Graduate School

There's no single right timeline for graduate school. Some students apply straight from their bachelor's degree; many others work, travel, or gain field experience for a few years first, and for professional programs like an M.B.A., that experience is often expected. Here's guidance for wherever you're starting from:

As an undergrad, no matter when you plan to apply: focus on your GPA, get involved in research through ES faculty or UCSB's Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program, and start exploring which environmental careers interest you. This groundwork matters whether you apply next year or five years from now.

About 1–2 years before you plan to apply: meet with the ES Academic Coordinator or Advisor to talk through your options. Research programs, note application deadlines and any required exams (GRE, LSAT, etc.), and reconnect with, or start building, relationships with people who could write your letters of recommendation, whether that's a professor, research supervisor, or manager.

The fall of your application year: request letters of recommendation, take any required entrance exams, draft your personal statement, and submit applications. Most programs have deadlines between December and February for the following fall.

The spring of your application year: compare offers, visit programs if you can, and make your decision.

Taking time off before applying? That's common and many programs value the perspective and experience you bring from working first. While you're away from campus, stay in touch with professors or mentors who could write you a recommendation later, and keep notes on projects or experiences you might want to write about in a future personal statement.

Simply put, a post undergraduate education is where one goes to upgrade their knowledge, enhance their skill set, gain research experience, and/or explore and learn new theories. Most elect to pursue graduate opportunities to gain greater financial/earning power, advance a career, or engage in a career change. A graduate education can be acquired by a variety of educational organizations including colleges and universities, technical institutions, and professional certificate programs. These programs differ from undergraduate education in that they offer greater depth of training with increased specialization, concentration, and intensity of instruction. Study and learning at the graduate level is more self-directed and assumes students are well prepared in the basic elements of their field of study. 

To learn more about the what, when, how, and why of graduate school, check out Career Services' Grad School webpage. Here, you can find information about what is grad school, how you should decide if it's the right fit you, how to search for programs, the admissions timeline and process, and more!  

Graduate degrees are available in almost any subject and come in three levels - credential/certificate, master, and doctorate, and two types - academic (research) & professional. 

1. The Master's Degree 

The master's degree is a one to three year program designed to provide additional education or training in the student's specialized branch of knowledge, well beyond the baccalaureate study. Master's degrees are offered in many different fields, but can be best explained by grouping them into two main types of programs -- academic and professional. 

• Academic Master's: The master of arts (M.A.) and master of science (M.S.) degrees are usually awarded in the traditional arts, sciences, and humanities discipline. The M.S. can also be given in technical fields, such as engineering and agriculture. 
  • Emphasis on Research and Scholarship: Academic graduate degrees, such as Master of Science (MS), emphasize research, scholarship, and the advancement of knowledge in a specific academic discipline. They are often pursued by individuals interested in careers in research, academia, or specialized fields within their discipline. Original research, research methodology, and field investigation are emphasized. 
  • Research Thesis: Academic graduate programs typically require students to complete a research thesis (for master's degrees). These research projects contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective fields. 
  • Flexible Career Paths: Graduates with academic degrees have a broader range of career options, including teaching at the university level, conducting research in academic or industry, and pursuing leadership roles in various organizations.
  • Interdisciplinary Study: Academic graduate programs often encourage interdisciplinary study and the exploration of diverse research interests within a specific academic discipline. 
  • Workload/Timeline: These programs usually require the completion of between 30 and 60 credit hours and could reasonably be completed in one or two years of full-time study. They may lead directly to the doctoral level. 
• Professional Master's: These degree programs are usually designed to lead the student from their undergraduate degree to a particular profession. Professional master's degrees are oriented more toward direct application of knowledge than toward original research. Often, professional master's programs conclude with students completing individual or group study projects relevant to their field of studies. Such master's degrees are often designated by specific descriptive titles, such as master of business administration (M.B.A.), master of social work (M.S.W.), etc. 
  • Focus on Practical Skills: Professional graduate degrees are primarily focused on developing practical skills and knowledge needed for specific careers or industries. They are often oriented towards preparing students for professional practice in fields like law, medicine, business, education, and public policy. 
  • Terminal Degrees: In some cases, professional degrees are terminal, meaning they are the highest level of education required for a particular profession. For example, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the terminal degree for lawyers, and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) is the terminal degree for medical doctors. 
  • Hands-on Experience: Many professional degrees include hands-on training, internships, clinical rotations, or practicums to ensure that students gain practical experience in their chosen fields. 
  • Specific Career Path: Graduates with professional degrees often enter careers directly related to their field of study. These programs are typically designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in a particular profession. 

