a balance of research and application to both understand and solve complex environmental problems. In pursuit of their passion in environmental science and management, Bren doctoral students are taking on environmental challenges in a range of topics, including climate change impacts, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, wildlife conservation, coral reef resilience, fate and transport modeling, life cycle assessment, environmental politics, nanomaterials and micropollution, renewable energy resources, deforestation, and so much more. 

Gain inspiration for your research topic from Bren's current PhD research projects and archive of dissertation titles. 

Career Development

Whether you’re looking to apply your PhD to an academic or non-academic career path, we’re here to connect you to the advising, resources, and contacts you need to learn relevant job search skills and put your expertise to practice via real-world impacts. In addition to individualized, field-specific career guidance from your faculty advisor(s), as a Bren doctoral student, you’ll have access to supplemental career support from our highly celebrated Career Development team as well as the dedicated career and professional development staff at UCSB’s Graduate Student Resource Center . 

Bren PhD alumni have gone on to successful positions as scientists, faculty members, researchers, managers, fellows, technical officers, and more within a variety of settings, including universities, corporations, think tanks, research institutes, consulting firms, and government agencies across the U.S. and globe. 

Alumni Network Access and 24/7 Career Resources

From your first day at Bren, you’ll have access to BrenConnect, Bren’s unique career resources and alumni networking platform, where you can peruse fresh job listings, find and connect with Bren alumni, and access Bren-specific career guidance articles. Want to talk to a Bren grad who works at your dream organization? More than 75% of alumni are BrenConnect users.

Career Programming and 1-on-1 Guidance for Your Unique Career Journey

During your time at Bren, you’ll enjoy open access to the 40+ career workshops, speakers, and events hosted by the Career Development Team for Bren master’s students each year, allowing you to pick what and when to attend based on your needs and graduation timeline. To provide further guidance to doctoral students, the Career Development Team also hosts 1-2 PhD-specific workshops each year and partners with UCSB’s Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC), which provides a full suite of additional workshops. These sessions cover academic and non-academic career topics, from how to write a teaching statement for faculty applications to how to leverage LinkedIn for a non-academic job search. In addition to individual guidance from your faculty advisor(s), both the Bren and GSRC career staff are available for one-on-one career advising on topics such as applying, interviewing, negotiating, and more.

This is a graduate school experience like no other where you'll have access to faculty mentors, potential employers, internship opportunities, and a professional network of alumni from day one. The Bren grad school experience has been designed to open doors for students to make a difference in the world. Our students often say they make friends and colleagues for life during their time at Bren.

PhD Symposium

PhD students at Bren organize and host an annual PhD Symposium in winter quarter, an event where PhD students give flash talks and present their research via a poster session to the campus community and general public. Students will also find opportunities to volunteer as part of the annual symposium committee.

PhD Retreat

Each year, Bren PhD students, faculty, and staff organize a retreat to welcome new students to the PhD program. The location of the retreat varies year to year and has been held in inspiring locations in nature, such as Yosemite and the California coast.

Are you ready to solve environmental problems?

Request more information, get to know the Bren School, and start planning your application today.

Doctoral Degrees

Earth & Climate Sciences (ECS)

Environment (ENV)

Marine Science & Conservation (MSC)

University Program in Ecology (UPE)

University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP)

University Program in Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health (ITEHP)

You’ll find Nicholas School alums pursuing their passion and making positive impacts worldwide. Our programs give them the foundational knowledge and practical skills to become leaders and innovators in a wide array of fields and sectors.

MS'93 statistics, PhD'99 soils and hydrologic science

PhD '00, Environmental Politics & Policy

#WomenInSTEM: Danica-Schaffer Smith, Ph.D.

Danica Schaffer-Smith, a postdoctoral research associate at the Nicholas School, talks about being a woman working in STEM, her early inspirations to pursue environmental science and encouraging today's young women.

WATCH VIDEO

Research@Nicholas: Environmental Contaminants

Duke Environment researcher Heather Stapleton studies the health risks from exposure to chemicals in products.

Research@Nicholas: Global Environmental Health

Duke Environment researcher Randy Kramer studies global environmental health.

Research@Nicholas: Coal Ash & Fracking Impacts

Duke Environment researcher Avner Vengosh studies the environmental and human impacts linked to coal ash and fracking wastewater.

Research@Nicholas: Marine Fisheries

Martin Smith, George M. Woodwell Distinguished Professor of Environmental Economics, discusses how Nicholas School research takes us from discoveries to solutions on some of the most pressing issues facing our oceans today.

Research@Nicholas: Marine Microbiology

Zackary Johnson, Arthur P. Kaupe Associate Professor of Molecular Biology in Marine Science, discusses how Nicholas School research takes us from discoveries to solutions on some of the most pressing issues facing our oceans today.

Exposure to Fracking Chemicals and Wastewater Spurs Fat Cells

The tiniest of organisms could prove a huge resource as a sustainable source of food and fuel for Earth’s growing population. Duke Marine Lab’s Zackary Johnson leads the Marine Algae Industrialization Consortium (MAGIC)

PhD Student Explores Environmental Racism in Southern U.S.

PhD student Danielle Purifoy discusses her journey across the South with Brooklyn-based artist Torkwase Dyson to document the environmental legacy of racism in historic black communities in N.C. and Alabama. Their work, “In Conditions of Fresh Water,” is on exhibit at the Center for Documentary Studies through June 3, 2017. More information at https://documentarystudies.duke.edu/.

Duke Marine Lab: Using Bamboo Poles to Build Stingray Exclusion Cages

PhD student Stacy Zhang and lab technician Carmen Hoyt spent the summer building stingray exclusion cages and control treatments in the local seagrass beds of Core Banks. The cages are made of bamboo cut locally in Chapel Hill as opposed to PVC piping in order to be more environmentally friendly. For a full cage treatment, a bamboo pole is placed every 25 centimeters in a hole created using a Pacer pump. In the end, there will be 42 study sites of various treatments, and the study will run for a year.

Seaver Wang Recalls NASA Research Cruise

Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment Ph.D. student Seaver Wang sailed on the Sea to Space Particle Investigation cruise, a joint project between NASA and the Schmidt Ocean Institute. During the month-long voyage of the north Pacific Ocean, Wang operated a scientific instrument that measured phytoplankton breathing.

Environmental Science, Policy, & Management PhD

The Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM) Graduate Program provides a wealth of opportunities for students interested in careers in academia, government, and non-governmental agencies worldwide. Our faculty are internationally recognized, and ESPM is the campus hub for connections to other renowned Berkeley programs in the environment such as the Energy and Resources Group , Agricultural and Resource Economics , the Goldman School of Public Policy , Integrative Biology , Berkeley Natural History Museums , and Berkeley Law . The Berkeley campus maintains close ties to world-class research facilities at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, California Academy of Sciences, Stanford University, and many other institutions. Students admitted to our program work with their research mentor to select courses, individualize their training, and conduct research projects that meet their interests and goals. Our core graduate courses provide an introduction to the wide breadth and deep expertise of research on the environment within our department and help students apply for funding opportunities early in their graduate program.

The PhD program is the main graduate program in ESPM for students entering with or without previous masters degrees, though we also offer limited numbers of MS degrees in our specialized Master of Range Management and Master of Forestry programs. The goal of the program is to provide both a strong disciplinary education and broadly based experience in cross-disciplinary communication and problem solving. To achieve this, the program leading to the PhD in environmental science, policy, and management requires that students complete three core courses and take additional coursework in the following three areas: area of specialization, research skills, and experiential breadth.

Disciplinary Emphasis

The disciplinary emphasis is the broadest academic area encompassing the student's interests. The three disciplinary emphases within the department are ecosystem sciences, organisms & environment, and society & environment. A student pursuing a strongly interdisciplinary program may study more than one of these disciplines in depth. Specific coursework within each field will be chosen by the guiding committee in conjunction with the student and approved by the graduate mentor.

Area of Specialization

The area of specialization is a narrower field within the context of the disciplinary emphasis. Some examples of these areas are microbial community ecology, ecosystem function, arthropod population and community ecology, biological control of arthropods, arthropod biodiversity science, American environmental history and policy, international forest management, biogeochemistry, Mediterranean grassland ecosystems, remote sensing, and forest management, to name a few.

Application

Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact a potential PhD mentor directly prior to the application deadline. If possible, prospective graduate students should plan to visit the campus, department, and graduate program. As part of their application, each student will be asked to identify one of the three disciplinary emphases (ecosystem sciences, organisms & environment, and society & environment) most closely associated with her/his interests. If you have questions about which emphasis to choose, please ask your prospective mentor. It is not uncommon for students in ESPM to be co-mentored by two professors, often with different disciplinary emphases. The area of specialization is determined after entry into the program, in consultation with the guiding committee and PhD mentor.

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At a Glance

Department(s)

Environmental Science Policy & Management PhD

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health

Offered by: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD in Environmental Health Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program is a full-time degree program that offers a unique interdisciplinary learning experience where the course of study is individually tailored based on the student’s interest in understanding and finding solutions to pressing problems in environmental health and engineering.

The goal of PhD training in EHE is to prepare graduates to engage in scholarship and professional practice that creates new knowledge, use research to transform practice and improve the health of the environment and the public, and effectively communicate research findings to the public. The program requires didactic coursework followed by an average of four to five years of research towards a doctoral dissertation (also referred to as a thesis on official forms and committees).

Training is offered through a core curriculum that is required of all PhD students in the Department with the addition of track/program-specific requirements and focused courses in specialized areas.

Students are expected to tailor their curricula, working with their advisers to create a comprehensive plan of study and research. PhD thesis must be based on original research, worthy of publication, and approved by the Department and a committee of thesis (dissertation) readers. PhD students must also be engaged in primary data collection as a component of their dissertation research or embedded in other research during their training here.

Our programs are offered in the  Whiting School of Engineering , on the Homewood campus (WSE) and the  Bloomberg School of Public Health  (BSPH) East Baltimore campus. Students in all of our programs have the unique opportunity to take classes on both the Homewood and East Baltimore campuses in order to complete their degree requirements.

Students in the PhD in Environmental Health  program select from one of four tracks:

Track in Exposure Sciences and Environmental Epidemiology (ESEE)

Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health (ESRH)

Track in Health Security (HS)

Track in Toxicology, Physiology, and Molecular Mechanisms (TPMM)

PhD in Environmental Health Program Highlights

Fully funded.

PhD students are guaranteed tuition, health insurance, and stipend coverage for 5 years. Health Security students receive four years of funding.

Multidisciplinary

Opportunities to work across departments in the Schools of Public Health, Engineering, and more

Write and Publish

Help with academic writing and grant proposals embedded into coursework, with opportunities to learn from published faculty and peers

Teaching Training

Teaching assistantships, training, and support for learning to teach, and opportunities for paid TA positions as well

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Environmental Health?

Sample careers.

• Assistant Professor
• Senior Consultant
• Data Scientist
• EnvironmentalToxicologist
• Epidemiologist
• Postdoctoral Fellow

Curriculum for the PhD in Environmental Health

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue .

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are  not required and not reviewed  for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1 , 202 3 . VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 202 3 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

Faculty Advisers

The following faculty may be willing to advise PhD students. If you identify a faculty member that you want to work with who is not on this list, we encourage you to ask them about their availability.

Peter DeCarlo

Peter studies the chemical composition of gas particles in the air to improve our understanding of climate, air quality, and health impacts of pollutants.

Paul Ferraro

Paul ­ is a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and the Carey Business School. He is known for his research on behavioral economics and the design and estimation of impacts of environmental programs.

Ciaran Harman

Ciaran, an associate professor of landscape hydrology and Russell Croft Faculty Scholar, studies how the structure of landscapes controls the movement of water from rainfall to streams, and how that structure evolves over time.

Thomas Hartung

Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD, steers the revolution in toxicology to move away from 50+ year-old animal tests to organoid cultures and the use of artificial intelligence.

Scot Miller

Scot Miller combines satellite data and statistics to understand greenhouse gas emissions across the globe.

Roni A. Neff

Roni Neff, PhD '06, ScM, researches ways to cut food waste and address climate change through more resilient, equitable, and healthy food systems.

Carsten Prasse

Carsten's research focuses on the occurrence and fate of organic contaminants in the urban water cycle and their impact on environmental and human health.

All full-time PhD students will receive the following support for the first five years of the program: full tuition, stipend, individual health insurance, University Health Services clinic fee, vision insurance, and dental insurance.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]

Environmental Life Sciences, PHD

On this page:, at a glance: program details.

