phd in environmental science germany

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Doctoral Program Environment & Society

The Doctoral Program Environment and Society has been created for graduates from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences who wish to research questions concerning the interfaces between environment and society, nature and culture. The doctoral program is based at the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society. Doctoral dissertation advisors include LMU faculty members in the environmental humanities; environmental, landscape, and urban history; history; geography; American studies; literary studies, philosophy, and environmental ethics.

Announcements

13.10.2023 14:00  – 19:00  · 2023 News Archive

Welcome and Introduction to the Semester

MA Environment and Society & Environmental Studies Certificate Program more

05.10.2021 · 2021 News Archive

Update on the Doctoral Program Environment and Society

Start of the Summer Term 2021 more

27.07.2021 · 2021 News Archive

Martín Fonck to Receive Dissertation Award of LMU's Faculty for the Study of Culture

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Dr. Ferdinand Esser

Coordinator of Integrated Research Training Group

Project Management SFB/TRR 51 Roseobacter

Departmental Erasmus Coordinator

Coordinator of the PhD study programme 'Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity'

Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM)

Phone: +49 (0)441 / 798-3171

Room: W15 0-031

The PhD study programme "Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity" for young researchers in the field mathematics and environmental sciences includes the following offers:

• Enhancing the expertise through courses and summer schools especially organized for PhD students
• Promoting the interdisciplinary collaboration through workshops and associated courses
• Broadening of personal skills and competences through individual training.

The PhD study programme offers the opportunity for young scientists to deepen their knowledge in the fields of environmental science, ecology and systems research in oceans, coastal zones and terrestrial areas. This also includes a working visit at other national or international research institutions. Joint interdisciplinary seminars, invitations to workshopsof several days' duration, participation at international summer schools or attendanceofcourses onsocial and economic subjects promote the interdisciplinary cooperation. Provided are also courses onconveying and presenting scientific findings, on career planning, or for example, for further qualification in project management.

Prerequisite for the enrollment in the PhD study programme "Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity" at the Carl von Ossietzky University is the admission as a doctoral fellow in the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

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Doctorate and Graduate School HIGRADE at the UFZ

Doctoral researchers at the ufz.

Currently more than 300 doctoral researchers from approximately 40 countries around the world conduct their research at the UFZ. If you wish to focus on interdisciplinary environmental research, work with excellent technical equipment and be supervised by internationally connected scientists, the UFZ is the right place to be.

Current Vacancies Do-it - PhD Representatives

Our graduate school HIGRADE (Helmholtz Interdisciplinary GRADuate School for Environmental Research) provides the framework for qualifying new generations of internationally competitive doctoral researchers in the field of environmental science. By offering a wide range of excellent training and networking opportunities our graduate school allows doctoral researchers to acquire valuable skills and prepares for careers both within and outside academia. 

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Integrated Environmental Research

The UFZ is a competence centre for environmental sciences, where a wide variety of natural and social sciences as well as engineering disciplines work together on complex human-environment interactions. This involves crossing disciplinary borders and incorporating stakeholders from industry, politics and society. 

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The UFZ is a research centre with an international, collegial and family friendly atmosphere. While our International Office and our Family Support Office provide support specifically for international employees and parents. A diverse set of scientific and social events and recreation offers complete the UFZ culture and allow new staff members to familiarize with the institute.

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UFZ – one centre in three attractive locations

The UFZ main base is located in Leipzig, a city with over half a million inhabitants which is popular for its large green areas and high quality of life. Two further UFZ locations are Halle (Saale) and Magdeburg, both slightly smaller, but nevertheless exciting cities. All three cities offer a rich cultural life and history, universities, as well as convenient public transport systems.

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International Doctoral Program 'Environment Water'

Welcome to the

- a Three Year Doctoral Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences.

Introduction

An increasing world population exerts a continually growing demand on usable fresh water resources. For sustainable development of these water resources under economic and social constraints, the education of highly-qualified water resources engineers with a global perspective and the ability for international scientific cooperation is of utmost importance.

ENWAT is a doctoral program in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering offered by the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences which leads to a doctoral degree in Engineering ('Doktor-Ingenieurin' or 'Doktor-Ingenieur', abbr. 'Dr.-Ing.'). It is offered in addition to bilingual M.Sc. programs, e.g. in Water Resources and Engineering Management ( WAREM ), Air Quality Control, Solid Waste and Waste Water Process Engineering ( WASTE ),  Infrastructure Planning ( MIP ), and Computational Mecha­nics of Mate­rials and Struc­tures ( COMMAS ).

