Student in lab

Earth System Science and Policy Master's

M.S. or M.E.M.

Help solve and manage complex problems due to human-driven changes affecting Earth system sustainability.

Human activities are changing Earth’s land surface, oceans, coasts, atmosphere, biological diversity, water cycle, and biogeochemical cycles. To analyze these changes demands graduate-level research and technical expertise with a strong background in environmental and sustainability science, and environmental policy.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2-2.5 years
Credit hours:
30-36

Why earn a master's degree in Earth System Science and Policy?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Earth’s systems are experiencing extraordinary changes. UND’s Earth System Science and Policy’s master’s degree offers an interdisciplinary education preparing you to be a part of the next generation of leaders that will help individuals, companies, and society solve pressing sustainability problems.

The Earth System Science and Policy curriculum gives you a broad and holistic knowledge of the interconnected human and environmental relationships which are encompassed within the Earth System.

You’ll study issues impacting the Earth System in today's fastest growing fields, including:

  • Government compliance and regulations
  • Climate change research
  • Energy explorations (both alternative and conventional)

M.S. or M.E.M. in Earth System Science and Policy

UND offers a Master of Science (M.S., thesis, 36 credits) and Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M., non-thesis, 30 credits) in Earth System Science and Policy. 

The M.S. is a master's degree rooted in research, centered on delving into the science of Earth's systems and applying that understanding to sustainability. To successfully complete this program, you'll need to defend your thesis orally. The curriculum explores Earth's diverse systems, encompassing the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere, treating them as interconnected parts of the Earth system.

Throughout the M.S. program, you'll gain essential foundational and technical knowledge to tackle challenges related to Earth sustainability and global change. Your graduate work will involve researching integrative human and environmental processes to shape environmental policy and integrating environmental and resource economics.

You'll engage in research that focuses on the sustainability of environmental-human interactions within the greater context of the Earth System. Study vital areas such as:

  • Agro-ecology
  • Earth systems modeling
  • Environmental economics
  • Geospatial analysis
  • Glaciology and glacio-hydrology
  • Oceanography
  • Physical earth processes
  • Public policy
  • Renewable energy
  • Theoretical ecology and macroecology

The M.E.M is for those seeking a workplace-oriented non-thesis master's degree in Earth System Science and Policy. This master's is particularly suited for working professionals with a strong background in environmental and sustainability science, and environmental policy. It provides advanced quantitative and analytical knowledge, integrated geospatial technology skills, and a professional component that includes development of business, economics, and communication skills.

With the M.E.M. master’s program, you'll:

  • Implement your knowledge for practical applications, especially through a successful internship/applied project experience.
  • Prepare, or progress in your career path with a broad set of skills and strong knowledge of environmental policy and environmental and resource economics, combined with a professional component that includes quantitative reasoning and analytics, project management, business, and communication.
  • Master cutting edge technology to help address changes occurring in areas such as land and water resources, environmental and natural economics, environmental science and policy, and more.

This program is recognized and approved by the National Professional Science Master’s Association.

Master's Degree in Earth System Science and Policy

  • Bridge theory with practice, global and local perspectives, and scientific, social and professional disciplines.

  • Have a direct influence in driving concepts for major international scientific, environmental policy efforts, and environmental and resource economics.

  • Learn from a student-structured curriculum, a multi-disciplinary teaching approach, and experiential learning environments.

  • Gain a competitive edge through UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i)™ program. This workforce readiness program provides immersive job training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It is one of only 30 programs nationwide.

  • Study at a Carnegie R1 Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What can I do with an Earth System Science and Policy master's degree?

93K

Median annual salary for geoscientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job growth for geoscientists through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Environmental experts will be at the forefront of today's biggest climate change and sustainability issues. The technical expertise will continue to be in high demand in a broad range of industries and professions.

M.E.M. students, will become environmental and sustainability professional experts at the forefront of today and tomorrow’s biggest climate change and sustainability issues. Your technical expertise will continue to be in high demand in a broad range of industries and professions.

M.S. students  will graduate with the ability to assess, analyze, and research Earth systems. Youwill have job opportunities in many industries and fields, both private and government.

