University of North Dakota

What you'll study

This master’s programme balances coursework, field and laboratory training, and independent research. Students take core classes in ecosystem ecology, soil and water resources, and statistical methods for environmental research, alongside electives that reflect individual interests.

• Core topics: ecosystem structure and function, biogeochemical cycles, watershed hydrology, environmental sampling methods, and environmental statistics and modelling.
• Technical skills: geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, laboratory techniques in soil and water analysis, and environmental monitoring technologies.
• Policy and management: natural resource economics, environmental law and policy, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable resource management.
• Research and practical experience: options typically include a research thesis or a non-thesis project/practicum with applied partners; field courses and seasonal fieldwork are a regular component.

Programme structure usually combines two years (full-time) of coursework with independent research. Students complete seminars that develop scientific communication skills and participate in faculty-led research groups. Individual programmes are tailored with faculty advisers to match career or doctoral preparation goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as ecology, biology, geology, environmental science, forestry, agricultural science, or engineering. Admissions typically consider the following:

• Official academic transcripts demonstrating strong preparation in quantitative and natural science coursework.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career objectives, and how they align with faculty expertise.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to the applicant’s preparedness for graduate study.
• A current CV or résumé detailing relevant research, fieldwork, internships or professional experience.
• International applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency (e.g. recognised test scores) where required.

Some applicants may be asked for a brief interview with potential supervisors. GRE scores are considered where required by the department, but policies may vary; prospective students should consult the departmental admissions guidance. Funding decisions for assistantships often take academic record and fit with faculty research into account.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors as well as continued academic study. Typical roles include:

• Environmental scientist or specialist with government agencies (state departments of natural resources, US Fish & Wildlife Service, EPA) and regional authorities.
• Natural resource manager or conservation planner working for land trusts, conservation NGOs, parks and wildlife services, or private landowners.
• Environmental consultant in areas such as impact assessment, remediation, water resources, and habitat restoration.
• GIS and remote sensing analyst supporting resource inventories, monitoring and spatial planning.
• Positions in energy, mining, and agriculture sectors addressing environmental compliance and sustainable resource use.
• Academic or research careers via progression to PhD programmes, or technical research roles in university and government laboratories.

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an interdisciplinary environment with faculty expertise across ecology, hydrology, soils, and environmental policy, enabling tailored research topics from landscape restoration to water resource management. UND’s location in the upper Midwest provides access to a range of field environments—from prairie and wetlands to river systems—supporting hands-on field training.

Students benefit from on-campus research facilities and collaborative centres that engage with regional environmental challenges, as well as opportunities for funded research assistantships and partnerships with state and federal agencies. Small cohort sizes foster close mentorship with faculty and opportunities to present and publish research, preparing graduates for both professional practice and further academic study.