Environmentally Related Graduate Programs at UW

The University of Washington offers an exceptionally diverse range of graduate degree programs in environmentally related fields. Degree programs span the breadth of the physical, natural, and social sciences, as well as the humanities, and include programs in many of the University of Washington's 17 schools and colleges.

A sampling of environmentally related graduate programs is listed below, together with links to the home academic unit offering the program. We encourage you to contact graduate advisors directly within the home units of the specific programs if you have specific questions about the program, degree requirements, departmental admissions procedures and policies, or graduate funding opportunities.

The program descriptions below include the name of the school/college at UW in which the program is located. Program descriptions that do not contain a reference to a specific school or college are located in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Anthropology
Environmental Anthropology (EA) is an interdisciplinary graduate program based in the Department of Anthropology and offering M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in anthropology. Its purpose is to provide a coherent framework for graduate students wishing to study environmental issues from an anthropological perspective while building and maintaining strong interdisciplinary connections. The program in environmental anthropology considers human-environment interactions across the full range of sociocultural variation and from the earliest human societies to the contemporary global system.

Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, School of
Located in the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences,  the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, established in 1919, offers education and research on aquatic ecology; ichthyology; population dynamics; management of free-ranging stocks; restoration ecology; aquaculture; seafood quality and safety; and effects of human activities on freshwater and marine ecosystems. Students may apply for admission into programs leading to the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Architecture, Department of
The Department of Architecture in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) offers two graduate level degrees: the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree, a professionally accredited architecture degree; and the Master of Science (M.S.) in Design Computing degree, an advanced research-oriented degree for those who already hold a professional or pre-professional degree in architecture or an allied design discipline

Architecture and Urban Planning, College of
Offers graduate (master's and Ph.D.) degrees in four departments: Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design and Planning.

Astrobiology
Graduate program focusing on the wide range of multidisciplinary factors that may influence the origin and evolution of life on Earth and beyond. Topics include Earth's extreme microbial environments (hydrothermal vents, polar sea ice, abyssal microbial communities, and subterranean chemo-autotrophic systems), extraterrestrial sites, and development of engineering techniques for missions to search for living or fossil microbes on other solar system bodies.

Atmospheric Sciences
The Department of Atmospheric Sciences offers programs of graduate study leading to the degrees of Master of Sciences (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Fields of study and research include:  atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric dynamics, boundary-layer processes, cloud and aerosol research, glaciology, planetary atmospheres, weather analysis and forecasting, climate change, precipitation processes, and other topics.

Biology
The Biology Department offers M.S and Ph.D. degrees. The more than 50 faculty and ca. 100 graduate students in the department have research interests that span a wide taxonomic range of study organisms (plants, animals, fungi, 'protists') at all levels of organization (molecular, cellular, organismal, ecosystem), using a variety of theoretical and experimental approaches in the laboratory and in the field. Students interested in a terminal master's degree are generally discouraged.

Biology Teaching
The Graduate School Biology Teaching Group offers an interdisciplinary program leading to a Master of Science in Biology for Teachers. Although designed specifically for biology teachers in K-12 schools and community colleges, other science educators, such as those in environmental learning centers, may find the program especially worthwhile. The program emphasizes broadening the student's understanding of the various fields of biological science, with the improvement of the student's effectiveness as a teacher as the primary goal.

Botany
The former UW Departments of Zoology and Botany merged in February 2003 to form the new Department of Biology. The Department of Biology offers a Ph.D. in Biology with research foci available in Plant Biology, or Ecology and Conservation Biology. The Department typically only accepts botany students interested in a Ph.D. and discourages students seeking a terminal Master's Degree.

Built Environment
Interdidciplinary Ph.D. program offered through the College of Architechture and Urban Planning. The Ph.D. Program provides students with a common core of substantial knowledge concerning the integrated facets of the built environment, with areas of specialization in three discrete fields: Sustainable Systems and Prototypes; Computational Design and Research; and History, Theory, and Representation studies.

Business School
A wide range of degree programs offered by the Business School, including various MBA options and a Ph.D. Program electives include courses in sustainable business. Students interested in Sustainable Business may choose to pursue the Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management.

Chemical Engineering
Located in the College of Engineering, offers a Ph.D., M.S.Ch.E., and M.S.E. Research programs are focused on four major areas: biotechnology, nanotechnology, computer simulations, and sustainable energy.

Chemistry
The Department of Chmistry offers an M.S. and Ph.D., with specialization in analytical chemistry, process analytical chemistry, bioorganic and biological chemistry, biophysical chmeistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry and nanotechnology, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and theoretical chemistry. The Department also offers Interdisciplinary opportunities in applications such as biomedical science, environmental science, and materials science.

