Overview

Earth’s systems are experiencing extraordinary changes. The Earth System Science & Policy program from University of North Dakota offers an interdisciplinary education preparing you to be a part of the next generation of leaders that will help individuals, companies, and society solve pressing sustainability problems.

The Earth System Science & Policy curriculum gives you a broad and holistic knowledge of the interconnected human and environmental relationships which are encompassed within the Earth System.

You’ll study issues impacting the Earth System in today's fastest growing fields, including:

Government compliance and regulations
Climate change research
Energy explorations (both alternative and conventional)

The M.S. is a master's degree rooted in research, centered on delving into the science of Earth's systems and applying that understanding to sustainability. To successfully complete this program, you'll need to defend your thesis orally. The curriculum explores Earth's diverse systems, encompassing the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere, treating them as interconnected parts of the Earth system.

Throughout the M.S. program, you'll gain essential foundational and technical knowledge to tackle challenges related to Earth sustainability and global change. Your graduate work will involve researching integrative human and environmental processes to shape environmental policy and integrating environmental and resource economics.

Careers

You'll graduate with the ability to assess, analyze, and research earth systems. You'll have job opportunities in many industries and fields, both private and government. M.S. and M.E.M. UND graduates can expect exciting opportunities to a range of professions, including:

Academic faculty
Alternative energy
City sustainability coordinator
Earth system scientist
Environmental and geospatial consultant
Environmental project manager
Governmental agency careers (EPA, NOAA, DOI, etc.)
Land management
Non-governmental organizations (i.e., The Nature Conservancy)

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Environmental Policy & Science

The Biosphere

Energy Issues and Earth Systems

Ecosystem Services: Valuing Nature in a Market Society

Earth Systems Processes and Vulnerability

Advanced Topics in Geospatial Technologies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

30-36

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Grand Forks, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Environmental Economics & Policy View 167 other Masters in Earth Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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Other requirements

General requirements

Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Have satisfactorily completed a minimum of college-level algebra plus 3 credits of college statistics or calculus.
Have completed a minimum of 12 semester credits in the natural or physical sciences, e.g., physics, chemistry, geosciences, biology or related sciences.
Have earned a minimum average GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, on all upper division college-level coursework.
Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
Submit a personal statement which describes the applicants academic and/or professional background and experience, as well as their interest in pursuing a M.S. degree in Earth System Science and Policy.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25614 USD / year

≈ 25614 USD / year
Out-of-State

19211 USD / year

≈ 19211 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12807 USD / year

≈ 12807 USD / year

Living costs

Grand Forks

United States

1000 - 2180 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Earth System Science & Policy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Grand Forks

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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