Gain a solid foundation in scientific knowledge in all major earth system components and — critically — how system components interact and interdepend.
UMass Lowell's Department of Environmental, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS) focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of current environmental challenges and the need for sustainable solutions. It offers one of the most interdisciplinary environmental science programs in the region.
As a student in our Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Earth System Science program, you will gain expertise within your core discipline while developing a deep understanding of processes and connections within and across multiple earth system components—geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.
The doctoral program is open for students with background in Geoscience, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Atmospheric and Climate science, Meteorology, Hydrology/Hydrogeology, Earth System Science, Environmental Engineering and related fields.
The Ph.D. curriculum includes a minimum of 54 course credits. Foundation courses will provide a broad and deep understanding of the basic principles of Earth System Science and research.
Some courses are offered in the evening, enabling you to complete the course requirements while employed.
For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.
| Core Required Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course # | Course Name | Cr. |
| Total | 34 | |
| ENVI.6000/7000 | Data Analysis in Earth System Science | 3 |
| ENVI.6100/7100 | Professional Communication in Earth System Science | 3 |
| ENVI.5500 | Earth System Science | 3 |
| ENVI.7320 | Graduate Research Seminar | 1 |
| ENVI.7400 | Dissertation Research in Earth System Science | Min. 24 |
| i. Graduate-level courses that Utilize the Computer Workstations and Technical Software (Choose 1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course # | Course Name | Cr. |
| Total | ||
| ATMO.5010 | Boundary Layer Meteorology | 3 |
| ATMO.5020 | Advanced Synoptic Meteorology | 3 |
| ATMO.5050 | Atmospheric Measurement and Data Analysis | 3 |
| ATMO.5080 | The Climate System | 3 |
| ATMO.5100 | Regional Weather and Climate Modeling | 3 |
| ENVI.5040 | GIS in Earth and Environmental Sciences | 3 |
| ENVI.6000/7000 | Data Analysis in Earth System Science | 3 |
| GEOL.5250 | Groundwater Modeling | 3 |
| ii. Graduate-level courses that provide training in analytical techniques and hands-on field experiences via field excursions and field work (Choose 1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course # | Course Name | Cr. |
| Total | ||
| ATMO.5050 | Atmospheric Measurement and Data Analysis | 3 |
| ATMO.5080 | The Climate System | 3 |
| ATMO.5230 | Air Pollution Control | 3 |
| ATMO.5500 | Satellite and radar Meteorology | 3 |
| ATMO.5710 | Air Pollution Phenomenology | 3 |
| ENVI.5100 | Environmental Pollution | 3 |
| ENVI.65720 | Energy and Environment | 3 |
| GEOL.5010 | Paleoclimatology | 3 |
| GEOL.5020 | Quantitative Geomorphology | 3 |
| GEOL.5100 | Geology of New England | 3 |
| GEOL.5150 | Topics in Environmental Geochemistry | 3 |
| GEOL.5200 | Structural Geology | 3 |
| GEOL.5310 | Isotopes in Environmental and Geosciences | 3 |
| GEOL.5560 | Applied Geophysics | 3 |
| iii. Graduate-level courses that provide Training in Systems Thinking Approaches (Choose 1) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course # | Course Name | Cr. |
| Total | ||
| ENVI.5160 | Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions | 3 |
| ENVI.5170L | Climate Change: Science, Communication, Solutions Lab | 1 |
| ENVI.6000/7000 | Data Analysis in Earth System Science | 3 |
| ENVI.6100/7100 | Professional Communication in Earth System Science | 3 |
| GEOL.5100 | Paleoclimatology | 3 |
Credits = 54
Dissertation Research in Earth System Science (minimum of 24 credits)
Elective Courses or Dissertation research in Earth System Science (minimum of 6 credits)
Last updated: 10/19/21
EEAS faculty and students are engaged in high-impact research in environmental geoscience and atmospheric science.
Research projects include global- and regional-scale climate modeling, state-of-the-art laboratory analyses (such as trace elements and stable isotopes) and field research in countries across the globe.
UMass Lowell strives to provide full financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students through a combination of Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Research Assistantships (RA). Learn more about Tuition and Aid for Graduate Programs
For a list of application materials and guidelines, please visit the Sciences Admissions Requirements.
Please note:
Earth System Science Ph.D. student Ericka Boudreau is on her way to becoming a triple River Hawk.
Explore UMass Lowell from anywhere in the world. See the spaces where our students study, create, learn and live through a self-guided, interactive tour.
For program questions or to connect with our current students, please contact:
