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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire a doctorate in environmental science, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best doctorate in environmental science programs.

What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

1. Stanford University, Stanford, CA

Established in 1891, Stanford University is a legendary private research institution best known for its world-class faculty, innovation, and discovery. The institution serves 16,424 learners and offers over 90 graduate fields of study, including a PhD in environment and resources.

Stanford’s doctor of philosophy in environment and resources prepares learners with the knowledge and tools to address society’s greatest environmental and resource challenges. Learners take classes that introduce the theories, analytical tools, and methods needed for multidisciplinary research.

Along with their fields of inquiry, learners must develop a breadth of knowledge in topic areas such as natural science, engineering and technology, culture and institutions, and economics and policy analysis. Learners engage in research and partake in workshops, conferences, entrepreneurial ventures, policy-making proceedings, and other activities.

2. University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

The University of Iowa is the state’s oldest and second-largest institution. The state-run institution was established in 1847 and currently serves nearly 33,000 learners. Learners select from more than 200 academic programs at every level, including a PhD in geoscience.

The Department of Earth and Environmental Science has a doctor of philosophy in geoscience. The degree program trains learners to become independent teachers and/or researchers with expertise in a specialty area of geoscience. Learners attend seminars, finish classwork and research, defend a dissertation, and take a holistic exam.

Before defending their dissertation, learners are also required to submit a paper on the results of their graduate research to an endorsed journal or publication outlet. Also, they are required to finish a one-hour public presentation connected to their dissertation. The PhD degree program requires at least 72 credit hours.

3. University of California, Berkeley, CA

The University of California-Berkeley is the leading institution of the University of California system. Despite serving a learner population of 40,000, UC Berkeley boasts an 18:1 learner-to-faculty ratio. It consists of more than 350 programs, including a PhD in environmental science, policy, and management.

The objective of Berkeley’s PhD in environmental science, policy, and management is to provide in-depth knowledge and real-life experience in cross-disciplinary problem-solving and communication. Learners will finish three classes, along with additional classes in research skills, experiential breadth, and a chosen area of concentration.

4. Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

In Ohio State’s doctor of philosophy in environmental science degree program, learners start by completing core classes in the biological, physical, and social sciences. They then select to concentrate on general study, agroecosystems, water issues, or climate change. The degree program offers learners an understanding of the science behind key ecological problems, along with the tools to contribute to the research and teaching that will help solve them.

Learners are required to pass a candidacy examination along with writing and defending a dissertation. This multidisciplinary degree program offers mentorships and research training from more than 100 professors across eight distinct colleges. Learners also have access to OSU’s globally recognized research centers. The degree program generally takes four to six years.

5. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State’s doctor of philosophy in ecosystem sustainability develops leaders, researchers, and decision-makers in sustainability science. Learners examine the interactions within and between natural and human systems to get a comprehension of ecosystem function and alter. They finish core classwork in biophysical and ecosystem science and applications to environmental issues.

Learners work with some of the world’s top ecosystems and sustainability scientists to investigate solutions to issues connected to food supplies and water resources and supports, climate change, energy, and environmental justice.

6. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

A private Ivy League research institution, Cornell University, was established in 1865 to provide learners with a holistic and exceptional education. Cornell grants admission to over 24,000 learners and emphasizes public engagement, diversity, and sustainability. The school encourages pioneering thinking that sparks alter on an international scale. Cornell has a PhD in biological and environmental engineering.

Cornell’s PhD in biological and environmental engineering primarily focuses on research. The department uses STEM principles to uncover solutions to issues involving public health, air, water, energy, and food. There is no fixed coursework. Learners design a degree program of study suited to their interests and objectives.

7. University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is an HBCU that offers learners a holistic learning environment committed to multicultural diversity, intellectual and social growth, and academic success. The institution has a wide range of learner organizations and events and is a short drive from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. The school grants admission to about 4,000 learners; it has a PhD in marine estuarine environmental sciences.

Learners in the marine estuarine environmental sciences degree program are trained to apply scientific knowledge, integrate ideas, and carry out research to solve vital environmental problems. Solutions to environmental issues are multidisciplinary, and so is this holistic degree program. Learners complete foundation and professional development classes, develop an individualized plan of study, and partake in issue study groups.

The coursework, split into 24 credits of classwork and 12 credits of dissertation research, is designed around four foundational areas: environment and society, earth and ocean sciences, ecological systems, and environmental molecular science and technology. Learners benefit from the full breadth of environmental science programs at partner campuses in the University System of Maryland, from molecular ecology to the social sciences.