Earth System Science and Policy (M.S.)

Help solve complex human-driven changes affecting Earth system sustainability, including shaping environmental policy and integrating environmental and resource economics.

Human activities are generating changes to Earth’s land surface, oceans, coasts and atmosphere, biological diversity, water cycle, and biogeochemical cycles that demand graduate-level research and technical expertise. The M.S. program is intended for those primarily interested in the science of the Earth’s systems, as well as how that science can be integrated into programs of action that lead to sustainability.

Why Study Earth System Science and Policy at UND?

Study the planet's different systems — hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere — as an integrated Earth system. The M.S. prepares you for a wide variety of opportunities that touch many industries and government agencies, as well research that focuses on the sustainability of environmental-human interactions within the greater context of the Earth System.

In the M.S. graduate program, you'll gain valuable foundational and technical knowledge to help solve problem areas related to Earth sustainability and global change. Participate in cutting-edge research in vital areas such as glaciology and glacio-hydrology, agro-ecology, theoretical ecology and macroecology, renewable energy, physical earth processes, oceanography, public policy, environmental economics, Earth systems modeling, and geospatial analysis.