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Environmental Life Sciences

The PhD in environmental life sciences is an integrative graduate degree program that provides doctorate-level training in several fields focused on the interactions between organisms (e.g., plant, microbe, humans and other animals) and the environment (locally and globally).

This distinct program integrates training across many fields of study. Dissertations may include any of the following, plus related fields:

• biochemistry and chemistry
• biology (ecology, physiology, evolution)
• conservation science
• environmental engineering
• geosciences
• mathematics and statistics
• social sciences
• spatial sciences
• sustainability

Graduate students are trained by means of a core class taught by environmental life science faculty members, through hands-on experiences in the lab and field, with guidance from committee members across multiple disciplines, and in research seminars.

The program focus is on collaborative, interdisciplinary and integrative study of the causes and consequences of environmental variation across scales ranging from the organism to the globe. The overall goal is to provide a valuable interdisciplinary doctoral program that encourages students to explore and solve complex problems in the context of natural and anthropogenic environmental change.

Administered by ASU's School of Life Sciences, eight additional schools participate in this interdisciplinary program to promote broad, collaborative training.

Interdisciplinary degree that includes participants from the following schools

• School of Life Sciences
• School of Earth and Space Exploration
• School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning
• School of Human Evolution and Social Change
• School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
• School of Molecular Sciences
• School of Sustainability
• School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment   

Program Faculty   PhD Students

Application and admission information

How to apply.

Applications open September 1 for admission in Fall of the following year. The application deadline is December 1 . We accept applications for Fall semesters only. We cannot guarantee that applications received after the December 1 deadline will be considered for admission.

All applicants must apply by filling out ASU's Graduate Admissions application. All application materials must be submitted through the application or to Graduate Admissions directly. Please do not mail or email any documents to the School of Life Sciences. 

Required materials and information include the following:

• 1-2 page personal statement
• An up to date CV or resume
• The names of relevant SOLS faculty you have been in touch with who you might be interested in being supervised by
• Unofficial transcripts and English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
• The names and emails of at least 3 recommenders to write you letters of recommendation

Application review process and timeline

Following the December 1 deadline, faculty will begin reviewing applications. Applicants should monitor their My ASU priority tasks to ensure there are no missing materials in their application.

Faculty will decide which applicants they would like to invite to our Graduate Recruitment Weekends (GRWs), typically held in February. Applicants will hear from the School of Life Sciences in January if they are invited to participate in the GRWs.

Admission decisions will begin after the GRWs, and applicants typically receive final decisions by April 1.

Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission include the following:

• Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• There are other ways to demonstrate English proficiency beyond the tests, so please refer to ASU's English proficiency webpage to review how you might satisfy requirements

Desired qualifications typically seen in competitive candidates:

• Research experience and a letter of recommendation from a faculty research supervisor
• English proficiency scores that meet these teaching assistant language proficiency requirements

Please note that the GRE is not required.

Students offered admission to a PhD program in the School of Life Sciences will typically receive a funding offer as well. While individual funding offers may differ to some degree, they typically include teaching assistant and/or research assistant positions each semester (summer optional) for 5 years. These positions provide financial coverage through the following:

• A standard salary stipend paid biweekly
• Tuition remission covering enrollment in 6-18 credit hours for fall and spring semesters and 1-14 credit hours for summer semesters
• Health insurance coverage

To discover more, check out the ASU Graduate College's funding opportunities !

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours) ELS 501 Environmental Life Sciences: Grand Challenge: Global Climate Change (3)

Electives (69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) ELS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information ELS 501 is required for students to take during their first semester at ASU.

For electives, students should see the academic unit for approved coursework. Students also may take ELS omnibus courses to fulfill some of the elective requirements.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework are made up of electives and research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• academic record form
• personal statement
• curriculum vitae or resume
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, learning outcomes.

• Able to effectively communicate environmental biology concepts in oral and written formats.
• Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about environmental life sciences.

Career Opportunities

Environmental life scientists address ecological and environmental questions in social-ecological-technological systems, thus students often have a social science or related component in their dissertation. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers related to global environmental change, conservation and resource management, and sustainable industries among others.

Career examples include:

• climate change analyst
• environmental compliance inspector
• environmental engineer
• environmental safety and health coordinator
• insect ecologist and exhibits specialist
• oceans and climate manager
• public health scientist
• research director

Scientist, professor, consultant and research director roles may involve specialization areas, including:

• atmosphere and space
• ecology (community, ecosystem, microbe, population, wildlife)
• ecosystem restoration
• forestry and conservation

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-1768

School of Environmental and Forest Sciences

• College of the Environment
• University of Washington

Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.)

Course requirements are flexible, though a minimum of two years of residence at the University of Washington is required. Students interested in the Ph.D. should contact individual faculty members to request information on current research and graduate opportunities. Students applying directly to the Ph.D. program should already have a master’s degree in a related field. View the Ph.D. Program of Study Form  and the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam Form .

In partnership with the College of Environment, the College of Engineering, the eScience Institute, EarthLab and the Freshwater Initiative at UW, SEFS is excited to offer a unique training and mentorship program called The Future Rivers National Research and Training Program (Future Rivers NRT). Interested graduate applicants should apply to both the graduate program (M.S. or Ph.D.) by Dec. 1, 2019 and to the Future Rivers NRT  by Jan. 10, 2020 where they may be selected for financial support. Applicants should mention if they intend to apply to the Future Rivers NRT with a brief description of why in the SEFS application material. Additional details and how to submit your NRT application is available on the Future Rivers NRT website .

Prepare and apply for the Ph.D. program at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.

Course Requirements

• SEFS 500 (one credit) Graduate Orientation Seminar
• SEFS 509 (three credits) Analysis of Research Problems
• 400-500 level: Approved by committee (10 credits plus one additional course)
• 400-500 level: Approved by committee (eight credits plus one additional course)
• 500 level: Topics vary from year to year (two credits plus one additional course)
• SEFS 800 (27 credits)
• Other courses or research credits (24 to 36 credits)
• 90 Credits Total

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Ph.D. in Environmental Science

Expand your scientific skills and further your career with a doctoral degree in environmental science. Our distinguished faculty are experts in soil, air and water; solution-oriented in their research towards solutions of today's most pressing environmental issues, from water quality and food safety to mining remediation and environmental justice. 

We encourage you to reach out to faculty directly to ask about their research and potential funding opportunities, as we do not admit applicants until a major faculty advisor has been identified.

  Explore Research

Minimum of 66 units of graduate credit (all coursework must be in 500-level courses). You will be required to use GradPath through the Graduate College to track your progress (through UAccess Student).

You can choose to major in either Environmental Science or Soil and Water Science.

To read descriptions of our classes, please visit our  course list.  

Career Skills (7 units)

• ENVS 508 Scientific Writing for Environmental, Agricultural and Life Sciences (3 )
• ENVS 696B Inclusive Mentoring (1)
• ENVS 697 Graduate Workshop for Professional Development (1)
• Other Department Seminar (1)
• GRAD 697C Workshop for Teaching at College Level (1)
• Teaching Assistant (GTA) (1)

Environmental Science (9 units)

Select one from each category

Soil and Water Science (12 units)

Select four 

Environmental Biology and Microbiology

• ENVS 525 Environmental Microbiology (3)
• ENVS 574 Aquatic Plants & the Environment (3)
• ENVS 577 Principles of Ecotoxicology (3)
• WSM 552 Dryland Ecohydrology and Vegetation Dynamics (4)

Environmental and Soil Chemistry

• ENVS 562 Environmental Soil & Water Chemistry (3)
• ENVS 564 Environmental Organic Chemistry (3)

Environmental Physics and Water Science

• ENVS 520 Environmental Physics (3)
• ENVS 570 Soil Physics  (3)
• ENVS 502 Nutrient Dynamics in Soils (3)
• ENVS 525 Environmental Microbiology (3)
• ENVS 531 Soil Genesis and Classification (4)
• ENVS  562  Environmental Soil & Water Chemistry  (3)
• ENVS 570 Soil Physics (3)
• ENVS 580 Environmental Assessment for Contaminated Sites (3) or  ENVS 582 Reclamation and Redevelopment of Impacted Lands (3) 

• Courses that are clearly distinguishable from the major and determined by the Minor Professor (tenure-track faculty
• Minor from another department that follows that department's requirements

When you are a Doctoral Student you will have:

• You may have a co-director or committee member outside of the department
• Minor Professor (if applicable)
• At least four members (three for the major, one for the minor) formed at the end of the first year to conduct the Comprehensive Examination (written and oral exam)
• This committee can include members from the Comprehensive Examination Committee
• Generally, majority of the committee should be faculty members from our department with expertise in the research area
• Special committee members must be approved by the Dean of the Graduate College

By the end of the first semester:

• Suitable courses from other departments can be included in the major program
• Courses the student intends to transfer from other institutions
• Courses already completed at the University of Arizona that the student intends to apply
• toward a graduate degree
• Additional courses the student plans to complete to fulfill degree requirements.
• Denied plans need to be updated and re-submitted for approval.
• Submit a Responsible Conduct of Research form

All doctoral students must submit a Prospectus according to the Graduate College mandate.

For more in-depth information on final examination and degree requirements, please refer to our Graduate Handbook . Read more about the Graduate College requirements on Comprehensive Exam, Final Oral Defense Examination and Submission of the Dissertation.

Step 1.  Print and use the following PDF rubric to record information  during  the student’s oral presentation; login via UA NETID is required. 

Link to the printable ENVS Graduate Oral Presentation Rubric  in PDF Format

Step 2.   After  the presentation, enter the results (student information, scores and notes) for the student using this secure link for faculty reporting; login via UA NETID is required. To ensure efficacy, equity and efficiency the results for the rubric should be entered on the same day as the presentation; reporting is done online and requires less than 5 minutes to complete.

Link to Report ENVS Graduate Oral Presentation Scores   in Qualtrics

Step 3.   Ensure the student completes their post defense survey within 24 hours of their presentation. An email will have also been sent to the student however it is the Chair's/Faculty Advisor’s responsibility to ensure that the student completes this brief assessment task as required.

Link to Student Post Presentation Self Assessment Survey   in Qualtrics

Assessment is a required, essential and informative process and we appreciate your efforts in collecting this required data. Should you have any questions regarding this compliance protocol please contact Dr. Scott Cowell at [email protected] who serves as a POC for questions related to graduate oral presentations as part of the ENVS Assessment Committee.

Grad advisors

Connect with our graduate advisors, Katrina and Santiago

2024 Best Online PhD in Environmental Science Programs

If you love science and want to be a senior environmental researcher, teach environmental studies at a university, or pursue environmental public policy research, you may be interested in getting a PhD in Environmental Science.

A doctorate can also help you qualify for a job at the EPA, National Park Service, or US Geological Survey.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Many PhD graduates work in a lab or office, but some environmental scientists might also spend lots of time in nature. They can conduct fieldwork, take measurements or samples, or help with engineering planning and oversight.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Environmental Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Antioch University

Antioch University offers an online PhD in Environmental Studies program. To apply, applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation.

The program can typically be completed in 4 years and requires 69 credits to graduate. During the first two years of the program, students must attend an 8 day summer program. They must also attend in-person classes over 4 weekends during certain semesters.

Antioch University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University offers an online PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering program. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible.

Students may choose to specialize in one of seven different areas, including Environmental Engineering. The program requires students to complete 18 hours of coursework and 20 hours of research for a thesis. Mississippi State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers an online program for a PhD in Human Environmental Science with an emphasis in Architectural Studies.

To graduate, students must complete 72 credits. The program usually takes 5 years to complete. To be eligible for the program, applicants are required to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, official transcripts, and 3 letters of recommendation. The  University of Missouri  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers a PhD in Environmental Engineering. The program requires 90 credit hours and usually takes 7 years to complete.

Students may choose between online or in-person learning. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must submit an online application with all official transcripts and references. The  University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Villanova University

Villanova University offers an online PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering program. To graduate, students must reach the minimum credit requirements, pass a qualifying exam and a comprehensive exam, and defend a PhD dissertation.

Applicants must submit all transcripts, 2 applicant rating forms, a statement of purpose, a resume, and official GRE scores.

Villanova University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online PhD in Environmental Science Programs

You may find that online PhD programs in environmental science continue where online masters in environmental science programs leave off in offering you advanced study in core topics as well as opportunities to pursue a concentration aligned with your graduate school interests and goals. The field can open doors to various roles, depending on your interests and aptitudes.

