QS Rank:

69

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Illinois
,United States

Program Rank

70

Program Name
PhD in Earth, Atmosphere, and Geological Resources
Overview


Total Tuition Fees
$51,968

Duration
48 Months

Median Salary
$1,10,000
Ranking
#41
US World and News Report
#48
The World University Rankings
#69
QS World University Rankings

Intake
Fall ( Sept - Nov )
Class Profile

Class Size
25

Average Age
27

Average Work Experience
2 Years
Diversity
Black or African American:
14%Hispanic or Latino:
6%Others:
3%White:
64%Asian:
11%Two or more races:
2%Career Outcomes

Median Earnings After Graduation
$1,10,000 / year
Prospective Job Roles
Environmental Scientist
Conservation Scientist
Environmental Policy Maker
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Educator
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Health Officer
Top recruiters





Eligibility Criteria

Accepted fields include Physics, Biostatistics, Biology, Mathematics, Bachelor of Science - BS (Hons).

At least 3 / 4 undergraduate GPA is expected.

At least 16 years of bachelor degree.

At least 24 months of full-time professional experience after graduation.
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
6.5
DUOLINGO
115
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

Application Fee: 90.00
Transcript
Academic LOR
Resume
Statement of Purpose
Passport
IELTS
Professional LOR
Application Deadlines
Standard Deadline | |
---|---|
Fall | Jan 3, 2025 |
Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees
$12,992 / year

Overall Cost
$28,000 / year
FAQs
- PhD students in the Grainger College of Engineering (and related programs) are guaranteed funding for the first five years, provided they maintain good academic standing and fulfill assistantship duties. Funding includes a tuition waiver, partial fee waiver, and a stipend. Additional support may be available through research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, and summer appointments.
- Qualifying Exam: Typically taken after completing core coursework. Preliminary Exam: Assesses readiness for dissertation research. Dissertation Defense: Public defense of original research.
- Credit Requirement: The PhD typically requires a minimum of 96 graduate credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, including coursework and dissertation research. Core Areas: Students choose from two concentrations: Society and the Environment (for those with a natural science background) Science of the Earth System (for those with a social science or general background) Coursework: Includes foundational courses in sustainability, environmental informatics, and applied research, as well as electives tailored to the student’s research interests. Research: Students conduct original research culminating in a dissertation that addresses complex sustainability issues.
- Academic Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., earth science, environmental science, natural or physical sciences, engineering, or related disciplines). GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is generally expected for graduate admission. English Proficiency: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, typically with a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 96 or IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no subsection below 6.0). Application Materials: Transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume are required.
- The ESE program at UIUC is a multidisciplinary degree that explores the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems. It emphasizes understanding the implications of human actions on the environment and developing innovative solutions for sustainability challenges. Students gain expertise in areas such as geographic information systems, environmental science, programming, and communications.
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