PhD Earth System Science and Policy at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

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.

Department: Department of Earth System Science & Policy | Duration: 4-5 years (90 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time; online | Intake: Fall (May 1), Spring (Nov. 1) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

Students seeking the Doctorate 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

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, Earth system scientists, Environmental and geospatial consultant, Environmental project manager,…

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 Ph.D. degree program. Hold a Master’s degree from a recognized college or university. Have satisfactorily completed a minimum of college-level algebra plus 3 credits of college statistics or calculus, AND a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in natural or physical sciences, e.g., physics, chemistry, geosciences, biology or related sciences, AND 6 semester credits in social sciences, e.g., economics, geography, environmental studies, sociology, psychology, anthropology, archeology, political science or related fields. Have earned a minimum average GPA of 3.50 on a 4.00 scale on all graduate-level coursework. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

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.

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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