Applying

Students can apply to our graduate programs online through the University of Rochester Graduate Online Admission Application system.

There is a $70 application fee for applying to the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) graduate programs. If you have any difficulty accessing this application, please email the department at ees@ur.rochester.edu.

Please be sure to select Fall semester as your entry term.

Admission

Admission to the EES graduate program is determined on an individual basis. Students with various backgrounds in science and mathematics may be admitted.

Applicants are generally expected to have degree in a STEM field with basic training in geology, environmental science or a related field, mathematics through differential equations, and two semesters each of chemistry and physics, but this is flexible based on area of specialization.

Please email ees@ur.rochester.edu to request more information about these requirements.

Applications

Applications for admission should include:

  • Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework done at other institutions.
  • Three letters of recommendation. Note that if possible, the letters should also specifically address the applicant’s writing ability.
  • A personal statement.
  • A sample of scientific writing. (e.g., a thesis or a research paper from a course—recommended, but not required)
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. (recommended, but not required)
  • An English proficiency exam is required for international students. Students can complete the English Proficiency requirement by taking/reporting scores from a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam.*

Because of competition for admission and financial aid, applications should be submitted by December 15.

*The English proficiency test requirement is waived for citizens of the following countries whose native language is English: Australia, Canada, Commonwealth Caribbean Nations, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom and the Virgin Islands. The requirement may also be waived if a student has completed at least three years of full time and in-person postsecondary study in one of the countries listed above or the United States. We reserve the right to require further demonstration of English proficiency, even if you have received your degree from one of the above mentioned countries.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships and fellowships. Well-qualified students may get additional support in the form of a University fellowship and/or summer scholarships.

Normally, PhD students are supported for five years, and receive a full tuition scholarship. Master’s students are treated on an individual basis, with many receiving partial or full tuition waivers.