Quantitative data management and analysis, resource conservation, environmental engineering, public policy research, agricultural research, alternative energy research, teaching, and consulting are just some of the areas you can choose to do your dissertation research.

A doctoral program will typically include both technical learning and opportunities to conduct real-life fieldwork and complete authentic dissertation research projects and papers. Common careers in this field and related fields include environmental scientist, natural sciences manager, conservation scientist, and hydrologist.

Environmental Science Careers & Salaries

Not everyone who pursues a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences will fit the same mold. Checking out different online environmental sciences and environmental studies graduate programs can help you see just how diverse the career paths can be.

Environmental scientists might work alongside civil engineers to provide geoscience or materials analysis expertise. They can also help develop and complete technical environmental impact reports.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , a doctorate can help connect you to a range of well-paid and meaningful career paths.

Environmental scientists, researchers, and policy experts also have roles to play in resource management, conservation biology, and in climate science and climate monitoring. They can also work to protect and manage forests or other open spaces.

With a PhD you might want to pursue a university teaching position. You may also be interested in working with a professional consulting firm, consulting on engineering design challenges, or leading public interest advocacy initiatives.

Some professionals in the field work at federal agencies, such as the EPA, the US Geological Survey, the National Park Service, and the Department of Forestry.

Environmental Science Doctoral Curriculum

Many environmental science doctoral programs cover core topics—such as research methodology and design courses—and designate course clusters aligned to specific career-related graduate school concentrations.

• Environmental Science Management : You’ll learn about core methods and current perspectives in the field of applied environmental science, including land-use, resource protection, and resource management.
• Environmental Science Policy : This course is an overview of public policy development practices and challenges in areas such as ecology, climate change, pollution, soil conservation, and watershed protection.
• Environmental Engineering : This is a comprehensive course on different topics in environmental science, such as soil science and hydrology, as they relate to engineering planning, design, and regulatory compliance.
• Biosystems Modeling : You’ll learn about the methods and tools environmental scientists use to evaluate biosystems and model trends or impacts involving diverse and complex variables.
• Climate Modeling : This course looks at current climate trends, including risk forecasting and data systems, data interpretation methods, and methods for modeling a variety of climate variables and effects.
• Pollution Assessment : You’ll learn how to identify, measure, report, and track various forms of pollutants with diverse sources, and you’ll assess and model contaminants and their potential environmental impacts.
• Environmental Soil Chemistry : This course provides advanced understanding of soil conditions and dynamics with a focus on analyzing soil profiles and various research applications.
• Forest Hydrology : This course helps you understand water cycles and flood and drought dynamics, assess toxicity levels in water sources, and manage freshwater ecosystems.
• Data and Policy : This course is an in-depth study of environmental science data collection and data interpretation methods and controls in the context of policy formation and public policy reporting.
• Field Methods in Ecology : You’ll learn practical methods and participate in hands-on eco-system research, including the study of reliable methods for sampling, analysis, data collection, and data reporting.

Courses in an environmental sciences program will vary by school and program. Most doctoral programs in environmental science, though, require dissertation research or other substantive capstone components.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements for an environmental science doctoral program vary by school and program. Some programs may accept students who have completed a bachelors degree while others will require you to have a masters. The following are common admissions criteria:

• Bachelors or masters in environmental science or related field
• Satisfactory GPA (usually 3.0 or 3.5)
• Letters of recommendation
• Relevant professional experience (if required)
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)

When applying to an environmental science doctoral program, it can be helpful to provide evidence of the kind of future work or research you aspire to as well as how it relates to your doctoral studies and research interests.

Accreditation

When exploring environmental science PhD programs, it’s beneficial to make sure the school and program are fully accredited.

Regional accreditation testifies that a school meets acceptable standards for academic quality. The coursework in an accredited graduate school program teaches knowledge and skills that are on par with professional standards in your field.

Regional accreditation can also be a requirement for receiving some forms of financial aid. It can also help ensure that your degree will be honored by other schools and prospective employers. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) provides more information on accreditation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Getting a PhD in Environmental Sciences will typically require several semesters of advanced coursework, such as in basic and applied sciences. So, even if you work part-time as you learn, you may be one of many students who needs financial assistance in order to stay enrolled and stay focused on learning.

You might qualify for state or federal financial aid, need-based or merit-based scholarships, work study programs, or even employer-based tuition assistance. You can also apply for student loans to help you cover any financial gaps. Loan terms can vary, so it’s strategic to look over any student aid package or loan offering carefully.

If you’re anticipating applying for need-based assistance, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

What Are the 5 Major Fields of Environmental Science?

Environmental scientists work in a variety of fields and roles. Simply checking out the different course concentrations offered by online environmental science degree programs can help you identify the most popular fields today.

The 5 major fields of environmental science are:

• Social sciences
• Geosciences
• Environmental chemistry
• Atmospheric sciences

Your past work experiences and your future goals and aspirations can help you pick the best PhD program option with the right course concentrations.

Is Environmental Science a Useless Degree?

A doctoral degree in environmental science can help you develop your expertise in this interesting field. Environmental scientists can help private firms or government agencies with environmental impact studies or with civil engineering or conservation projects.

Professionals in the field can also use their expertise to work for federal agencies, such as the EPA, the US Geological Survey, or the US Forest Service. The need to respond to threats such as pollution, dwindling natural resources, or global warming could also drive new job growth in this field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that jobs for both natural sciences managers and geoscientists will have 5% growth. Environmental scientists are projected to have 8% job growth.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Environmental Science?

There are many options you can pursue with a doctorate in environmental science, depending on your goals and individual interests.

Some graduates are interested in doing lots of outdoor fieldwork related to ecology, climate, or agriculture. This could also include laboratory science, with data-crunching, data analysis, and data modeling in the basic and applied sciences.

Some environmental scientists devote themselves to initiatives focused on environmental sustainability. This can include protecting natural resources, improving open spaces, or combatting pollution or climate change.

If you’re interested in leadership or advocacy work, you might be interested in working as a researcher or public policy expert. A PhD can also help qualify you to teach university courses on environmental studies, environmental science, and environmental policy.

In private industry or private consulting roles, environmental scientists may work alongside civil engineers and civil engineering architects. They may also work on developing environmental impact statements.

Is a PhD in Environmental Science Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Environmental Science is worth it for many students. Some graduates go on to work for a cause they’re passionate about. This can include protecting open spaces or ecosystems, leading public interest research, or using science to combat pollution or climate change.

In fact, jobs for geoscientists and conservation scientists are anticipated to grow 5% over the next ten years (Bureau of Labor Scientists). Meanwhile, environmental scientists and specialists are expected to experience 8% job growth, faster than the average for all occupations.

Getting a doctoral degree in environmental science can also be worthwhile if you’re interested in doing original research or field work. For example, there are doctoral programs that emphasize fieldwork, research design and methodology, quantitative analysis, and database management .

Earning a terminal degree like a PhD can also open up opportunities for well-paying consulting jobs, roles with the federal government, or teaching positions at a college or university.

Getting Your PhD in Environmental Science Online

If you have a passion for environmental science, then you may be interested in further developing your expertise through an online environmental sciences doctorate program. Regardless of the level, though, whether it’s an associates degree in environmental science online or a PhD, you may also get to build strong professional networks along the way.

Online environmental science graduate school programs offer a variety of study options and course concentrations, so you can find the right match for your preferred experiences and career pathways.

You can start this next step in your educational journey today by exploring online PhD environmental sciences program offerings from accredited universities.

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Earth and Environmental Science, PhD

The mission of the Graduate Group of the Department Earth and Environmental Science is to produce independent, well-rounded scientists that are exceptionally competent in their area of specialization and capable of understanding, solving, and communicating complex and interdisciplinary scientific issues.

The graduate group guides research leading to Doctoral degrees in the range of fields that encompass our research interests:

• Biogeochemistry (terrestrial and ocean)
• Environmental Geology
• Paleobiology
• Surficial processes

For more information: http://www.sas.upenn.edu/earth/graduate/doctoral-programs

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Sample Plan of Study

The total course units required for graduation is 20.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science

About This Program

The Ph.D. degree program in the School of the Environment is an extension of the Master's degree program that will prepare scientists to address environmental issues through innovative and applied research.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science requires a minimum of 80 semester hours to complete.

Degree requirements ensure that all Ph.D. candidates develop independent and critical thinking skills, have a broad knowledge-base of environmental science, and have an in-depth knowledge of their specialized area of study. This program utilizes graduate courses offered in other departments in the university that are complimentary to the program, as necessary. Completion of this degree program requires  80 credit hours of graduate-level course work and research, as well as maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade point average throughout all coursework. Concentration offerings include:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental Policy & Risk Management
• Aquatic & Terrestrial Ecology
• Biomolecular Sciences

Total Credit Hours for Degree: ≤ 80 hrs Academic Course Curriculum (coming soon)

Your map to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science Degree

A. core courses.

• CHS 5610 Environmental Chemistry (4) w/L
• EVR 5260 Source/Control of Environmental Pollution (3);
• EVS 5905 Environmental Colloquium/Seminar (1)  *
• EVR 6064 Prin Of Ecology (3)
• EVR 5862 Env Policy & Managem
• EVS 6885 Environmental Research Design & Analysis: (4);  w/Lab

*One hour course offered in the fall and spring semesters. All doctoral students, including those who have satisfied the minimum seminar requirements, are expected to participate in the Research Seminar every semester except the semester in which they defend their dissertation.

B. General Courses

• EVS 6932 Special Topics (1-4)
• EVS 6906 Directed Indep Study
• EVS 6913 Supervised Research (1-9)
• EVS 6980 Dissertation: (24 Credit Hours)
• EVS 6818 Ecological Risk Assessment (3)
• EVS 6933 Advanced Topics In Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology (3)
• EVS 5027 Environmental Microbiology (3)
• EVS 5028 Mole Biology Techniq (3)
• EVS 5673 Bioremediation Applications & Techniques (3)
• EVS 5896 Environmental Biotechnologies (3)
• EVS 6798 Environmental Biosensors (3)
• EVS 6887 Molecular Epidemiolo (3)
• CHS 5610C Environmental Chemistry (3)
• CHS 5105 Radiochemistry I (3)
• CHS 5106 Radiochemistry II (3)
• EVS 5603 Site Characterization & Soil Survey (3)
• EVS 5655 Waste Treatment Disp (3)
• EVS 5607 Environmental Radioactivity (3)
• EVS 5693 Radiation Instruments And Measurements (3)
• EVS 6029 Computational Methods In Environmental Sciences (3)
• EVS 6705 Atmospheric Contaminant Transport (3)
• EVS 6706 Fate And Transport Of Environmental Contaminants (3)
• EVS 6815C Chemical Separation Techniques W/Lab (4)
• GLY 5828 Environmental Fate and Transport of Contaminants (3);
• RHT 5130 Sources and Control of Radioactive Waste (3)
• RHT 5210 Principles Of Radiological Health (3)
• RHT 5326 Internal Radiation Dosimetry (3)
• RHT 5415 Radiological And Health Physics (3)
• RHT 5948 Special Topics in Radiation Health Practice (1-3)
• EVR 5863 Env Resour, Eco & Po (3)
• EVR 5864 Environmental Policy And Risk Management (3)
• EVR 5865 Environmental Risk Analysis (3)
• EVR 5866 Principles Of Environmental Law Practices (3)
• EVR 6265 Remote Sensing Of Environments (3)
• EVS 5862 Environmental Regulations And Regulatory Agencies (2)
• EVS 6883 Environmental Decision Making: (3)

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PhD Program

Prospective students, admission requirements.

To be admitted to the Ph.D. degree program in Environmental Science and Technology an applicant:

Must have earned an M.S. Degree in a closely related field . In special cases, exceptional students may be admitted to a Ph.D. program without first completing an M.S. degree provided these students have:

An exceptional academic record and test scores

Demonstrated significant research experience during their B.S. program (such as completion of a research based honors thesis.

Must meet all admission requirements for the  M.S. degree   (i.e. Basic Science Requirement, etc).

