The Environmenal Graduate Group focuses on understanding the Earth as an integrated system that includes the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere in order to address the environmental consequences and develop sustainable solutions to providing food, energy and other basic services to the Earth’s ever-growing population. Recognizing that solutions to local, regional and global environmental problems cross traditional academic departments, domain knowledge is complemented by an interdisciplinary shared curriculum that provides a foundation in the fundamental ideas and methods of the earth, environmental and social sciences. Environmental Systems faculty, staff and students are dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service and strive to develop an atmosphere of transparency, inclusiveness, rigor, integrity and environmental awareness.
The research conducted within the Environmental Systems Graduate Group has the potential to change the world we live in now and for future generations. We dig deeply into the issues facing the natural and built world: climate change, water quality, soil conservation, ecosystem science and sustainability, alternative energy and resource management.
If you are ready to take the next step in your academic career – and devote yourself to the study of our environment and the systems that combine to make it work – submit your application. Our program is always looking for talented people with the passion and drive necessary to solve tomorrow’s problems today.
Our Environmental Systems Graduate Group is unlike any other, but don’t take our word for it. Listen to the students and researchers involved with our program.
Earning your master's or Ph.D. from UC Merced means something. Follow in the footsteps of our alumni, many of whom now hold faculty appointments and meaningful positions in the public and private sectors.
Through understanding the Earth as an integrated system of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere that intersects human society, ES students are uniquely poised to address critical research needs of the environment and its sustainability. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, government, and industry that integrate expertise from across engineering, natural sciences and social sciences.
