In-field research

Earth System Science & Policy Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy

Help drive new Earth system science and policy research to advance knowledge and develop original solutions to global sustainability challenges.

Learn to generate rigorous scientific inquiry that bridges the gaps identified in scientific knowledge. UND's Earth System Science & Policy Ph.D. combines theory with practice, global and local perspectives, and scientific and social disciplines.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
90

Why earn an earth system science and policy Ph.D.?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 1
Spring:
Nov. 1

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

Sustainability science seeks to meet the needs of society while sustaining the life support systems of the planet. UND's Earth System Science & Policy Ph.D. program is practical in nature. The multidisciplinary nature of the curriculum ensures a comprehensive understanding of Earth systems and policies, enabling you to approach complex challenges with a holistic perspective.

You'll have opportunities to become a high-level researcher with the ability to generate new theories and knowledge. In addition, you will gain research expertise to be able to critically evaluate and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

The research, technical skills, and expertise you accumulate throughout the program are not just academic achievements; they directly translate into your capacity to influence environmental policies and regulations. As a graduate, you become a key player in the ongoing dialog surrounding sustainability. You’ll contribute to the development and implementation of policies that address pressing environmental issues. Your work can have a tangible impact on driving sustainability progress, fostering a harmonious balance between societal needs and the preservation of our planet's life support systems.

UND's Earth System Science & Policy Ph.D.

  • Gain the skills to generate creative new solutions to Earth system and sustainability problems, and to seize opportunities presented by a changing environment.

  • Prepare for a range of careers in industry, government agencies and higher education.

  • Generate rigorous and original scientific inquiry that bridges gaps in scientific knowledge.

  • Synthesize and communicate research results with a dissertation, peer reviewed publications and professional presentations.

  • 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.

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

What can I do with an earth system science Ph.D.?

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

Earth system science and policy research is a fast-growing field. It offers those with high-level graduate experience plenty of opportunity, especially considering today's environmental and sustainability issues, and evolving government regulations. This Ph.D. program offers the curriculum and research resources to prepare you for a successful career in:

  • Private industry
  • Government agencies
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Academic professions

UND graduates can expect exciting opportunities to a wide range of professions, including:

  • Earth system scientists
  • Environmental and geospatial consultant
  • Environmental project manager
  • Governmental agency careers
  • Non-governmental Organizations
  • Chief environmental scientist
  • Academic career

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

  • Advanced Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.
  • EMU Office of Research Development
  • International Water Institute
  • Dewberry Consultants, Inc.
  • Environmental Communication Options

Earth System Science & Policy Ph.D. 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.

Online Ph.D. in Earth System Science & Policy

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

UND's online Ph.D. in Earth System Science & Policy is fully online. You never have to come to campus.

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Online Ph.D. in Earth System Science & Policy Courses

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 Earth System Science Ph.D.

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)

Earth System Science & Policy

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

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