MS/MEM Earth System Science and Policy at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

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.

Department: Department of Earth System Science & Policy | Duration: 2-2.5 years (30-36 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time; online | Intake: Fall (Aug. 1), Spring (Dec. 1) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

Students seeking the Master of Science degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Earth System Science and Policy Department. Required courses include ESSP 503 Environmental Policy Science; ESSP 504 The Biosphere; ESSP 505 Energy Issues and Earth Systems; ESSP 506 Ecosystem Services: Valuing Nature in a Market Society; ESSP 507 Earth Systems Processes and Vulnerability Analysis; ESSP 590 Colloquium Series.

Career pathways

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. Roles include 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.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants who are seeking admission to the School of Graduate Studies must meet all of the minimum general education requirements identified in the graduate catalog. In addition, students must fulfill the requirements below for admission to the Earth System Science and Policy M.S. degree program. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Have satisfactorily completed a minimum of college-level algebra plus 3 credits of college statistics or calculus. Have completed a minimum of 12 semester credits in the natural or physical sciences, e.g., physics, chemistry, geosciences, biology or related sciences. Have earned a minimum average GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, on all upper division college-level coursework. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. Submit a personal statement which describes the applicants academic and/or professional background and experience, as well as their interest in pursuing a M.S. degree in Earth System Science and Policy.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,575 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Aerospace'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17,241. Source

International applicants: USD 27,151 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Aerospace'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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