How to Apply

General information regarding the application process:  Graduate School Admissions Page

Apply to the University of Maryland Graduate School:  Online Graduate Application

Applicants are required to submit transcripts, a personal statement of research interests, and contact information for three references. Prospective students are encouraged to contact graduate faculty within their area of interest:

Soil and Watershed Sciences

Ecological Technology Design

Wetland Science

Ecosystem Health & Natural Resource Management

Current Students

Ph.D. Degree:  Summary of Requirements Sheet

Ph.D. Degree Graduate School Requirements

To earn an Ph.D. degree, the University of Maryland  Graduate School  requires that the student complete:

A minimum of 12 credits of dissertation research (899)

Complete and successfully defend a dissertation based on original research

ENST Departmental Core Requirements

All ENST Ph.D. students are Students are expected to complete a minimum of 50 credits beyond the B.S. degree (in addition to research credits 898 and 899) and are required to complete the following:

ENST 602:   Research Principles and Methodology in Environmental Science and Technology (3 credits).  This course should be taken once during either the M.S. or Ph.D. program.

ENST 702:  Communication and Professional Development in Environmental Science and Technology (2 credits).  This course should be taken once during either the M.S. or Ph.D. program.

ENST 798: Graduate Seminar (2 semesters – total of 2 credits). 

Minimum of two approved graduate level statistics courses (these can be taken either during the MS or PhD program).

Specialization Requirements

Within each specialization, Ph.D. students are expected to complete all M.S. specialization requirements plus two to three additional courses related to the specialization .

Graduate Assistantships

ENST offers a number of graduate assistantships to qualified applicants that are awarded on a competitive basis. To apply, use the form for requesting financial assistance included in the  Graduate School  application packet. In addition to a competitive stipend, graduate assistants receive tuition remission and are offered excellent health benefits by the University of Maryland.

Environmental Sciences

College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences

Fall Quarter Admissions Priority Deadline: December 1

The GRE will be optional for Fall 2024

Environmental Sciences Open House Session Oct 16, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pacific Time Zoom Meeting: https://ucr.zoom.us/j/99526081376

The Environmental Sciences Graduate Program offers the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Environmental Sciences.

Ecotoxicology ,  Environmental Microbiology, Hydrologic Sciences , and  Soil and Water Sciences  within environmental sciences, operating within a single graduate degree program administered by the Department of Environmental Sciences. Students trained in the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program can fill many areas of expertise needed in the state and nation. Potential career opportunities exist at regulatory agencies, consulting firms, government and academic research institutions, and industrial research facilities.

Master's Degree

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers the M.S. degree in Environmental Sciences under the Plan I (Thesis) and Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) options. The general requirements for the M.S. degree are found in the Announcement of the Graduate Division.

Plan I (Thesis):  Students must complete a minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses in, or significantly related to, environmental sciences. At least 24 of the 36 units must be in graduate courses. A maximum of 12 of these units may be in graduate research for the thesis. No more than 4 units of ENSC 290 and 2 units of graduate seminar courses may be applied toward the degree. A thesis must be written and accepted by the M.S. thesis committee members, and a final oral defense of the thesis must be passed. Students also will be required to give a presentation annually at the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program Student Symposium.

Plan II (Comprehensive Examination):  Students must complete a minimum of 36 quarter units of graduate and upper-division undergraduate courses in, or significantly related to, environmental sciences. At least 18 units must be in graduate courses. Students may count no more than 2 units of graduate seminar courses and 6 units of graduate internship courses toward the required 18 units and no units from graduate research for thesis or dissertation.

Students must take a comprehensive written examination that covers fundamental topics in environmental sciences. The written examination, which is three to four hours long, is prepared and evaluated by a committee appointed by the field director. The examination is taken during the latter part of the final quarter in the M.S. program. Students must wait at least eight weeks before retaking a failed examination. Students failing the examination twice are dismissed from the program.

Normative Time to Degree:  2 years

Doctoral Degree

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers the Ph.D. degree in Environmental Sciences. The general requirements for the Ph.D. degree are found in the Announcement of the Graduate Division.

Course Work:  Students must complete the course requirements and will be required to give a presentation annually at the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program Student Symposium.

Comprehensive Written Examination:  Following completion of all coursework prescribed by the student's Advisory Committee, a written qualifying examination will be prepared and administered to the student by a Written Qualifying Examination Committee. The Written Qualifying Examination Committee will consist of at least three faculty members with interests in the student‘s line of research. The purpose of the written qualifying examination is to determine that the student has gained sufficient knowledge in the chosen field to perform professionally and competently. The written exam may be attempted only twice. If the written qualifying exam is failed twice, the student will be redirected to the M.S. degree or terminated from the program.

Oral Examination:  A student who satisfactorily passes the written qualifying examination may proceed with the oral qualifying examination, which will focus on the dissertation proposal. The oral examination is conducted before the Oral Qualifying Examination Committee, consisting of five faculty members, one of whom must be from outside the ESGP. The oral examination may be attempted only twice. If the oral qualifying exam is failed twice, the student will be redirected to the M.S. degree or terminated from the program. The written and oral comprehensive examinations will normally be taken at the end of the second year of graduate study and before the start of the third year.

Dissertation:  All Ph.D. students must write a doctoral dissertation, which must be read and accepted by all members of the Doctoral Dissertation Committee, comprised of at least three faculty members from the ESGP. A final oral thesis defense in front of the three committee members must be passed.

Relationship between Master‘s and Doctoral Programs The M.S. and Ph.D. programs are separate. Students who enter the Ph.D. program do not need to acquire a M.S. degree first, although students may elect to take both.

Normative Time to Degree:  5 years

Prospective Students

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you should  consider UC Riverside's Environmental Sciences Program for your Graduate Training.

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School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

College of Science and Mathematics

• PhD in Environmental Science

Georgia’s ONLY PhD in Environmental Science!

There is a growing public interest in the hazards facing the environment. With widespread population growth, industrialization and urban sprawl, the world is in need of more environmental scientists who use their knowledge and expertise to protect the environment and human health.

The PhD in Environmental Science is the ONLY DEGREE OF ITS KIND in Georgia. Coached by scientists and biologists with decades of expertise in the field, students get world-class instruction in the classroom and hands-on experience in a wide range of natural laboratories along southeast Georgia’s coastal plain.

Are you ready to join them?

Environmental Science PhD Program Highlights

• The PhD in Environmental Science is the only degree of its kind in the state of Georgia! Our environmental science doctoral degree qualifies graduates to meet the growing statewide and national demand for professionals trained in an interdisciplinary science, technology, education and mathematics field that focuses on environmental science and sustainability. 
• The environmental science PhD program is housed in the James H. Oliver Jr. Institute for Coastal Plain Science (ICPS), an interdisciplinary research and education center directed toward understanding the physical and biological resources below the Fall Line and their sustainable use and management.
• Opportunities exist across all science and mathematics disciplines for study and for research in a wide range of natural laboratories that include forests, beaches, salt marshes, rivers and more along southeast Georgia’s coastal plain. Study abroad opportunities are also available.
• Advisors for students in the environmental science PhD program can come from any department within the College of Science and Mathematics.

Ready to Apply?

Request information, visit campus, or, you can :, courses and curriculum – environmental science phd, integrative environmental science.

This course will explore the complex interdisciplinary nature of environmental science. Students will investigate how interdisciplinary approaches incorporating the scientific disciplines, mathematics, policy, and management can be combined to address real-world environmental issues. The course will often be team taught by 3 faculty and will contain a mix of lecture and project based learning. All students will gain scientific writing experience by developing a research proposal.

Genes Organisms and Ecosystems

This course covers major principles of evolution and ecology, and application of these principles to the management of species and ecosystems. Topics include the origin and maintenance of genetic variation, evolutionary change of populations over time, the role of speciation and extinction in regulating biodiversity, and ecological interactions between organisms and their abiotic and biotic environments, at the scales of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. These principles will be applied to conservation issues arising from global environmental change, and addressing these issues through sustainable management of species and ecosystems.

Biogeochemical Cycles

This course examines biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S, and metals), the environments in which these processes occur (hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere), the chemical reactions that take place during these cycles, and the microorganisms that influence them. Additionally, a major theme is the effect of human activities on biogeochemical cycles.

Applied Statistics

This course provides an overview of statistical analyses and methods used in studies related to the biological and environmental sciences. The general emphasis of this course includes organizing and summarizing data, drawing inferences from population samples via estimation and significance tests, linear and generalized regression, random-effects models, time-series, and spatio-temporal analysis.

Geospatial Data

This course is designed to introduce methods of geospatial data acquisition, processing, mapping and analysis (from the field and from online geodatabases) in the environmental sciences.

Computational Sciences

An introduction to the application of mathematics to various biologically and environmentally related problems, which can be analyzed both analytically and numerically. Computational approaches for model analysis are introduced and include numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear models, numerical differentiation and integration, data fitting, and other numerical methods.

Applied Environmental Chemistry

This course covers a variety of chemical fields as they apply to the five essential human needs: water, food, health, waste management, and energy. Various materials, including metals, inorganic and organic compounds, polymers, and proteins, as well as their applications, will be introduced. Basic research and cutting-edge technologies will be discussed.

Environmental Modeling

An introduction to the study of environmental phenomena that exhibit complexity emergent from a wide variety of parameters. An interdisciplinary course that employs the study of a variety of physical, biological, and chemical problems. Students learn how to construct and analyze minimal mathematical, physical, and computational models that provide informative answers to precise questions about: population dynamics; species interactions (e.g., competition, predation, parasitism); reaction kinetics; sedimentation; biological oscillators; coupled reaction networks; molecular motors; limit cycles; reaction diffusion; nitrogen fluxes in low-relief watersheds; recovery from acid deposition in mountain streams; bacterial patterns; nitrogen budgets on permaculture farms; and the sustainability of human activity on the Earth.

Financial Aid and Admission Requirements

Format : In person on the Statesboro Campus and Armstrong Campus in Savannah Credit Hours : 78 Time to completion : Varies, but 4-5 years is typical Dissertation : Yes

Admission Requirements

For potential admission to the College of Graduate Studies to pursue graduate work leading to the PhD in Environmental Science, the applicant:

• Must have completed requirements for the bachelor’s or master’s degree in a college accredited by the proper regional accrediting associations.
• Must complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (scores must be sent to the College of Graduate Studies) with a combined verbal and quantitative score typically at 300 or above.
• Must complete the TOEFL Exam with scores sent to the College of Graduate Studies (international students only).
• Must submit a statement of research interests and career goals as pertains to pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science. 
• Must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic or professional experience.
• Typically, will have a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to secure a potential faculty advisor before i submit an application to the program.

Yes. Students will only be admitted to the Environmental Science Ph.D. program if a faculty member has agreed to serve as their Ph.D. advisor. Thus, applicants should identify and communicate with potential advisors prior to the application process. Information on faculty within the College of Science and Mathematics can be found on the various departmental pages. See  https://www.georgiasouthern.edu/cosm/departments/

Can I use an unofficial transcript for application purposes?

Official transcripts are required for admission into the Environmental Science Ph.D. program. International applicants must have their official transcripts evaluated by a NACES accredited evaluation service. See this page for more details:  https://cogs.georgiasouthern.edu/admission/applynow/

Is there a possibility of getting the GRE exam requirements waived?

There is no GRE waiver available for the Environmental Science Ph.D. program.

Is the Duolingo English test accepted in place of the TOEFL?

No, international applicants must complete the TOEFL exam. See this page for more details:   https://cogs.georgiasouthern.edu/admission/applynow/  

Is there a possibility of getting my application fee waived?

We are unable to waive the application fee for the Environmental Science Ph.D. program.

Are there funding opportunities for students pursuing the PhD in Environmental Science?

There are a limited number of teaching assistantships available to graduate students pursuing the PhD in Environmental Science, but these are not guaranteed upon acceptance and are very competitive. Alternative sources of student support are sometimes available through external funding (e.g., grants and contracts) that have been obtained by faculty. As noted above, potential graduate students must secure a faculty advisor to be admitted to the PhD program so discussions regarding the sources and availability of student support should be completed and negotiated between the student and faculty advisor. In addition, a limited number of out-of-country tuition waivers are available to international students through the Office of Graduate Admissions (see:  https://cogs.georgiasouthern.edu/admission/applynow/ ). 

Questions? Contact Us!

Christine Hladik, PhD Graduate Program Director School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA 30460-8149 Phone: 912-478-5361 [email protected]

Last updated: 2/12/2024

• B.A. in Geography
• B.S. in Geosciences
• B.S. in Sustainability Science
• M.S. in Applied Geography
• M.S. in Environmental Science
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Ball State University

Phd in environmental sciences.

• Colleges and Departments
• Environmental Sciences

As a student pursuing a PhD in environmental sciences at Ball State University, you will conduct interdisciplinary research in a wide variety of topics with concentrations in biology, chemistry, geography, geological sciences, or natural resources and environmental management. You will address complex environmental problems by integrating multiple approaches into field and laboratory studies to address complex factors impacting the earth’s environment.