2. The Doctoral Degree

The Doctoral degree is widely considered the highest degree awarded and requires successful completion of a regimen of coursework and research beyond the master's level. Like master's degrees, it can best be defined by separating it into two categories -- academic/research and professional. 

• Academic/Research Track, or the Ph.D. (doctor of philosophy) is the most common doctoral degree awarded in academic disciplines. Doctoral programs involve advanced coursework, seminars, and the writing of a dissertation that describes the student's own original research, completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor(s). Often students who enter the Ph.D. track with just a bachelor's degree automatically complete their academic master's degree as part of their academic doctorate. In such cases, a comprehensive exam is normally given, usually after two to four years of study and completion of all coursework. Successful completion marks the end of the student's coursework, their master's level education, and the beginning of their research/dissertation as required for the Ph.D. Total time spent on an academic doctoral program ranges from 4-7 years. 
  • Dissertation Requirement: Doctoral candidates must complete a substantial dissertation, which represents a significant contribution to their field. 
  • Specialization: Students specialize in a specific area of their field, becoming experts in that subject matter. 
  • Academic Rigor: These programs are academically rigorous, with a focus on research, and often include comprehensive exams. Doctoral students work closely with a faculty advisor or supervisor who guides them through their research process, provides mentorship, and offers support. Ph.D. candidates are encouraged to publish their research in academic journals and present their findings at conferences to contribute to the academic discourse. 
  • Versatile Career Path: Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, industry, and leadership roles in various fields. 
• Professional Doctorate degrees are awarded primarily in professional fields, such as medicine (M.D.) dentistry (D.D.S), law (J.D.), veterinary (D.V.M.), pharmacy (Pharm.D.), education (Ed.D. or doctor of education) and business administration (D.B.A. or doctorate of business administration). Time spent in such disciplines can range from 3 to 6, or more, years beyond an undergraduate degree. They often include in-depth internships or on the job training programs such as residency or clerkships. They may conclude with some form of exit exams that lead to a board certification issued by a state or federal oversight agency. 
  • Pre-Health Advising at UCSB
  • Pre-Law Advising at UCSB

3. Credential/Certificate

Credentials/certificates are considered professional types of education and usually are earned by completing a combination of courses, internships, and/or apprenticeship in a specialized area of training. These are often awarded in the form of a license or certificate after passing a professional exam or finishing a minimum number of service hours. These programs are convenient and/or can be required for certain types of professions in business, technology, education, and management. They include certificate programs in computer programming, health services management, or emergency management training (EMT); credentials for primary or secondary level teaching, law enforcement and firefighting; or licenses, such as certified public accountant, civil engineer, boat captain, and stockbroker to name a few. 

• UCSB PaCE Certificate Programs
• U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credential Programs
• National Registry of Environmental Professional's Certifications
• 16 Environmental Certifications to Help You Advance Your Career

Funding looks very different depending on the type of program.

Academic (research) master's and Ph.D. programs often come with funding: teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships that cover tuition and include a stipend. Ask any program you're considering whether funded positions are available.

Professional programs (M.B.A., J.D., M.D., etc.) are typically self-funded through savings, federal loans, and program-specific scholarships.

