Grad. School Resources

Grad Chat!

Graduate school is a rewarding and challenging experience that trains you to become a professional in the field you are pursuing, whether within the sciences, humanities, or social sciences. Although graduate school is rewarding and challenging from an academic perspective, it is also a minefield that is easier to navigate with proper mentoring and advisement during your undergraduate education for many students - particularly those underrepresented in the academy. The resources here have been organized and written by McKayla Meier, a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida and a personal friend, and revised by myself in 2024. Feel free to contact either of us at any time to talk.

Masters VS. Ph.D.

Graduate school provides advanced education and specialized training in a specific field. You can choose between two paths in earth and environmental science: a Master's degree or a Ph.D.

A Master's degree might be a great step to determine your next career moves! A Master’s program lasts 2-3 years and focuses on one project. It's ideal if you're not completely certain about your specific study area or if you're not planning to enter academia. From a career perspective, a Master's degree can open doors to various professional roles, such as environmental consultant, geoscientist, hydrologist, environmental policy analyst, GIS specialist, and sustainability coordinator. These positions are available in industry, government agencies, non-profits, and private consulting firms, offering a quicker path to employment and the flexibility to explore different areas within the field.

On the other hand, a Ph.D. is suitable for students with a Bachelor's or Master's who are certain about the field they want to specialize in for their career. A doctoral program usually takes around 5 years, but can range from 3 to 9 years depending on whether you already have a Master's and the scope of your project. A Ph.D. typically involves one main project with several smaller projects within it. This degree is generally required for academic careers and provides in-depth expertise in a specific area.

From a career perspective, a Ph.D. prepares you for advanced research positions, university faculty roles, and leadership positions in specialized areas of earth and environmental science. Specific career options include becoming a university professor, research scientist, principal investigator, senior environmental consultant, policy advisor, environmental program director, and roles in governmental and international organizations. Ph.D. holders can also pursue leadership roles in industry, such as chief scientist or director of research and development, where they lead innovative projects and drive advancements in their field.

Graduate School Application Process

The application process for graduate study can be time-consuming, stressful, and generally overwhelming. To mitigate this, a description of the various steps in the application process and explanations of the materials needed to demystify this process. 

How do you Contact Potential Advisors? 

Within earth and environmental science fields, when applying to graduate programs, you want to ensure you email potential advisors to learn about the programs, projects, and available funds to support you during your education. Typically, you want to look into potential advisors in the spring before applying and start contacting them during the summer. It is not uncommon for faculty to not respond during the summer because of fieldwork, research, or other activities, so be sure to email them again before you apply - typically before November. This can also be, occasionally, a hidden requirement for some programs or advisors, so doing this should be a priority for you. 

How to Research Potential Advisors: 

How to Craft a Professional Email to Potential Advisors:

Achieving Letters of Recommendation 

Letters for graduate programs are one of the most important portions of your application packet. Many programs require three letters, but you can sometimes include up to five. Letters of recommendation can come from various sources, including faculty members, internship supervisors, employers, colleagues, volunteer coordinators, etc. 

Tips for letters of recommendation:

Make a Schedule 

In many cases, you will apply to several programs with different deadlines and manage your personal, educational, and professional opportunities. Staying organized is the secret to submitting completed applications and managing stress. Everyone should make a schedule in the best format for them; for me, I added the deadlines to my calendar with reminders and organized a spreadsheet with the information needed for each program. 

Feel free to download the Graduate School Application Manager I used when applying to programs. 

Picking a Program 

Choosing the right graduate program is crucial for your academic and professional development, as it sets the foundation for your future career aspirations. The right program will provide the technical knowledge and research opportunities you need, as well as the support and resources necessary to thrive. Finding a community that promotes you and your research is equally important; a supportive environment fosters collaboration, mentorship, and networking, which are vital for your growth as a scientist. A strong community will encourage your intellectual curiosity, provide constructive feedback, and help you navigate the challenges of graduate school. Ultimately, the right program and community will empower you to achieve your goals, advance your field, and make meaningful contributions to earth and environmental science. 

How to pick a graduate program: 

Application and Mentoring Resources

Funding Your Degree: Fellowships