Graduate Education
Interdisciplinary training for the most pressing global challenges.
The Graduate Program in Life & Environmental Sciences trains scientists to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem sustainability.
Explore Our Graduate Programs
Ph.D. in Life and Environmental Sciences
Original research leading to a dissertation, with an oral qualifying exam and dissertation defense.
M.S. in Life and Environmental Sciences
Plan I (thesis): coursework plus a research thesis. Plan II (non-thesis): coursework plus a capstone literature review or comprehensive exam.
ES and QSB Graduate Programs
LES faculty also recruit graduate students through the Environmental Systems (ES) and Quantitative and Systems Biology (QSB) graduate programs.
Program Cornerstones
Evolution of Life and Earth
The (co-)evolution of life and Earth's systems over time, and the interplay between biological evolution and geological processes.
Interactions
Biotic and abiotic interactions at scales from molecules to ecosystems.
Flows & Transitions
The movement and transformation of matter and energy within and between ecosystems.
Global Change & Sustainability
Global environmental challenges and strategies for resilience and sustainability.
Now recruiting our first cohort — Fall 2027
Priority deadline: December 15, 2026 | Regular deadline: January 15, 2027
