PhD in Earth and Climate Sciences in Orono United States | University of Maine

The School of Earth and Climate Science grants both Master's (M.S.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees. Applicants to our graduate program usually hold a Bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences or a similar field, though our interdisciplinary approach welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds. Those joining our Earth and Climate Sciences graduate program generally have at least one year of chemistry, physics, and calculus coursework, plus multiple intermediate or advanced Earth/environmental science classes. Candidates missing these prerequisites may still gain admission but might need to complete additional courses to address gaps in their preparation.

Admission to our program requires both an identified faculty advisor and secured funding for the student's research and education. Consequently, applicants must reach out to potential advisors before applying. While we sometimes accept students who haven't contacted advisors beforehand, this is rare. Those seeking teaching assistantships should submit full applications by January 15. The majority of students receive support through Research Assistantships, funded by faculty members' external grants. While the January 15 deadline isn't strict for Research Assistant candidates, we recommend meeting it in case partial funding comes from a Teaching Assistantship.