Our PhD in environmental sciences program gives you a well-rounded background necessary to meet the needs of numerous career opportunities in post-secondary education, government agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. You will develop the skills necessary to pursue complex questions in environmental science using an interdisciplinary approach.

Why Ball State?

A unique feature of this program is an interdisciplinary focus. Your program originates in a major discipline that you will complete with coursework from other scientific disciplines. Ultimately, your program culminates in a dissertation that draws from more than one discipline.

Each student participates in an interdisciplinary research colloquium every semester in residence and will have the opportunity to present their research at several of these colloquia.

You will take classes with faculty in our departments of:

• Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources

You will develop as a scholar and fully understand interdisciplinary research's advantages by participating in our faculty mentorship program.

When you apply, we ask that you identify a faculty mentor who will chair your PhD committee.

You will choose from approximately 30 affiliated faculty members across five departments. These faculty members have established research in the environmental sciences and have embraced our interdisciplinary approach.

Read about Our Faculty

You will practice scientific research methods in a concentrated field, develop an understanding of the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to the environmental sciences, practice scientific communication through presentations and publications, and develop an ethical approach to scientific inquiry. As part of your professional development, you'll participate in a teaching internship (SCI 790). This involves a supervised and mentored experience in the instruction of a science course or labs. We also host a weekly research colloquium featuring presentations by students, faculty, and guests, who discuss their research within the environmental sciences. You will sign up for the colloquium (ID 605) each semester of your residency. These presentations are free and open to the public.

Program Requirements

• complete an approved program of coursework
• pass the comprehensive examinations
• write an acceptable research proposal and petition for admission to candidacy
• complete a program of significant original research
• defend the dissertation research

We expect you to publish a major portion of your dissertation in a refereed national or international journals.

Concentrations

You'll choose a concentration from one of the following departments:

• Geography and Meteorology
• Curriculum Overview

You will need to complete both:

• an environmental sciences foundation (24 credits)
• a program of study approved by the student’s advisor, committee, and program director (24 credits)

Before admission to doctoral candidacy, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in a computer language or a reading proficiency of scientific literature in one foreign language. The chosen language should allow access to important literature in your area of research. The doctoral committee imposes this requirement at its discretion.

Also, you are required to:

• participate in a research colloquium (ID 605) each semester in residence
• complete a teaching internship (SCI 790)
• take 12 credits of dissertation (DISS 799) beginning the term you are admitted to candidacy
• BIO 656 Ecosystem Ecology
• CHEM 627 Environmental Chemistry
• GEOG 625 GIS for Environmental Science
• GEOL 601 Seminar in Environmental Geology 
• BIO 657 Multivariate Analysis of Environmental Data
• ID 605 Academic Colloquium
• SCI 790 Internship in Science Education

The directed electives will make up the program of study that is approved by your advisor, committee, and program director. A wide degree of latitude is allowed in course selection but must fall within the capabilities of the university and the student’s academic background.

Courses typically will come from the following departments, but other department courses may be chosen if approved by the program director.

You may transfer up to 30 credits from previous graduate programs, with approval.

For a complete list of all the courses you may take, their descriptions, and other program requirements, please see our Graduate Catalog.

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Paying for Your Education

Tuition and Fees

Funding Graduate Study

Department graduate assistantships.

A graduate assistantship is an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful professional experience working alongside experience, expert faculty while helping cover the costs of your education. Learn more.

Ready to Apply?

In order for us to consider you for admission to this program, you must have the minimum of a master's degree in biology, chemistry, geography (meteorology, remote sensing, GIS), geological sciences, natural resources, environmental science, or an equivalent science program at an accredited institution, plus meet the minimum standards required for admission by the Graduate School.

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More Information

If you would like to learn more about the doctoral program in environmental sciences or about the Ball State University Graduate School, please complete our online form to request more information. Or if you’d like to speak directly with someone in our department by phone or email, please contact us.

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Environmental Sciences PhD

The PhD curriculum in Environmental Sciences is designed so students will work in a primary specialization area, while developing breadth of knowledge in three priority areas. They will conduct original research on an important environmental topic culminating in a publishable dissertation. 

Admissions Requirements

In order to be accepted into our PhD program, you will need to have taken the following courses:

• Biology (C or higher)
• Chemistry (C or higher)
• Statistics (C or higher)
• GRE Score preferably above 300 OR a Master's degree
• 3.0 GPA or higher

Required Coursework

Students entering with a bachelor's degree.

Students entering with a Bachelor’s Degree are required to take a total of 60 credit hours, at least half of which are at or above the 7000 level.  Of the 60 hours, nine are for dissertation research (ENVS 9000).  

The curricular requirements for these students include:

• ENVS 7700 – Integrated Environmental Issues (three hours)
• ENVS 7995 – Environmental Seminar (one hour)
• Six hours from each of the three priority areas (18 hours)
• Three hours from a priority area of choice (three hours)
• The remaining hours will be chosen in consultation with the student’s major advisor

Students entering with a Master's degree

Students entering with a Master’s Degree are required to take a total of 30 credit hours, at least half of which are at or above the 7000 level.  Of the 30 hours, nine are for dissertation research (ENVS 7000).  

• Three hours from each of the three priority areas (nine hours)

All PhD students will take a minimum of nine hours of graduate course work to establish a minor area of study outside the Department.  The minor area of study will be developed in consultation with the student’s advisory committee.

Students who have received an MS in Environmental Sciences from LSU will likely have taken the requisite ENVS courses described above.  For those students, the student’s advisory committee will develop an appropriate program of courses selected from courses offered by the Department of Environmental Sciences and other departments on the LSU campus or the LSU School of Public Health.

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48 Best Colleges for Environmental Science – 2024

April 16, 2024

Every environmental science program will include a dose of basic math, science, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. After all, tackling issues as massive as climate change and preserving our scarce natural resources will require an interdisciplinary effort. What separates the wheat from the chaff (you’ll learn this procedure in an Agronomy class) are the program’s hands-on offerings, study abroad opportunities, and expert faculty. Additionally, the best colleges for environmental science prepare students to be great communicators, writers, and problem-solvers so that they can better influence policy-makers to help make the earth a sustainable place.

Along your way toward earning your undergraduate degree, you may wish to specialize in a particular area such as: Biodiversity and Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, or just pure Environmental Science. You’ll likely encounter coursework in environmental policy, global change, physical geology, genetics and evolution, anatomy, sustainability, vertebrate morphology, ecology, and more.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Environmental Science Majors.

Best Colleges for Environmental Science

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Northwestern University

2) Johns Hopkins University

3) Duke University

4) Brown University

5) University of California-Davis

6) University of California-Berkeley

7) Columbia University

8) University of Virginia

9) Dartmouth College

10) Rice University

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of environmental science and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the Best Colleges for Environmental Science, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

• Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $91,290
• Median SAT: 1530
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 97%

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights: With 53 majors as well as 51 minors, JHU excels in everything from its bread-and-butter medical-related majors to international relations and dance. Boasting an enviable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and with 78% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. Many departments carry a high level of clout, including biomedical engineering, chemistry, English, and international studies. Biology, neuroscience, and computer science, which happen to be the three most popular majors, can also be found at the top of the national rankings.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 94% of graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university; 66% of graduates entered the world of employment and a robust 19% went directly to graduate/professional school. The median starting salary across all majors was $80,000 for the Class of 2022. JHU itself is the most popular choice for graduate school. The next most frequently attended institutions included Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

• Enrollment: 6,044
• Cost of Attendance: $86,065
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

• Enrollment: 6,640
• Cost of Attendance: $85,238
• SAT Range: 1490-1570
• ACT Range: 34-35
• Acceptance Rate: 6%

Brown University

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

University of California, Davis

Academic Highlights: UC Davis offers 100+ undergraduate majors across four schools: the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the College of Biological Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the College of Letters and Science. 50% engage in some type of research/creative project outside the classroom. The areas of study with the largest number of degrees awarded were biology, the social sciences, psychology, and engineering. Programs in engineering, computer science, and animal science are nationally renowned.

Professional Outcomes: Many recent grads found homes at Silicon Valley or other California-based employers. Corporations employing 200 or more Aggies include Genentech, Google, Apple, Cisco, Meta, Oracle, Amazon, Microsoft, Salesforce, and LinkedIn. Ten years out of school, median earnings rise to $112k. Within one year of graduating, 39% of Aggies elect to continue their education; the most popular degrees pursued are master’s, MDs or other health doctorates, law, and MBA/MPA.

• Enrollment: 31,797 (undergraduate); 9,053 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,389 (in-state); $73,963 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 42%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 87%

University of California, Berkeley

• Berkeley, CA

Academic Highlights: More than 150 undergraduate majors and minors are available across six schools: the College of Letters and Science, the College of Chemistry, the College of Engineering, the College of Environmental Design, the College of Natural Resources, and the Haas School of Business. Many departments have top international reputations including computer science, engineering, chemistry, English, psychology, and economics. 22% of sections contain nine or fewer students, and over 55% of students assist faculty with a research project or complete a research methods course.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 49% of Cal’s Class of 2022 had already secured employment, and 20% were headed to graduate school. Business is the most popular sector, attracting 62% of employed grads; next up are industrial (17%), education (8%), and nonprofit work (7%). The median starting salary was $86,459 across all majors. Thousands of alumni can be found in the offices of Google, Apple, and Meta, and 500+ Golden Bears are currently employed by Oracle, Amazon, and Microsoft. The school is the number one all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 32,831 (undergraduate); 12,914 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $48,574 (in-state); $82,774 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 94%

Columbia University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers 100+ unique areas of undergraduate study as well as a number of pre-professional and accelerated graduate programs.  Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 58% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (22%), computer science (15%), engineering (14%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Examining the most recent graduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, 73% had found employment within six months, and 20% had entered graduate school. The median starting salary for graduates of Columbia College/Columbia Engineering is above $80,000. Many graduates get hired by the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft.

• Enrollment: 8,832
• Cost of Attendance: $89,587
• Acceptance Rate: 4%

University of Virginia

• Charlottesville, VA

Academic Highlights: Undergrads can study within one of seven colleges/schools, which all offer many small classes; 15% boast single-digit enrollment and 48% contain 19 or fewer students. The McIntire School of Commerce and the School of Engineering and Applied Science have glowing reputations. Other notable strengths include computer science, economics, and political philosophy, policy, and law. The most popular degree areas are liberal arts/general studies (22%), the social sciences (14%), engineering (11%), business/marketing (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes:  Upon receiving their degree, 95% of the Class of 2022 immediately joined the workforce–with an average starting salary of $90k–or headed directly to graduate school. The most popular industries were internet & software, higher education, and management consulting. Capital One (85), Deloitte (46), Amazon (38), and Bain & Co. (26) scooped up the greatest number of 2022 grads. UVA itself was the most popular grad school destination followed by Columbia, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 17,496 (undergraduate); 8,653 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $39,494-49,874 (in-state); $78,214-90,378 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 19%

Dartmouth College

• Hanover, NH

Academic Highlights: Dartmouth sports 60+ majors and a stunning breadth of course selections for an institution of its size. The learning environment at Dartmouth is extraordinarily intimate. Not only do 61% of course sections have under twenty students, but 18% have single-digit enrollments. The student-to-faculty ratio is an outstanding 7:1. Top programs offered by Big Green include biology, economics, neuroscience, and government. The social sciences are the most popular, accounting for 32% of degrees conferred, followed by computer science (10%), mathematics (9%), engineering (9%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: A great reputation along with a passionate alumni network that is 80,000 strong leads Dartmouth grads to successful transitions into graduate school and the world of work. Included in the top ten employers of Dartmouth grads are a number of investment banks including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bain & Company, Citibank, and Deutsche Bank. Right off the bat, 52% of graduates make more than $70,000 in salary. Those pursuing graduate degrees often flock to the likes of Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton.

• Enrollment: 4,458
• Cost of Attendance: $87,793
• Median SAT: 1550

Rice University

• Houston, TX

Academic Highlights : Rice offers more than 50 majors across six broad disciplines: engineering, architecture, music, social science, humanities, and natural science. Programs in biology, biochemistry, cognitive science, and music are incredibly strong, while the School of Architecture and the George R. Brown School of Engineering are among the highest-ranking schools in their disciplines. One-third of computer science majors are female, almost twice the national average. Class sizes are ideally small with 66% containing fewer than 20 students and a median class size of only fourteen.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 88% of Rice grads have found careers or a graduate school home. Companies that employ many recent grads include Deloitte, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Google, and Microsoft. Over one hundred alumni are also current employees of companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, Accenture, and Meta. Across all majors, the average starting salary is $73k. One-third of graduates move directly into graduate or professional school, with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, and Berkeley being the most popular destinations.

