The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Science and Technology at the University of Maryland, College Park, is a research-focused doctoral program designed to prepare students for advanced careers in academia, research institutions, and industry. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of environmental issues and the development of technological solutions. Students engage in rigorous coursework, comprehensive examinations, and original dissertation research. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in research principles, methodology, and communication, alongside specialized knowledge in one of four chosen areas: Soil and Watershed Sciences, Ecological Technology Design, Wetland Science, or Ecosystem Health and Natural Resource Management. The program requires a significant amount of coursework and research credits, culminating in the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation.
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 50 credits beyond the B.S. degree, in addition to research and seminar credits. All students must complete specific core courses and select a specialization. Prior completion of M.S. specialization courses is also required.
Official test scores must be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with reporting code 5814. Submitted scores must be less than two years old.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Refer to the 'Tuition and Fees' link for specific rates.
You need a Master's degree and completion of specific core courses including Research Principles and Methodology, Environmental Science and Technology: Communication and Professional Development, and two graduate-level statistics courses. You must also complete two semesters of Graduate Seminar and specialization courses approved by your advisory committee. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam and a research proposal are also required.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, with minimum scores of 7.0 for IELTS or 120 for the Duolingo English Test (DET). TOEFL scores are also accepted but a specific score is not listed.
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 50 credits beyond the Bachelor of Science degree, plus research and seminar credits. The duration will vary based on individual research progress and dissertation completion.
Students in this program pay a special tuition rate that is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. This rate is not fully covered by assistantships or fellowships, and additional graduate student fees are charged.
This program does not provide departmental assistantships or fellowships. You should refer to the Graduate School for information on administrative graduate assistantships.
The program allows students to specialize in one of four areas: Soil and Watershed Sciences, Ecological Technology Design, Wetland Science, or Ecosystem Health and Natural Resource Management.