Prospective Students
Why UMCES?
- One-on-one mentorship with the top environmental scientists in their field
- A collaborative research experience across multiple disciplines and laboratories
- Small class sizes and a strong sense of community at each laboratory
- An alumni network in academia, NGOs, and State and Federal Agencies
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Our graduate students come from diverse, interdisciplinary backgrounds. They use their engineering, liberal arts, or marine biology knowledge in combination with applied environmental sciences to learn how to understand and manage our world’s natural resources.
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UMCES research crosses the globe, from the Appalachian mountains to the Arctic, spanning diverse and emerging topics from fisheries to climate change. Across its home state of Maryland, UMCES operates as a network of regional research facilities. Unlike students at some environmental post-secondary institutions, UMCES students begin their research immediately. Our students learn as much from hands-on research conducted in the field as they do through time spent in the classroom.
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UMCES graduate students work side-by-side with the best environmental scientists in the world. When prospective students apply, they first identify a faculty member with whom they want to study. Faculty can offer advice and help applicants determine their most appropriate research area. Once in the program, students and advisors often form a close relationship, working together inside and outside the classroom to conduct research aimed at solving today’s environmental problems.
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UMCES graduates are in great demand. They work in high-level, fulfilling jobs in the public and private sectors, in research, and in environmental advocacy—in a variety of fields. Our students have a track record of success whether they are employed by universities, state and federal agencies, NGOs or private industry throughout North America or across the globe.
Studying at UMCES over both degrees gave me mentors that have lasted well into my career. I experienced hands-on lab and field research, but also was encouraged and provided the ability to grow in other avenues through lab, university, and system-based service, preparing me for the parts of a career in academia that aren’t always highlighted.