Gain a solid foundation in scientific knowledge in all major earth system components and — critically — how system components interact and interdepend.

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Earth System Science Program Overview

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.

Earth System Science Curriculum

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.

This is a 54-credit program.
Core Required Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total34
ENVI.6000/7000Data Analysis in Earth System Science3
ENVI.6100/7100Professional Communication in Earth System Science
3
ENVI.5500Earth System Science3
ENVI.7320Graduate Research Seminar1
ENVI.7400Dissertation Research in Earth System ScienceMin. 24
Elective Courses
Course #Course NameCr.
Total20
XXXX.XXXXSelect at least 1 course from each core group of experiential learning and systems thinking below.9
XXXX.XXXXAdditional elective credits required
5
XXXX.XXXXAdditional Credits (course or dissertation)3
Elective Courses
A requirement of the Ph.D. program is that every student will have multiple types of experiential learning experiences and systems thinking skills. These requirements are structured into three core groups of experiences that students will meet via at least one required elective course taken in each core:
i. A course in computer modeling, industry software, or numerical models. 
ii. A course with a focus on field research or analytical laboratory measurements. 
iii. A course with dynamic simulation and systems thinking content.
Experiential Learning Experiences and Systems Thinking

i. Graduate-level courses that Utilize the Computer Workstations and Technical Software (Choose 1)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total
ATMO.5010Boundary Layer Meteorology3
ATMO.5020Advanced Synoptic Meteorology3
ATMO.5050Atmospheric Measurement and Data Analysis3
ATMO.5080The Climate System3
ATMO.5100Regional Weather and Climate Modeling3
ENVI.5040GIS in Earth and Environmental Sciences3
ENVI.6000/7000Data Analysis in Earth System Science3
GEOL.5250Groundwater Modeling3
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 NameCr.
Total
ATMO.5050Atmospheric Measurement and Data Analysis3
ATMO.5080The Climate System3
ATMO.5230Air Pollution Control3
ATMO.5500Satellite and radar Meteorology3
ATMO.5710Air Pollution Phenomenology3
ENVI.5100Environmental Pollution3
ENVI.65720Energy and Environment3
GEOL.5010Paleoclimatology3
GEOL.5020Quantitative Geomorphology3
GEOL.5100Geology of New England3
GEOL.5150Topics in Environmental Geochemistry3
GEOL.5200Structural Geology3
GEOL.5310Isotopes in Environmental and Geosciences3
GEOL.5560Applied Geophysics3

iii. Graduate-level courses that provide Training in Systems Thinking Approaches (Choose 1)
Course #Course NameCr.
Total
ENVI.5160Climate Change: Science, Communication, and Solutions3
ENVI.5170LClimate Change: Science, Communication, Solutions Lab1
ENVI.6000/7000Data Analysis in Earth System Science3
ENVI.6100/7100Professional Communication in Earth System Science3
GEOL.5100Paleoclimatology3

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

Research at UMass Lowell

EEAS faculty and students are engaged in high-impact research in environmental geoscience and atmospheric science. 

UMass Lowell student measuring a soil core sample

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.

Tuition and Aid

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

Admissions

For a list of application materials and guidelines, please visit the Sciences Admissions Requirements.

Please note:

  • We only accept students with advisors. Please reach out to faculty before applying.
  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is not required.
  • We recognize hardships and barriers that may have impacted academic performance and encourage applicants to address those in the Statement of Purpose. 

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Ericka Boudreau poses with another researcher outdoors in Oregon.
Ericka Boudreau '22
Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Earth System Science Ph.D. student Ericka Boudreau is on her way to becoming a triple River Hawk.

I enrolled in the Ph.D. program because I loved the research I was doing and wanted to continue to develop those skills.
Read More About Ericka Boudreau 

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Contact Us

For program questions or to connect with our current students, please contact:

Mathew Barlow, Ph.D.
Professor, Graduate Coordinator
978-934-3908
Mathew_Barlow@uml.edu

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