Civil and Environmental Engineering
Located in the College of Engineering, offers master's and doctoral degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with subdisciplines including construction engineering, environmental engineering and science, geotechnical engineering, water resources and hydraulic systems, transportation engineering, and structural engineering.

Earth and Space Sciences
The mission of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington is to further the understanding of the Earth and the solar system. The department was created in 2001 through the merger of the previous departments of geology and geophysics. Faculty in the department represent a broad range of expertise across the earth and space science fields. The Department offers an M.S. and Ph.D., with research focused on four broad themes: Atmospheres and Space, Geobiology, Solid Earth, and Surface Processes.

Economics
Ph.D. and M.A. programs develop professional economists for a variety of careers in teaching, in government, in industry, or with international agencies in the United States and abroad. Includes advanced coursework specialization in environmental and natural resources economics.

Education
The College of Education offers Ph.D., Ed.D., M.Ed., and M.I.T. (Master in Teaching) degrees in four broad areas: Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Educational Psychology, and Special Education. Students interested in Environmental Education can complete a Certificate in Education for Environment and Community at IslandWood outdoor learning center, and apply credits earned toward an M.Ed. at UW.

Educational Outreach
Offers courses and a limited number of Certificate programs for people seeking career advancement or continuing education, but who are not seeking a graduate degree.

Engineering, College of
Graduate degrees and professional education programs offered through 10 academic departments, including Bioengineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Environmental and Occupational Health
Located in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, the Department offers Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Programs prepare graduates with the education necessary to identify and evaluate environmental conditions which may have an adverse impact on human health. Tracks include: Toxicology, Environmental Health, Occupational and Environmental Exposure Sciences, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 

Environmental Health and Public Affairs
An interdisciplinary concurrent degree program intended for graduate students interested in environmental health and its use in public health policy and management. Students complete an MPA (Master of Public Affairs) from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and an M.S. or M.P.H. (Master of Public Health) through the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine. Areas of concentration are: Environmental Health, Toxicology, Industrial Hygiene, and Environmental and Occupational Health .

Environmental Management
A certificate program that integrates science, policy, and business to prepare graduate students to contribute legal, scientific, social science, and technical expertise to environmental decision making. Open to students enrolled in degree programs in all departments or schools at the UW.

Epidemiology
The Department of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health and Community Medicine offers Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) and M.S. degrees. Students acquire basic public health sciences skills, analytical skills, policy and organizational skills, communication skills, and cultural skills. The general Epidemiology track combines broad training in public health with specific training in the principles and methods of epidemiology. The Master of Science program offers research training in Epidemiology.

Fisheries
Located in the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences,  the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, established in 1919, offers education and research on aquatic ecology; ichthyology; population dynamics; management of free-ranging stocks; restoration ecology; aquaculture; seafood quality and safety; and effects of human activities on freshwater and marine ecosystems. Students may apply for admission into programs leading to the Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Forest Resources, College of
The College of Forest Resources is dedicated to generating and disseminating knowledge for the stewardship of natural and managed environments and the sustainable use of their products and services through teaching, research and outreach. The College offers M.F.R. (Master of Forest Resources), M.S., and Ph.D. degrees, with tracks in Business, Economics, and Quantitative Methods; Ecosystem Analysis; Forest Engineering and Hydrology; Environmental Horticulture and Urban Forestry; Paper Science and Engineering; Peace Corps Master's International; Forest Soils; Silviculture and Protection; Wildlife Science; Urban Ecology (Interdisciplinary program); and Social Sciences.

Geography
Department offer M.A. and Ph. D. degrees, with specialization in five research areas: Urban, Social, and Political Geography; Economic Geography; Area and International Development Studies; Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and Society and Environment.

Geology
The former UW Departments of Geological Sciences and Geophysics merged in 2001 to form the new Department of Earth and Space Sciences (ESS). The Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers an M.S. and Ph.D.

Geophysics
The former UW Departments of Geological Sciences and Geophysics merged in 2001 to form the new Department of Earth and Space Sciences (ESS). The Department of Earth and Space Sciences offers an M.S. and Ph.D.

History
The Department of History offers an M.A. and Ph.D. Graduate students design their fields of study in consultation with the supervisory committee, according to Department guidelines. Faculty research expertise includes the history of science, history of biology (natural history, marine sciences, evolutionary theory, development of American biology), environmental history, and history of medicine.

Landscape Architecture
Located in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, the M.L.A. program offers broad-based curricula covering all aspects of traditional landscape design and practice and is organized around a sequence of studios many of which use real-life projects and clients.

