Grad Program

MS and PhD degrees emphasizing the interconnections of environmental science and decision making

Kim Raby collects water samples

Meeting the challenge

Meeting environmental challenges of the 21st century requires research, education and training that spans traditional disciplinary boundaries and emphasizes the interconnections of science and decision making. Drawing on the resources of the entire University of Colorado system, we have designed a truly interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Environmental Studies that awards two degrees: Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. Several dual degree programs with other departments are offered. Interdisciplinary certificates in Environment, Policy and Society and Hydrologic Sciences are also available.

Areas of emphasis

Students currently choose from curriculum emphases including policy, energy, water, biogeoscience or environmental social science, and other programs of study can be designed based on available courses and faculty support and expertise.

Decision making

The University of Colorado has a commitment to contribute useful knowledge to decision makers who grapple with environmental challenges. Whether an international agreement negotiated through the United Nations, a local land use decision made by a municipality or a reinsurance contract purchased by a business, scientific information permeates environmental decision-making. It is often the case that such decisions are highly charged with political tensions. Even so, in such cases, information matters. With numerous projects and research centers focused on the inter-connections of science and decision-making, the University of Colorado provides considerable resources for those seeking to contribute to and participate in policy making.

Program size & admissions

The graduate program admits 10-20 students each year, with their emphases ranging from policy to biogeoscience. Explore the current student directory for a listing of example emphases and research topics. See the How to Apply page for details on admissions.

#1 in environmental science research

The University of Colorado at Boulder is one of the nation's leaders in environmental research. For a number of years, CU received more support for research in the environmental sciences than any other university in the nation. In the National Science Foundation's latest rankings (January 2007), CU was first in federally funded research in environmental sciences among the 150 public universities ranked. CU was third in federally funded research in physical sciences. Much of this research involves collaboration amongst and between disciplines. CU Boulder provides a fertile environment for gaining interdisciplinary research experience. Organizations include the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research within the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), and the Institute of Behavioral Science (IBS).

International students

We encourage applications from international prospective students. Be sure to note that the deadline is earlier and requirements are different from the standard domestic application.

Location

Located in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, the Environmental Studies Graduate Program allows students to take advantage of abundant resources including university research and lectures as well as our outdoor laboratory in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Students engage with researchers at nearby national organizations including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.