Earth and Environmental Sciences

From its inception in 1983, the Ph.D. Program in Earth and Environmental Sciences has identified itself with "promoting teaching and research in the study of the earth." With faculty in atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, geography, and geology, the Earth and Environmental Sciences program at The Graduate Center spans a broad array of subjects focusing on the earth, its environments, human activities, and the linkages between them.

Whether they are paleontologists or cultural geographers, Earth and Environmental Sciences students become part of a strong academic community supported by our accomplished faculty who foster curiosity and the pursuit of social justice.

Our Program

Graduate Center students are encouraged to work across disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach is supported by our accomplished faculty members who have a variety of research interests. Along the path to degree, students are encouraged to attend academic conferences, write articles to submit for publication, and many will teach undergraduate courses at a CUNY college.

Students must complete 4-5 core courses and can choose elective courses within the Earth and Environmental Sciences program and in other doctoral programs at The Graduate Center. Most required courses and courses for the Geography specialization are conducted at The Graduate Center, while laboratory courses and courses for the Environmental and Geological Sciences specialization are offered at the various affiliated departments throughout CUNY. 

Earth and Environmental Sciences hosts a weekly colloquium and is part of an inter-university consortium that allow students to further discuss and pursue their research while working with colleagues within CUNY and from other schools in the region.

Graduates of the program go on to work in academia and in the public and private sector.

Access the vital GC Commons site for the Earth and Environmental Sciences community >>