• Enrollment: 4,494 (undergraduate); 4,178 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $78,278
• Median SAT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Retention Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 98%

Middlebury College

• Middlebury, VT

Academic Highlights: Midd offers 50 departments and programs in which to major and minor. The school’s 9:1 student-faculty ratio allows 100% of courses to be taught by professors, not graduate assistants. Most classes are small; the mean class size is 16, and 14% of sections contain fewer than ten students. Middlebury is renowned for its Language Department as well as its programs in economics and international studies. The college has a robust international program (75 programs in 40 countries); over 50% of juniors take a semester abroad.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 81% of the Class of 2022 had landed jobs and 12% were in graduate school. The most commonly held jobs fell under the categories of financial services (19%), consulting (14%), science and healthcare (14%), and media and technology (12%). Many Middlebury grads now enter tech-related fields; Google and Facebook are two of the leading employers alongside Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Deloitte, Amazon, and JP Morgan. More than 100 alumni work in the US State Department.

• Enrollment: 2,773 (undergraduate); 70 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,850
• Median SAT: 1460
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Retention Rate: 95%

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,040

Colorado College

• Colorado Springs, CO

Academic Highlights: Rather than the typical semester schedule, Colorado College operates on the “block plan,” a series of eight three-and-half-week periods during which students take only one course. You won’t find a more intimate liberal arts college than CC. Classes have a cap of 25 students, and no more than a handful of courses exceed that figure. The average class consists of 16 students. In terms of sheer volume, most degrees are conferred in the social sciences (28%), biology (17%), natural resources and conservation (8%), and physical science (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2022, an impressive 99% arrived successfully at their next destination within six months of earning their diploma. The largest number of graduates who pursue employment end up in the fields of education, technology, health care, the arts, and government.  The bachelor’s degree earned at Colorado College is unlikely to be the last degree a graduate will earn. Five years after graduation, the typical cohort sees 70-90% of its members having either completed or finishing an advanced degree.

• Enrollment: 2,180
• Cost of Attendance: $87,128
• Median SAT: 1380
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 16%
• Retention Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

Pomona College

• Claremont, CA

Academic Highlights: There are 48 majors and minors to select from with the most popular being social sciences (23%), biology (13%), and computer science (12%). Majors in economics, international relations, chemistry, and mathematics receive especially high marks. More than 600 courses are on the menu at Pomona alone, but students can access any of the Claremont Consortium’s 2,700 courses. Pomona’s 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio leads to an average class size of only 15 students, and over 50% of the undergraduate population conduct research alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: 71% of the Class of 2022 were employed within six months of graduating. Overall, the largest number of alumni can be found at Google, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Recently, economics degree-earners have landed jobs at Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, or Accenture. Majors in the hard sciences frequently landed at top research laboratories and hospitals. Of the 21% of 2022 grads who were accepted directly into graduate school, the most frequently attended institutions included the University of Cambridge, Duke, Harvard, Caltech, UChicago, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,761
• Cost of Attendance: $88,296
• Median SAT: 1520
• Graduation Rate: 93%

University of Notre Dame

• Notre Dame, IN

Academic Highlights: 75 majors are offered across six undergraduate colleges: the School of Architecture, the College of Arts and Letters, the Mendoza School of Business (one of the country’s best business schools), the College of Engineering, the Keough School of Global Affairs, and the College of Science. In 2022, the most degrees were conferred in business (20%), the social sciences (18%), engineering (12%), and biology (8%). A solid 60% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 15% have single-digit numbers. 75% of Notre Dame undergrads study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 69% of 2022 grads directly entered the world of employment, with the most common industries being financial services (21%), consulting (17%), technology (12%), and health services (9%). Massive numbers of alumni can be found at Deloitte, EY, PwC, IBM, Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and McKinsey & Co. The median early-career salary was $76,000. Of the 20% of grads who went directly into their graduate/professional studies, 18% were pursuing medical degrees and 9% were studying law.

• Enrollment: 8,971 (undergraduate); 4,134 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,125
• Median SAT: 1500

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• Syracuse, NY

Academic Highlights:  There are 27 majors at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a terrific 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. An excellent 64% of class sections are fairly small, enrolling 19 or fewer students. The most frequently earned degrees are in conservation biology (12%), environmental biology (10%), natural resources management (10%), environmental health engineering (9%), and wildlife biology (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Looking at the Class of 2022, ESF had an admiral 92% career placement rate. 70% of that cohort are employed full time and 18% elected to start an advanced degree program. Top employers included WestRock, Arcadis, Environmental Design & Research, GHD, NYS Office of Parks, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and Parsons Corporation. Top graduate programs include GWU, PSU, Syracuse, UNC-Chapel Hill, and UIUC.

• Enrollment: 1,621
• Cost of Attendance: $29,276 (In-State); $41,306 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: N/A
• Median ACT: N/A
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• Retention Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 80%

University of California, Los Angeles

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)

University of Washington – Seattle

• Seattle, WA

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across thirteen colleges/schools. Personal connections with professors abound as 55% of grads complete a faculty-mentored research project. The College of Engineering, which includes the College of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the best in the nation; UW also boasts strong programs in everything from business to social work to environmental science. The most popular degrees are the social sciences (13%), biology (12%), computer science (11%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 73% of Class of 2022 grads were employed and 17% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2022 included Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and KPMG. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, just over half remain in state, mostly at UW itself. Large numbers of 2022 grads also headed to Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and USC.

• Enrollment: 36,872 (undergraduate); 16,211 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,554 (in-state); $63,906 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1420
• Acceptance Rate: 48%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, including the top-ranked School of Business and College of Engineering as well as the College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, and Human Ecology. Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 44% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Business (18%), biology (12%), the social sciences (11%), and engineering (10%) are most popular.

Professional Outcomes: In a recent year, 46% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, Kohl’s, Oracle, Deloitte, and UW Health. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Target, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. 28% of recent grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school; the majority stayed at UW–Madison while others headed to Columbia, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. The university is the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 37,230 (undergraduate); 12,656 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,916 (in-state); $58,912 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1440
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

Hamilton College

• Clinton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, and without any pesky graduate students to get in the way, face time with professors is a regular occurrence. In fact, 28% of all classes have nine or fewer students; 72% have nineteen or fewer. Economics, government, and biology are among the strongest and most popular majors; other standout programs include public policy, mathematics, and environmental studies. Thirty percent of students earn social science degrees, with biology (13%), visual and performing arts (9%), physical science (7%), and foreign languages (7%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes: Examining the 491 graduates in Hamilton’s Class of 2022, an enviable 97% wasted no time landing jobs, graduate school acceptances, or fellowships. The most commonly entered industries were finance (17%), education (13%), business (12%), and science/tech (11%). Only 17% of 2022 graduates went directly into an advanced degree program. In one recent year, 33% of Hamilton grads were studying a STEM field, 22% were in the social sciences, 17% pursued a health care degree, and 5% went to law school.

• Enrollment: 2,075
• Cost of Attendance: $82,430
• Median SAT: 1490
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Graduation Rate: 92%

Bates College

• Lewiston, ME

Academic Highlights: Thirty-four percent of courses at Bates have a single-digit enrollment, and 63% of classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and not a single graduate student is present to vacuum up professorial attention. Twenty-eight percent of all degrees earned at Bates are in the social sciences, and psychology (14%), biology (13%), and the physical sciences (7%) are next in popularity. Though strong across many disciplines, Bates boasts exemplary programs in political science, art, philosophy, economics, and psychology.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 99% of the Class of 2022 were either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or otherwise meaningfully engaged in a fellowship or internship. The most frequently entered fields were healthcare (17%), education (16%), finance/banking (14%), and technology (7%). Within ten years of graduation, approximately 13% of Bates graduates are in, or have completed, law school whereas 7% enroll in medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,790
• Cost of Attendance: $81,382
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 14%

Bowdoin College

• Brunswick, ME

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are small—64% contain fewer than twenty students—and 21% have fewer than ten students. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1. More than half of Bowdoin undergrads report interacting with a professor outside of regular class time at least once per week. The greatest percentage of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (30%), biology (13%), area/ethnic/gender studies (8%), computer science (7%), and mathematics (7%). Economics and government and legal studies are two of the more popular majors within the social sciences.

Professional Outcomes: An examination of three recent years’ worth of outcomes data reveals that one year after graduation, between 73 and 77% of recent grads have found full-time employment, and 15% have gone directly into graduate school. Of those entering graduate school, 48% were enrolled in master’s programs, 23% in PhD programs, 13% in law school, and 8% in med school. The top twenty graduate schools attended, by volume, in the last five years make an exclusive list including six Ivies along with Duke, MIT, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 1,915
• Cost of Attendance: $82,600
• Median SAT: 1510

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 18%

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Wesleyan University

• Middletown, CT

Academic Highlights: With 45 majors and 32 minors, Wes truly has something for everyone. The academic requirements are relatively minimal, giving undergrads a high degree of intellectual freedom. Under 75% of class sections have fewer than twenty students; students rave about the accessible faculty. Research opportunities with professors are plentiful. Offerings in economics, English, film studies, and neuroscience typically receive the most praise from employers/grad schools; accordingly, the social sciences (24%), psychology (17%), and the visual and performing arts (12%) are the most popular.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 66% of 2022 grads had entered employment, with tech/engineering/sciences, education, and arts/entertainment being the three top sectors. The companies employing the highest numbers of recent Wesleyan grads included Google, Epic, Analysis Group, Boston Medical Center, Booz Allen Hamilton, Accenture, and Apple. Graduate school was the next stop for 18% of new alums; enrolling institutions included MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Yale, Harvard, Temple, and UMass.

• Enrollment: 3,069 (undergraduate); 184 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,094

Davidson College

• Davidson, NC

Academic Highlights: With its small size, the impressive part of the college is the exceptional quality of its offerings, not the breadth of them, as only 37 majors are available. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, which allows the college to ensure that 62% have fewer than twenty students and 24% have enrollments you can count on two hands. Overall, the average number of students per class is only 18. Top programs at Davidson include psychology, political science, chemistry, and English; biology is also quite popular, accounting for 12% of degrees conferred in 2022.

Professional Outcomes: Looking at the outcomes data for 2022 grads, 70% landed jobs within six months of graduation, 26% were enrolled in a graduate program, and 3% were still seeking employment. Of those who attended grad school, the highest number were in healthcare-related programs (including MDs), law school, and laboratory sciences. Significant numbers of students pursue advanced degrees at other Southern gems including Vanderbilt, Emory, Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC.

• Enrollment: 1,927
• Cost of Attendance: $76,450
• Acceptance Rate: 17%

Scripps College

Academic Highlights: There are 65+ majors available to undergrads, including some that are accessible through membership in the Consortium. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio breeds an intimate learning atmosphere where professors are genuinely dedicated to undergraduate education. The top five areas of concentration are the social sciences (18%), biology (14%), natural resources/conservation (8%), psychology (7%), and area, ethnic, and gender studies (6%). Each possesses a very strong reputation.

Professional Outcomes: Scripps women land jobs at some of the world’s leading companies after receiving their diplomas. Top employers include Google, Kaiser Permanente, and Amazon. Many go on to work for universities, including Pomona, Scripps, Stanford, UCLA, and UC San Diego. Recent grads also have entered positions at BlackRock, CBS, Goldman Sachs, Meta, and Pfizer. Over 66% complete a graduate/professional program within five years of receiving their bachelor’s degrees at institutions such as Caltech, Harvard, MIT, Vanderbilt, Oxford, Brown, Northwestern, and Tufts.

• Enrollment: 1,081 (undergraduate); 19 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,564
• Acceptance Rate: 30%

Pitzer College

Academic Highlights: Pitzer still manages to offer 40+ majors and 20 minors and, as a bonus, students are free to take more than 2,000 courses across the consortium. The most popular majors at Pitzer are interdisciplinary studies (18%), the social sciences (18%), and psychology (8%). Nearly all programs are top-notch, but majors within the social and behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology and sociology) typically draw the most praise. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and no graduate student presence lead to an average class size of 16 students.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their degrees, 59% of 2022 graduates had already found full-time employers, 16% were headed to graduate school, and 9% were entering fellowship, internship, or service programs. Among those employed, the most popular industries were tech/sustainability (25%), finance/business (17%), entertainment/arts (16%), health, medicine, and research (15%), and education (12%). Employers employing more than ten alumni include Google, Kaiser Permanente, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Accenture.