Look into external fellowships, like the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship or the Switzer Environmental Fellowship (open to grad students in California, one-year awards for students focused on environmental leadership), early.

UCSB's Financial Aid & Scholarships Office and Career Services can help you think through the cost and payoff of a specific program.

Environmental Lawyer (J.D.) Advocates for environmental protection through litigation, regulation, and policy work. This guide covers law school, licensure, and job outlook.

Environmental Engineer (M.S.) Designs systems to manage water quality, waste, and pollution, often building on an undergraduate engineering or science background. This guide covers licensure requirements and job outlook.

Conservation Scientist (M.S. or Ph.D.) Researches and manages natural resources like forests, wildlife, and rangelands, often for government agencies or nonprofits. This guide covers education paths and job outlook.

Sustainability Manager (M.B.A.) Helps organizations set and meet environmental and social responsibility goals. This guide covers education, skills, certifications, and top M.B.A. programs.

Environmental Policy Analyst (M.P.P. or M.P.A.) Researches and shapes environmental regulations and legislation for government agencies, nonprofits, or think tanks. This guide covers education paths and job outlook.

Want a longer list? The ES program's own guide, Common Professional Degrees that ES Majors Pursue, covers 17 environmental-relevant graduate degrees with real program examples, from environmental engineering to marine affairs.

This list is only a sample of the various resources available online. Students should do their own research and meet with the Environmental Studies Academic Coordinator or Advisor for further questions. 

Graduate School Directories and Search Engines

Peterson's Grad School Search offers a comprehensive search engine for finding graduate programs, including environmental studies. 

GradSchools.com provides a database of graduate programs across various fields, including environmental studies. 

Princeton Review Grad Schools Search allows you to filter and find graduate programs in environmental studies.

EnvironmentalScience.org provides a directory of environmental science programs, which includes graduate programs in environmental studies.

PhDportal.com While the name suggests a focus on PhD programs, this portal also includes master's and other graduate-level programs in various disciplines, including environmental studies. 

US News Grad School Search provides rankings and a search tool for graduate programs, including environmental studies. 

FindAMasters.com focuses on master's programs worldwide and includes environmental studies programs. 

Graduate Guide is a comprehensive search guide for graduate programs. You can filter to find graduate programs related to environmental studies. 

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Campus Sustainability Hub includes a database of sustainability programs, including graduate options. 

Specific Environmental Interest Directories

Data Science  focuses on graduate programs related to Data Science, including those with an environmental emphasis. 

Geospatial Science and Geographic Information Systems Master’s Degrees focuses on graduate programs related to geospatial sciences and GIS.

Professional Science Masters Programs provides a comprehensive search guide for students interested in pursuing a professional science master's. 

Law School Search Engine focuses on helping students find the right law school. 

Environmental Policy Degrees gives an insight on environmental policy degrees, programs, and careers. 

Additional Graduate School Resources

Bren School of Environmental Science & Management

UCSB Graduate Division 

The Gevirtz School of Graduate Education 

College of Letters and Science Advising 

Graduate School Examination Information:

GRE

LSAT

MCAT

Magoosh (for GRE preparation)

Do I need a master's degree to work in the environmental field? Not always. Many entry-level environmental jobs only require a bachelor's degree. A master's tends to matter most for research roles, management-track positions, or fields with licensure requirements. Talk to your advisor about whether an advanced degree is necessary for your specific goal.

How many letters of recommendation will I need? Most programs ask for 2–3, typically from professors or research supervisors who know your work well. Start building those relationships by junior year.

Should I take time off before grad school? Many students do, and many professional programs (like an M.B.A.) prefer applicants with some work experience. There's no single right answer; it depends on your field.

GRE, LSAT, or MCAT: which do I need? Depends on the program. Many academic and professional master's/Ph.D. programs use the GRE (though a growing number are test-optional); law schools require the LSAT; medical schools require the MCAT. Check each program individually.