Law
The University of Washington School of Law has been a leader in environmental law for more than forty years. The Environmental Law Program includes the Kathy and Steve Berman Environmental Law Clinic and the work of the School of Law’s nationally acclaimed environmental law faculty. In addition to the J.D., the School of Law offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Laws (LL.M.).

Law of Sustainable International Development
The Sustainable International Development LL.M. program is the first graduate program at a U.S. law school to focus on international development law. This LL.M. program allows students to obtain in-depth, interdisciplinary training, taking advantage of the University’s unusually rich course offerings in areas of the student’s interest including: law, public policy, economics, political science, international studies, sociology, public health, and environmental studies.

Marine Affairs
Interdisciplinary program in the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences offers a Master of Marine Affairs (MMA) in the following areas of concentration: Marine Environmental Protection and Restoration; Integrated Coastal Management; Ocean Governance and Regime Development; Living Marine Resources Policy and Management; Marine Recreation and Leisure; Seaports, Marine Transportation and Waterfront Development; Global Change and its Human Dimensions; Public Education, Outreach and Awareness; and International Applications and Outreach.

Materials Science and Engineering
Offers M.S. and a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science & Engineering through the College of Engineering. Research and academic programs unify all classes of materials: metals, ceramics, polymers, and electronic materials, with applications in diverse areas, including transportation, communication, construction, recreation, and environment.

Mechanical Engineering
Offers M.S.M.E., M.S.E., and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering. Areas of concentration include energy and environment, and design for environment.

Microbiology
Offers a Ph.D. in Microbiology. Faculty research focuses on nine areas, including Environmental Microbiology & Microbial Diversity.

Oceanography
Located in the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, The School of Oceanography provides instructional and research opportunities in the following areas of oceanography: Biological Oceanography, Chemical Oceanography, Marine Geology and Geophysics, and Physical Oceanography. Emerging areas of cooperative research such as coupled ocean/atmosphere physics and chemistry, global biogeochemistry, and volcano systems are emphasized.

Peace Corps Master’s International Program
Professional degree program offered in partnership with participating academic programs, including the College of Forest Resources, the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, and the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs. These programs are designed to allow students to complement a rigorous academic program with intense hands-on experience during their overseas Peace Corps assignment. Students generally complete one year of academic coursework prior to beginning their 27 month Peace Corps assignment. After completing Peace Corps duty, PCMI students generally return to UW to complete their degree requirements prior to graduation. Students must be admitted to both the PCMI and the Peace Corps. This is an attractive option for students interested in Peace Corps service.

Philosophy
Programs leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. Faculty includes specialists in philosophy of science and environmental ethics.

Psychology (Animal Behavior)
The Animal Behavior Program is an interdisciplinary graduate training program that integrates psychological and zoological approaches to the study of animal behavior and behavioral ecology. The program leads to the Ph.D. in Psychology (Animal Behavior). Research opportunities involve field (both temperate and tropical), laboratory, and zoo environments. Faculty are active in a broad range of research areas, with major emphasis on animal communication, development, primate behavior, human ethology, learning, motivation, neurobehavior, sex allocation and mating systems, behavioral genetics, and social behavior.

Public Affairs
T he Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs offers a variety of master's degrees in Public Administration, including mid-career and executive MPA programs, as well as a number of concurrent degree programs with affiliated academic units. Degree programs are designed to prepare students for work in public and nonprofit sectors by emphasizing public policy analysis and management knowledge. Offers a specialized policy field (gateway) in Environmental Policy.

Public Affairs & Forest Resources M.P.A/M.S.
This program allows students to develop management and policy skills while focusing on Forest and Economic Policy, Social Systems and Natural Resources Policy or Wildlife Conservation Policy. In three years each concurrent degree student earns both a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from the Evans School and a Master of Science (M.S.) from the College of Forest Resources.

Public Affairs & Urban Planning M.P.A./M.U.P.
The Evans School of Public Affairs and the Department of Urban Design & Planning of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning offer this concurrent degree that enables students to earn both the M.P.A. and M.U.P. in approximately three years, rather than the four it would take to earn them separately.

Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management (QERM)
Interdisciplinary program (administered by the Graduate School) offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Designed for students interested in working on contemporary ecological or resource management problems from a quantitative perspective.

Urban Design and Planning
Degrees and Certificates are offered through the College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Areas of specialization include: Land Use Planning, Urban Design, Real Estate and Community Development, Preservation Planning and Design Focus.

Zoology
The Department of Biology offers a Ph.D. in Biology with a focus on Zoology. The former UW Departments of Zoology and Botany merged in February 2003 to form the new Department of Biology. The Department typically only accepts zoology students interested in a Ph.D. and discourages students seeking a terminal Master's Degree.