• Enrollment: 1,212
• Cost of Attendance: $89,792
• Retention Rate: 89%

Northeastern University

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 290 majors and 180 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Experiential learning is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school’s illustrious and robust co-op program. The D’Amore-McKim School of Business is a top-ranked school and offers one of the best international business programs anywhere, and both the College of Engineering and College of Computer Science are highly respected as well. Criminal justice, architecture, and nursing are three other majors that rate near the top nationally.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of State Street, Fidelity Investments, IBM, and Amazon, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Wayfair, Google, Amazon, Oracle, IBM, and Apple have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (55% make more than $60k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

• Enrollment: 20,980 (undergraduate); 15,826 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,821
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Dickinson College

• Carlisle, PA

Academic Highlights: As students immerse themselves in one of 46 areas of concentration, Dickinson supports them with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of fifteen, with 78% of classes being capped at 19 students. By discipline, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (27%), biology (12%), business (10%), psychology (7%), and foreign languages (5%). The college’s foreign language program, which features 13 offerings—including Arabic, Hebrew, and Portuguese—is recognized as one of the top programs in the country.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 95% of Dickinson grads have found jobs or full-time volunteer work, or have enrolled in graduate school. Companies employing more than 25 Dickinson alumni include Deloitte, IBM, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Merck, EY, PNC, PwC, Google, and Amazon. It’s interesting that more alumni can be found in New York City than in Pennsylvania. Within five years of receiving their diplomas, 55-60% of recent grads have entered or finished graduate school.

• Enrollment: 2,125
• Cost of Attendance: $86,151
• Median SAT: 1355
• Acceptance Rate: 35%

Clark University

• Worcester, MA

Academic Highlights: Class sizes are fairly small with 23% containing fewer than 10 students and the average undergraduate class size is exactly 20 students. An impressive 67% of students participate in undergraduate research at some point in their four years of study. Psychology and geography are two standout departments at Clark, and psychology (14%) is actually the school’s most commonly conferred degree. Overall, 21% of degrees are conferred in the social sciences and many also earn degrees in biology (11%), the visual & performing arts (9%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 97% of Cougars have clawed their way into gainful employment or full-time graduate programs. Sixty-three percent enter private industry, 32% enter the nonprofit/education world, and 5% are employed by government entities. Of the 44% of freshly minted alumni who enrolled in graduate school, a good number continued their education at Clark or at nearby universities such as UMass Amherst, Boston College, and Boston University. Other attend Brown University, NYU, Penn, and USC.

• Enrollment: 2,389
• Cost of Attendance: $67,277
• Median SAT: 1340
• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Retention Rate: 88%
• Graduation Rate: 76%

Willamette University

Academic Highlights: 30 distinct majors are offered at Willamette, and the greatest number of degrees conferred in 2022 were in the social sciences (16%) followed by a fairly even distribution among psychology (9%), biology (9%), natural resources and conservation (8%), and foreign languages (6%). Classes are exceptionally small with 75% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students, and undergraduate research is taken seriously, with more than 75 undergraduate research grants offered annually. The school is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars.

Professional Outcomes: Currently, two dozen or more alumni work for the likes of Nike, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, Microsoft, Amazon, and Wells Fargo. Graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences enjoy an average mid-career salary of $107k; alumni have gone on to all kinds of interesting careers including analytics for the Houston Astros, IT engineer at Netflix, lead investigator at the National Cancer Institute, and bestselling author of young adult fiction. Portland has the highest concentration of Bearcats followed by Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver.

• Enrollment: 1,367 (undergraduate); 548 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $63,756
• Median SAT: 1320
• Acceptance Rate: 81%
• Retention Rate: 82%

Colgate University

• Hamilton, NY

Academic Highlights: Fifty-six majors are on tap at Colgate, including all of the expected liberal arts concentrations. With a student-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 16, Colgate undergraduates work intimately with their instructors. The social sciences account for 35% of all degrees conferred and, within that umbrella, economics, political science, and English are among the most popular and most well-regarded majors.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, only a small number of Colgate alumni are still looking for work; in 2022, that group represented less than 2% of the graduating class. A substantial 80% had already landed full-time jobs. Employers hiring the most Colgate grads included BOA, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, EY, Wayfair, and the NIH. 85-95% of law school applicants are accepted into one of their target institutions. The medical school numbers were even more impressive with 100% of graduating seniors gaining acceptance into at least one med school.

• Enrollment: 3,130
• Cost of Attendance: $83,814

University of Colorado Boulder

• Boulder, CO

Academic Highlights: CU Boulder offers 90 bachelor’s degree programs across seven different schools and colleges; the College of Engineering & Applied Science and the Leeds School of Business both possess excellent national reputations. Business/marketing is the discipline where the greatest number of degrees (15%) were conferred in 2022. Engineering (13%), biology (12%), social sciences (12%), and journalism (10%) are next in popularity. 41% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and only 19% of courses enroll 50 or more students.

Professional Outcomes : Within six months of leaving CU Boulder, 91% of recent grads were working or in graduate school. Those employed earned an estimated median salary of $54k, with the greatest number working at Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, Deloitte, Qualcomm, Northrop Grumman, KPMG, Charles Schwab, and Boeing. More than 100 alumni can also be found at Google, Oracle, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. 20% of new grads immediately jumped into an advanced degree program, and 80% were accepted into their first-choice school.

• Enrollment: 31,103 (undergraduate); 7,110 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $31,744 (in-state); $60,118 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1280
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 75%

Boston University

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across ten schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small—60% contain fewer than twenty students; only 19% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in social sciences (16%), business/marketing (15%), communications and journalism (15%), biology (11%), engineering (9%), and health professions/related sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 90% of BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-quarter of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs. For example, engineering students found new academic homes at MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and Columbia.

• Enrollment: 18,459
• Cost of Attendance: $86,363

Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL

Academic Highlights: A wide range of baccalaureate degrees—103 to be precise—are available at FSU. The student-to-faculty is a 17:1, which translates into somewhat larger class sizes. Ten percent of sections contain more than fifty students, and 4% have more than 100. However, that is balanced by the 66% of sections that contain fewer than twenty students. Twenty-three percent of degrees conferred fall under the business umbrella. The social sciences (15%), psychology (8%), biology (8%), and homeland security (6%) are next in popularity.

Professional Outcomes: Eighty-three percent of job-seeking Seminole grads receive at least one offer of employment within three months of graduation. The top five sectors employing 2022 grads are (in order) finance, technology, marketing, health, and engineering. Roughly one-third of 2022 Florida State grads elected to immediately pursue admission into an advanced degree program; 75% of those who apply receive at least one acceptance. A typical graduating class sees over 100 students accepted into medical schools and over 200 accepted into law schools.

• Enrollment: 32,936
• Cost of Attendance: $25,762 (In-State); $39,692 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1300
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

Barnard College

Academic Highlights: Barnard has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and a sensational 71% of courses are capped at nineteen or fewer students; 18% have fewer than ten. Many get the chance to engage in research alongside a professor as 240+ undergraduates are granted such an opportunity through the Summer Research Institute each year. Barnard’s most popular majors, by number of degrees conferred, include economics, English, political science, history, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and art history.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 91% of 2022 Barnard grads had found employment or were enrolled in a graduate program. JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, Citibank, and Morgan Stanley all appear on the list of the top fifteen employers of Barnard alumni. Within ten years of graduation, over 80% of Barnard alums eventually enroll in graduate school. Those entering graduate school flock in large numbers to Columbia, with 112 heading there over the last three years.

• Enrollment: 3,442
• Cost of Attendance: $90,928

University of Southern California

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,921

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 74 bachelor’s degree programs in a number of schools and colleges, the largest of which is the College of Arts & Sciences. 44% of classes have a student enrollment under 20. The social sciences (15%), biology (12%), media/journalism (9%), computer science (8%), and business (6%) are the areas in which the most degrees are conferred. The Kenan-Flager Business School is internationally renowned and requires separate admission. Other strong programs include those in chemistry, journalism, psychology, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Chapel Hill, 97% of 2022 grads had entered employment, military service, or graduate school. Among the for-profit companies that hire the most graduates are Wells Fargo, IBM, Cisco, Deloitte, EY, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. In the nonprofit sector, a large number of alumni are employed by AmeriCorps, NIH, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps. The average starting salary is $70,619. 18% of 2022 grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 20,210 (undergraduate); 11,739 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,036 (in-state); $60,040 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1450

University of California, Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz, CA

Academic Highlights: 73 undergraduate majors are available at UCSC within the following academic divisions: arts, humanities, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and the Jack Baskin School of Engineering. 75% of undergraduates conduct research during their four years. Biology is the university’s most popular major; 15% of all degrees conferred in 2022 were in this discipline. 14% of degrees were granted in the social sciences, 13% in computer and information sciences, and 12% in psychology. CS is one of UCSC’s most respected programs.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of earning their degree, 29% of UCSC grads had found employment and 17% started graduate programs. Proximity to Silicon Valley helps open doors to companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Genentech, and Cisco, which all employ over 250 alumni. More than 100 alums can also be found in the offices of Amazon, Salesforce, Microsoft, Adobe, and LinkedIn. Among graduates from the last five years, over half make more than $40k.

• Enrollment: 17,502 (undergraduate); 1,976 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $41,283 (in-state); $73,857 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Graduation Rate: 77%

University of Minnesota–Twin Cities

• Minneapolis, MN

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. 65% of class sections enroll 29 or fewer students. The most commonly conferred degrees are in biology (13%), business & marketing (11%), engineering (10%), the social sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and psychology (8%). The College of Science and Engineering and the Carlson School of Management have strong national reputations, and the chemistry, economics, psychology, and political science departments are also well-regarded.

Professional Outcomes: The top seven companies snatching up the largest number of recent grads are all companies headquartered in the state of Minnesota: Medtronic, Target, 3M, United Health Group, US Bank, and Cargill. Google, Apple, and Meta all employ hundreds of Twin Cities alumni. The mean starting salary for recent grads was $50k. With 130 graduate programs in science, art, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and the humanities, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

• Enrollment: 39,248 (undergraduate); 15,707 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,032-$35,632 (in-state); $54,446-$57,046
• Median SAT: 1370
• Acceptance Rate: 75%
• Retention Rate: 90%

University of Vermont

• Burlington, VT

Academic Highlights: With over 100 majors and 100 advanced degree programs, the University of Vermont has offerings in just about any major you can name. They sport a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 and 41% of sections enroll no more than 19 students. The most popular majors are fairly evenly spread around with biology (12%), natural resources and conservation (10%), business (9%), and nursing (9%)  all attracting similar numbers of undergraduates.

Professional Outcomes:  Over the last three years, graduates have enjoyed a 94% success rate. Alumni earned an average starting salary of $49,909 during that span of time. Roughly 90% of grads stated that their current job was related to their career goals. Top employers included Mass General Hospital, Beta Technologies, and GlobalFoundries. Looking at the Class of 2022 who enrolled in advanced degree programs, common universities included Northeastern, BU, Simmons, NYU, and Cornell.

• Enrollment: 11,898
• Cost of Attendance: $32,834 (In-State); $59,278 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1350
• Acceptance Rate: 60%

Oregon State University

• Corvallis, Oregon

Academic Highlights: Across its 11 colleges, graduate schools, and Honors College, OSU offers close to 200 degree programs. While 28% of classes have fewer than 20 students another 21% of sections enroll more than 50 individuals. The three most commonly earned degrees are in engineering (17%) computer science (15%), and business (15%). Other popular areas of study are biology (7%), natural resources and conservation (6%), and the social sciences (5%).

Professional Outcomes:  Large number of College of Business alums work at companies such as Nike, Boeing, Intel, Deloitte, Oracle, KPMG, and Adidas.  Including all majors, many others work for Amazon, Salesforce, Meta, Apple, Google, and NVIDIA. An impressive 67% of those applying to medical school are accepted, a figure far higher than the national average. Med schools where recent grads now attend include Harvard, Yale, the University of Chicago, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 28,905
• Cost of Attendance: $28,866 (In-State); $51,642 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1260
• Median ACT: 26
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Retention Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 70%

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Academic Highlights: The offerings at Hobart & William Smith are wide with 45 majors and 68 minors. The average class size is just 16 students, and 100% of courses are taught by full-time faculty; the student-to-faculty ratio is an excellent 9:1. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred each year, typically more than 25%. The next most popular areas of concentration are in biology, psychology, journalism, and the physical sciences.

