Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Earth and Climate Sciences

University of Maine

The School of Earth and Climate Science awards both Master’s (M.S.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. Student applicants to our graduate program commonly have a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences or closely related discipline, but the multidisciplinary nature of our program allows for entry from other backgrounds as well. Students entering the graduate program in Earth and Climate Sciences typically have completed at least one year of chemistry, physics, and calculus, as well as several courses in the Earth/environmental sciences beyond the introductory level. Students who have not completed these basic requirements may be admitted, but may be required to complete specific courses to fulfill deficiencies.We admit students to our program only if we have identified an advisor and if a financial plan is in place to fund the student and the research. Therefore, it is critical that prospective students contact potential advisors before submitting an application. We occasionally are able to admit students who have not contacted potential advisors, but this is uncommon. Students who wish to be considered for teaching assistantships should have a complete application submitted by January 15. Most students are supported through Research Assistantships, which are administered by the faculty members that have received external grant funding. The January 15 deadline is not firm for prospective Research Assistants, but we ask that applications be submitted by then in case partial funding will derive from a Teaching Assistantship.

College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture