The PhD in Earth & Environment emphasizes original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Research topics supported by the department reflect our faculty’s diverse research interests. Our faculty are engaged in research sponsored by agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the World Bank, and the United Nations. All applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members directly to discuss potential research opportunities and available positions.
Click here to view the curriculum.
How to Apply
Please note: We do not offer Spring admission.
The online application process is administered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GRS). Please do not submit any application materials to the Department.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Matt DiCintio, Graduate Program Coordinator for the Department of Earth & Environment, or contact the Graduate School. The Graduate School does not offer Spring admission.
- Application
- Personal Statement
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably commenting on academic ability from former professors or instructors
- Transcripts (all institutions of higher education you have attended)
- English-language proficiency test scores international students
- Duolingo, TOEFL, and IELTS scores are accepted as outlined by the Graduate School.
- Scores are not required of international students who graduated from a college or university in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand.
- $95 application fee
GRE scores will not be considered.
For more information on admissions procedures for international students, please visit the GRS website for International Students.
Fee Waiver
Click for information on how to obtain an application fee waiver (available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents only).
Fall 2023 Admission:
- Deadline: December 19
Those who also interested in the Boston University Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN) are encouraged to apply by January 1, 2023 at 5:00pm EST. Note that this is a separate application and is not considered an official application to the Biology PhD program.