Natural Resource Sciences , PhD

The broad diversity of climate, habitat, hydrology, soils, and near-surface and subsurface geology across Nebraska provides a multitude of opportunities for field studies in each of these areas. Faculty also conduct research in other states and countries.

Description

Excellent laboratory, computer, and field facilities are available for performing up-to-date analyses in all resource areas, as well as water chemistry, GIS, geophysics, computer modeling, remote sensing, and geospatial image analysis. State, federal, and private natural resource organizations provide unique opportunities for cooperative research and degree-related work.

Additional areas of study include: agroecosystems; carbon sequestration; conservation biology; cycling of natural and human-made chemicals; drought mitigation; environmental biophysics; environmental microbiology; environmental soil microbiology, chemistry and physics; fisheries management and ecology; geology; geomorphology and soils; geospatial analysis; global climatic change; global positioning systems; grassland ecology and management; ground water; high plains climate; human-wildlife conflicts; hydrologic modeling; isotope hydrology; lake ecology; landscape ecology; micrometeorology; natural resources economics; natural resource planning and management; natural resources law; riparian systems; rural sustainability; severe weather; simulation modeling; soil moisture; soil restoration; stewardship; surface water systems; urban habitats; water quality and chemistry; wetlands; and woodland habitats.

Specializations

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

• Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form. If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations. After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
• If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required. When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.
• If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
• Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

• Minimum English proficiency: Paper TOEFL 600, Internet TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5
• Resume/CV
• Personal Statement: Statement of purpose.
• Research: Identify the program area you intend to pursue: Applied Climate and Spatial Science, Applied Ecology, Environmental Science, or Undecided.
• Faculty: Before applying, applicants must get a faculty member's confirmation that they are willing to serve as an advisor. Identify the faculty member who has agreed to be your advisor. A letter of support from your potential advisor will be required.
• Three recommendation letters
• Assistantships: If you would like to be considered for a teaching assistantship, provide evidence of past teaching or other relevant experience in the Experience, Awards, and Publications section on the application's Additional Information page.

Admission Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed the first Friday in January.