About Environmental Sciences in University of Virginia
The Department of Environmental Sciences is an academic department offering instruction and conducting research in the areas of ecology, geosciences, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. This unique juxtaposition of several sciences in one department fosters cooperation and exchange among traditional disciplines that share similar methodological and philosophical approaches. The research endeavors of faculty, researchers, and graduate students, whether disciplinary or interdisciplinary, deal with problems of fundamental scientific interest regarding physical and ecological systems with direct and indirect relevance for society.
The department offers three graduate degree programs: The Master of Arts, Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy. The M.A. degree candidate must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, including 24 credits of course work at the graduate level. The student’s M.A. program of study is developed in consultation with the candidate’s major professor and includes a thesis. Training in ecology, hydrology, atmospheric science, and geosciences is expected of the degree candidate. The M.S. program emphasizes new scientific research in addition to fundamental coursework. A degree candidate must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours including 24 hours of graduate level coursework. One course from each of the four core areas of the department (ecology, hydrology, geosciences, and atmospheric sciences) is required. The Ph.D. program degree emphasizes original research and independent study. The degree candidate is required to complete the four core-area courses as for the M.S., one additional 700-level course and a minimum of 54 credit hours including thesis research. Thesis committees are usually interdisciplinary and are composed according to the type of research to be conducted. Ph.D. candidates must pass a written and oral comprehensive examination administered by their dissertation committee within four semesters of entering the program.
Academic qualification equivalents
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree
English language requirements
- IELTS : 7.0
- TOEFL IBT: 90
University of Virginia Highlights
| Type |
Public research university |
| Founded |
1819 |
| Location |
Charlottesville, Virginia |
| Retention rate |
94% |
| Acceptance rate |
26% |
| Exams for eligibility |
SAT/ACT and IELTS/TOEFL for English proficiency |
| SAT Score |
1330 to 1500 |
| ACT Score |
30 and 34 |
| Cost of attendance |
Tuition fee: Varies for different courses; Additional fee: 16,776 to 18,016 |
| Financial aids |
7,000 USD |
| Annual Salary |
64,000 USD |
University of Virginia Annual Cost to Attend
| Fee |
Cost |
| Virginia Resident Tuition |
$14,836 |
| Books and Supplies |
$1,384 |
| Other Fees |
$2,962 |
| Room and Board |
$11,950 |
| Budget for Other Expenses |
$2,962 |
| Total One Year Cost |
$34,094 |
| Fee |
Cost |
| Out of State Resident Tuition |
$47,257 |
| Books and Supplies |
$1,384 |
| Other Fees |
$2,962 |
| Room and Board |
$11,950 |
| Budget for Other Expenses |
$2,962 |
| Total One Year Cost |
$66,515 |