Professional Outcomes: In a typical year, approximately two-thirds of HWS grads immediately enter the world of full-time employment while 15% jump right into pursuing a graduate or professional degree. Companies employing the greatest number of grads include Morgan Stanley, Fidelity Investments, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Google, UBS, JPMorgan Chase, and Citi. On the graduate and professional school front, HWS alumni fare quite well, including at many of the top programs in the country.

• Enrollment: 1,559
• Cost of Attendance: $80,000
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 68%
• Graduation Rate: 74%

Juniata College

• Huntingdon, PA

Academic Highlights: A stunning 95% of graduates report engaging in some form of hands-on learning in their time at the college. The 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio may lag slightly behind some other small liberal arts schools featured in this guide, but professors are deployed with enhancing the undergraduate experience in mind. Biology is easily the most common major as it accounted for 22% of degrees conferred in 2022; next in line were natural resources and conservation (12%), education (12%), and the physical sciences (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-six percent of Juniata students are employed or attending graduate school six months after diplomas are awarded. More than ten alumni work for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Merck, Geisinger, WellSpan Health, and the US Army. Recent graduate acceptances include Columbia, Wake Forest, Johns Hopkins, and MIT. With a 90% acceptance rate for premed and other graduate programs in the health professions, Juniata is a choice institution for future doctors, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, and other health professionals.

• Enrollment: 1,177
• Cost of Attendance: $69,948
• Median SAT: 1230
• Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Retention Rate: 81%
• Graduation Rate: 71%

University of North Carolina Wilmington

• Wilmington, NC

Academic Highlights: Nearly 90 undergraduate programs are available across five different colleges: the Cameron School of Business, the College of Health and Human Services, the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts, the College of Science and Engineering, and the Watson College of Education. Nursing is the most popular major, accounting for 20% of degrees conferred, followed by business (18%), speech communication and rhetoric (6%), and psychology (6%). The average class size is 22, and 40% of classes enroll under 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Nursing grads—UNCW’s most popular major—make an average starting salary of $67k. Business majors—the second-most popular discipline—have a post-grad employment rate of 45%. 15% of newly minted business alums immediately pursue a graduate or professional program. During their undergrad years, 58% of business students ultimately complete an internship, and they enjoy an average starting salary of $55k.

• Enrollment: 14,294 (undergraduate); 3,549 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,030 (in-state); $42,603 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Retention Rate: 83%

University of North Carolina Asheville

• Asheville, NC

Academic Highlights: Of the 30+ bachelor’s degree programs, a standout Art & Art History Department attracts scores of talented young painters, sculptors, and photographers. As such, it conferred the greatest percentage of degrees in 2022 (16%), followed by psychology (14%), the social sciences (10%), and business (9%). Engineering and computer science degrees accounted for a combined 19%. 97% of courses enroll 29 or fewer students (the average class size is just 14), and 65% of students complete original research in their field of study.

Professional Outcomes: Asheville rates well when it comes to generating a high degree of social mobility. Employers snagging the greatest number of Bulldog alumni include Mission Health, Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, Bank of America, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and a number of local school districts. A fair number of grads also find employment at Duke Energy Company, the US Environmental Protection Agency, Apple, EY, PwC, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many alumni pursue graduate schools at other public universities within North Carolina.

• Enrollment: 2,907 (undergraduate); 18 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $24,856 (in-state); $43,304 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1240
• Acceptance Rate: 94%
• Retention Rate: 73%
• Graduation Rate: 56%

St. Mary’s College of Maryland

• St. Mary's City, MD

Academic Highlights: St. Mary’s College of Maryland offers 25 majors and 31 minors. 96% of course sections enroll fewer than 29 students, and 72% of classes enroll fewer than 20. The college is known for its strong STEM programs; roughly 30% of all degrees conferred are in a STEM field. The social sciences accounted for 23% of the degrees earned in 2022 followed by psychology (17%), biology (13%), natural resources and conservation (8%), and the visual and performing arts (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of earning their bachelor’s degrees, 96% of St. Mary’s grads have landed a job or started an advanced degree. Healthcare, wellness, publishing, government, and media are the most popular industries. Top employers of Osprey alumni include JPMorgan Chase & Co., the Centers for Disease Control, BNY Mellon, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Smithsonian, and the US Department of Defense. Over 25% of alumni begin work on their next degree within six months of graduation, earning acceptances from the likes of Harvard, Yale, Rice, Penn, and the University of Chicago.

• Enrollment: 1,513 (undergraduate); 23 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,611 (in-state); $50,282 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1250
• Acceptance Rate: 77%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Environmental Science to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

• AP Score Calculators 
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• Best Summer Programs 
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• Best Colleges by Major

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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2024 FMHS Lunch and Learn Serie #4_Sustainability Practices

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Sustainability Practices for Graduate Students

Date : April 25, 2024

Time : 12pm-1pm EST

Speaker : Kimberly John  ,MPhil Ecology and MSc Bioresource Engineering, Sustainability Officer at McGill

Mrs. John is a Sustainability Officer at McGill’s Office of Sustainability working to integrate environmentally responsible practices in laboratories. Since 2022 she instituted engagement programs for the lab community and is now working with a broad coalition to develop systems to reduce and recycle lab waste university wide.

Objectives:

This session aims to inspire graduate students take simple steps to balance environmental, financial and social aspects of their personal and professional lives. The focus will be on impactful actions that minimise our environmental footprints at McGill and beyond.

• Current resources that support a culture of sustainability at McGill
• How individual and collective action help to advance sustainability (using examples from commuting and travel, lab work, and waste management).

Location : online via Zoom

Zoom link will be sent after registration.

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UC engineering co-op medalist excels through 6 co-op experiences

Jaclyn bashore was awarded the herman schneider medal for co-op excellence.

2024 Herman Schneider award recipient Jaclyn Bashore.

Ever since she garnered an appreciation for chemistry in high school, fifth-year University of Cincinnati student Jaclyn Bashore has not looked back.

When she graduates with a chemical engineering degree and a minor in chemistry this spring, Bashore will have had six co-op experiences — along with a new full-time job at AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical research company with whom she did two co-op rotations. To commemorate her exceptional co-op work, the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science awarded Bashore the 2024 Herman Schneider Medal, an annual award given to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding success as a co-op student.

Jaclyn Bashore poses with the Herman Schneider statue outside of UC's Baldwin Hall.

When the time came to make a college decision, Bashore didn’t have to look far from her home in Tipp City, Ohio. In addition to enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of campus, Bashore was particularly drawn to UC because of the top-ranking cooperative education (co-op) program. The program, which enables students to gain practical real-world experience as they rotate semesters in the classroom with semesters of full-time, paid, co-op work, entrusts students with important and meaningful work from the get-go. Though College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) students typically do five co-op rotations, Bashore completed six. She was eager to learn as much as she could, so she took the first opportunity she had to accelerate her career readiness.

“I did my first co-op with P&G as a consumer data analyst in the summer of freshman year, even though that is the one summer we have off here as engineering students,” Bashore said. “It was during the initial onset of COVID and a lot of it was remote, but I was eager to get my first look into the professional world, and I ended up learning a lot about professional communication in an industry setting.”

After acquiring skills in data analysis, coding tools and instructional media production during her time at P&G, Bashore transitioned into a more hands-on role as a process engineer with KraussMaffei, a plastics engineering extrusion company in Florence, Kentucky. Though she recognized that putting together and taking apart machines was a whole new ball game compared to coding, Bashore was able to quickly see tangible results from her work. During her two co-op rotations with KraussMaffei, she led research trials on customers and reported on extrusion trends to inform department strategy. She even prevented six-figure product damage costs to the organization by ensuring the correct alignment of screw elements and equipment pieces for water supply lines. 

Jaclyn Bashore at AbbVie's Waco, Texas, campus.

Armed with three full-time co-op experiences in just two years, Bashore next found herself in Chicago as a global packaging engineer for AbbVie, the first of her two rotations with the company. From the start, Bashore knew her experience would be rewarding. 

“My first exposure to AbbVie was when I visited their campus in Chicago. I thought the giant campus of 60 buildings was crazy cool — it was the first time I’d ever been on a campus that big, because every other place was just one building,” Bashore said. “The capacity alone was inspiring, but when I saw their impact on patient lives directly, I was even more excited. Seeing firsthand how medicine can positively affect people was really inspiring.”

During her first stint with AbbVie, Bashore worked on labelling technology for thermochromic ink labels that indicate temperature and time for vaccine syringes that have been exposed to various elements. Her investigative and design work resulted in AbbVie saving over $9 million per year in potential costs. Similar to her previous co-ops, Bashore further cemented her research and communication skills by partaking in several shipping studies for drug products and authoring supplemental documentation.

For her next co-op rotation, Bashore joined the Jacobs Engineering Group, an engineering consulting firm in Cincinnati. At Jacobs, she contributed to a large-scale biopharmaceutical plant design project that was built in Limerick, Ireland, for Eli Lilly. During construction of the plant, which was created to manufacture new medication to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Bashore collaborated cross-functionally to manage Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications for seven project sites, in addition to ensuring minimal environmental impact for the construction project.

Jaclyn Bashore visiting Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

For her final co-op rotation, Bashore returned to AbbVie to work at its Waco, Texas, location as a process engineer. She notably created a skills matrix, or the system outlining operational standards, and increased its product output by over 3.6 million units.

“My second stint was a lot more hands-on, because I was directly in the manufacturing plant, whereas initially I was splitting my time between labs and my desk to help out with documentation,” Bashore said. “Going from occasionally seeing and interacting with plants to being on the fast-paced plant floor was a totally different experience, but it was a lot of fun. The people and the passion of the organization made it so easy to be genuinely involved.”

In addition to her class and co-op work, Bashore served as an undergraduate research assistant for chemical engineering professor Jonathan Nickels , with her research focusing on molecular energy transfer and supporting the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Balancing out the many responsibilities of her co-ops with the demands of the classroom and beyond was often difficult for Bashore. However, she was able to find motivation and further her sense of community and purpose by extending her involvement outside of school and work.

It’s always really rewarding to see the direct impact of your actions. I want to inspire others in the same ways that I was inspired.

Jaclyn Bashore, CEAS '24

“During my freshman year, I was required to volunteer because of my Cincinnatus scholarship,” Bashore said. “As I continued to dabble throughout volunteering opportunities, I noticed that I would go past the required hours. Volunteering introduced me to some amazing experiences and some of my best friends.”

Jaclyn Bashore poses with the Bearcat.

Some of Bashore’s favorite volunteering experiences include her time with the student-led Clean Up Cincy and with Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, an organization that provides women’s wellness and family assistance. She also has served her community as a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Society of Women Engineers and the Omega Chi Epsilon Honor Society, among other organizations. As a result of her widespread community involvement, she was selected to be a constituent on the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Philanthropy Committee. She was named to the Senior 100, which celebrates graduating UC students for their service and leadership.

“It’s always really rewarding to see the direct impact of your actions. I want to inspire others in the same ways that I was inspired,” Bashore said. “It’s not always easy to balance it all, but it’s definitely worth it. Along with journaling and my faith, being a catalyst to help others keeps me going.”

Upon graduating this spring, Bashore will return to AbbVie’s Waco plant as a full-time employee in its departmental rotation program. As she looks toward her future, she is filled with excitement and gratitude.  

Jaclyn Bashore with her parents.

“When I think about where I was freshman year compared to where I am now, it’s a little hard to believe,” Bashore said. “I never even thought I’d co-op outside of Cincinnati, since I used to be so adamant that I’d never leave. It’s hard to find the words to sum up so many feelings, but without any piece of it, I wouldn’t have the whole puzzle. I wouldn’t be here without the people around me, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing.”

Featured image at top: UC's Mantei Center. Photo/John Martini

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April 15, 2024

Ever since she garnered an appreciation for chemistry in high school, fifth-year University of Cincinnati student Jaclyn Bashore has not looked back. When she graduates with a chemical engineering degree and a minor in chemistry this spring, Bashore will have had six co-op experiences — along with a new full-time job at AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical research company with whom she did two co-op rotations. To commemorate her exceptional co-op work, the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science awarded Bashore the 2024 Herman Schneider Medal, an annual award given to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding success as a co-op student.

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