Graduate Education

UMCES’ provides a unique approach to graduate education. By partnering with University System of Maryland (USM) institutions for classroom-based studies, we are able to provide students with a more intense, laboratory-based research education. Our graduate students do not learn about research solely from textbooks, instead, they work hand-in-hand with their faculty advisor, learning from the best environmental researchers in the nation.

UMCES-trained students work in universities, state and federal agencies, NGOs and companies throughout North America. Our students have a track record of success.

Graduate students are enrolled in an USM degree-granting institution and conduct research at one of the Center's research laboratories through three programs:

• Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences (MEES) Graduate Program,
• University of Maryland Graduate Program in Toxicology, and
• Department of Biology at Frostburg State University.

While laboratory instruction takes place at UMCES, degrees for our graduate students are awarded through our partner institutions.

Approximately 100 graduate students are currently pursuing M.S. and Ph.D. degrees under the direction of UMCES faculty members based throughout the Center’s five research locations.

UMCES graduate admission is very competitive and based on academic merit and acceptance by a faculty advisor. More details about the process can be found on our admissions page.

UMCES policy on Graduate Assistantships

Laboratory Handbooks:
          Appalachian Laboratory
          Horn Point Laboratory