Program Description
Earth and Environmental Sciences inform our knowledge about the natural world. To study natural systems is to understand past environments, our current environment, and the future of the Earth system. As global environmental changes accelerate, it is critical—now more than ever—to possess a broad and comprehensive understanding of the Earth sciences.
Lehigh’s department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs. Under a broad Earth-systems umbrella, students research the subdisciplines of ecology, environmental science, biogeochemistry, oceanography, geology, geochemistry, and geophysics.
M.S. candidates typically complete the program in 2 years by performing thesis research and 30 credit hours of coursework.
Ph.D. candidates typically complete the program in 4–5 years, by completing dissertation research and coursework that varies based on prior experience.
EES graduates have gone on to work in environmental consulting, government agencies, teaching, academia, industry and the energy sector, journalism, and the fields of health and medicine.
Research
In EES, we train students to become independent scientists through mentoring and hands-on experience. These experiences range from exploring and documenting the natural Earth system in the field, through observations, measurements, and experiments, to analyzing data in the lab with sophisticated techniques like gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, to using computer modeling to understand processes and provide predictive capabilities. Our faculty and students collaborate with other US-based and international researchers. Our graduate students write proposals, contribute to peer-reviewed journal publications, and present at national and international conferences and workshops.
Research is an integral component of EES and includes:
- Collaborating with an internationally recognized faculty
- Field work in exotic locations like the Arctic, Alps, Mongolia, and the deep sea
- Funding through major grants from NSF, NOAA, NASA, DOD, National Park Service, and the National Academy of Sciences
- An annual graduate student research symposium
Student Publications
M.S. students typically publish at least one peer-reviewed article (high impact journals), and Ph.D. students publish at least three articles in the peer-reviewed literature. Additional publications are often possible as part of collaborative efforts with their advisors.
Application Requirements
M.S., Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation
- If applicable, English language proficiency test scores - Review full policy here
Ph.D., Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts
- 2 letters of recommendation
- If applicable, English language proficiency test scores - Review full policy here
Financial Aid
- Teaching Assistantships / Research Assistantships / Fellowships - includes stipend plus tuition
- Scholarships - tuition remission
Department Contact
Jill McDermott, Graduate Director
jim416@lehigh.edu