You'll graduate with the ability to assess, analyze, and research earth systems. You'll have job opportunities in many industries and fields, both private and government. M.S. and M.E.M. UND graduates can expect exciting opportunities to a range of professions, including:

  • Academic faculty
  • Alternative energy
  • City sustainability coordinator
  • Earth system scientist
  • Environmental and geospatial consultant
  • Environmental project manager
  • Governmental agency careers (EPA, NOAA, DOI, etc.)
  • Land management
  • Non-governmental organizations (i.e., The Nature Conservancy)
  • Ph.D. candidates and post docs at various U.S. and international institutions
  • Waste management and remediation

An Earth System Science and Policy master's gives you the strategic skills you may need, including:

  • ArcGIS (Geographic Information System Software)
  • Data Analysis
  • Earth System Modeling
  • Economic Valuation
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Science
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Remote Sensing
  • Renewable Energy
  • Spatial Analysis

Earth System Science and Policy alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • ACC3 International 
  • Advanced Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc. 
  • Cincinnati Metropolitan Area 
  • Corning Incorporated 
  • Critical Control Technologies 
  • Dewberry Consultants, Inc. 
  • EMU Office of Research Development 
  • Environmental Communication Options 
  • Environmental Protection Agency 
  • North Dakota State University Extension Service 
  • Indigenous Environmental Network 
  • International Water Institute 
  • Kenai Watershed Forum 
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 
  • NASA Goddard Space Flight Center 
  • Neptune and Company, Inc. 
  • NRCS 
  • Quantum Spatial  
  • Tetra Tech 
  • TRC Companies, Inc. 
  • USGS 
  • Woodwell Climate Research Center

Earth System Science and Policy Master's Courses

ESSP 503. Environmental Policy & Science. 3 Credits.

Human interactions with the Earth system are often managed through policy and science. This course will introduce students to concepts, ideas, practices, and challenges at the nexus of policy, science, and the environment. Students will examine the human dimensions of environmental problems and the different roles of policy and science in helping us address them. F.

ESSP 504. The Biosphere. 3 Credits.

The Biosphere (ESSP 504) introduces students to the concept of the biosphere as articulated by Vladimir Vernadsky in the 1920s and 1930s, and examines the concepts and roles of nutrient cycling, biodiversity, evolution, ecology, and ecosystem productivity on Earth. The overall course is framed around the Drake equation and walks students through critical steps in the formation of the solar system, habitable zones around stars, evolution and proliferation of life on Earth, the interconnected nature of inorganic nutrient cycling and ecosystem function, and human's impact on all these systems, culminating with the final variable of the Drake equation--the longevity of civilizations--and humanity's active role in the Anthropocene. F.

ESSP 505. Energy Issues and Earth Systems. 3 Credits.

This course is about contemporary complex energy issues. It gives an overview of energy history, the last century trends and the achievement in energy production. It also discusses energy systems and energy "linkages" with society. It then examines the pros and the cons of both fossil fuels and alternative fuels. Finally it considers the future of energy in low-carbon energy systems. F.

ESSP 506. Ecosystem Services: Valuing Nature in a Market Society. 3 Credits.

Analyzes the services and goods provided by natural and human-made ecosystems with a primary focus on the agroecosystems and grasslands of the northern Great Plains. Explores the scientific framework of ecosystem services, their disruption or disturbance, economic and ecological values, methods of analyzing these values, and policy implications. S.

ESSP 507. Earth Systems Processes and Vulnerability Analysis. 3 Credits.

Earth Systems Processes and Vulnerability Analysis (ESSP 507) will explore how humans exist on an active landscape. The course focuses on an understanding of the integration of the processes of physical Earth systems and the human vulnerability to hazards and Earth system syndromes related to these processes. The course also explores human vulnerability by analyzing spatial, numerical, and historical data, through spatial and statistical techniques. S.

ESSP 540. Advanced Topics in Geospatial Technologies. 3 Credits.

The course's intent is to stay abreast of technological developments in a rapidly evolving field. Course contents will vary according to where the advances have the most immediate impact. The goal is to provide students exposure and hands-on experience needed to apply technologies to significant Earth System problems. Among technologies to be discussed are sensors for satellites and aircraft, data acquisition and image processing tools, verification and validation techniques, precision navigation by Global Positioning Satellites, and advanced uses of Geographic Information Systems. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Online Master’s in Earth System Science and Policy

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Flexible Online Earth System Science and Policy Master’s

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders in Earth Science

The Earth is comprised of complex and interconnected systems. Learn about programs and research opportunities at UND.

Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Jeff VanLooy
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4755

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