The doctoral program ENWAT is structured into two phases:

First Phase

In the initial phase, doctoral researchers are required to take classes at the doctoral level as specified in an individually designed study plan. The courses are intended to directly aid in the preparation for the dissertation research. Most classes are taught in English, and the regular curriculum is supplemented through workshops and short courses taught by faculty from universities worldwide. Aside from classes, the doctoral researchers will mainly focus on the preparation of a detailed research proposal and a projected time line. ENWAT doctoral researchers also participate in a seminar series where they present their research or proposed research which is then discussed with other doctoral researchers and supervisors of the ENWAT program. The first phase is concluded with an oral qualifying exam. A passing grade in the Qualifying Exam will allow the doctoral researcher to enter the second phase.

Second Phase

In the second phase, the doctoral researchers primarily focus on their dissertation research and the preparation of a doctoral thesis. The thesis research may be undertaken at any of the participating institutes within the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences. In addition, the candidates continue to participate in the doctoral seminar which takes place twice a year. After completion of the doctoral thesis, the doctoral researcher is required to publicly defend her/his thesis research and to pass an oral dissertation exam.

natural water cascades

Hydraulic laboratory of the Research Facility for Subsurface Remediation (VEGAS)

Sewage treatment plant Stuttgart-Büsnau for teaching and research at the Institute of Sanitary Engineering

Workshop in the Multimedia Lab

Disciplines

The disciplines in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering reach from waste water treatment to modeling hydrosystems; they cover research on rainfall-runoff-models and the impact of climate change on water resources as well as sanitary engineering, biological air purification and the investigation of sedimentation and transport in fluvial channels.

This wide range of disciplines is bundled in several institutes :

Congratulations to Dr.-Ing. Vahid Shoarinezhad on PhD Defense

Coming soon: defense #90, coming soon: defense #89.

Defense #88 in the ENWAT program: Congratulations to Dr.-Ing. Kilian Mouris on PhD Defense

Congratulations to Dr.-Ing. Faizan Anwar on PhD Defense

Please select, international doctoral program ….

This site provides information on the structure of the program, lectures, study regulations, as well …

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This site provides information to prospective doctoral researchers.

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The instituts listed here host the potential supervisor for your doctoral research:

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Gabriele M. Hartmann

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International Doctoral Program 'Environment Water' University of Stuttgart

Pfaffenwaldring 7, 3rd floor, room 3.126 , d-70569 stuttgart.

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• List of Universities

2732 Study programs

Study Environmental Science in Germany: 51 Universities with 92 English Degree Programs

All important info for international students in germany (2024/2025).

Questions of sustainability and environmental transformations are among the most pressing global challenges. In Germany, the initiative Research for Sustainable Development (FONA) by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, as well as the high number of study programs in these fields, are examples of how answers to this challenge may be found.

If you are looking to study Environmental Science in an English-taught Masters program in Germany, there are great options for those looking to take a broader approach to the field, for those who already found their niche in one of the typical sub-fields, such as forestry, food science of fishery, and for those who prefer more of an interdisciplinary approach that links sustainability to engineering, architecture, information technology, history or management. Note that many of the programs offered in Germany have a very international focus. Find the right program for yourself in our StudyFinder.

Study Programs in English

Universities

Universities in International Rankings

€ 0 (78 programs for EU citizens, 64 programs for Non-EU citizens)

€ 12,000 per semester (1 program for EU citizens/Non-EU)

Winter Semester

between June 01 and May 31

Summer Semester

Top-ranked German Universities in Environmental Science

public University

No. of Students: approx. 51,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 (per semester)

public Technical University

No. of Students: approx. 53,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 6,000 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 28,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 1,500 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 36,000 students

No. of Students: approx. 37,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 3,638 (per semester)

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Tuition Fees

3 english degree programs for environmental science in germany.

Clausthal University of Technology Clausthal-Zellerfeld

Leuphana University Lüneburg Lüneburg

Sustainable chemistry management.

Justus Liebig University Giessen Giessen

Sustainable chemistry.

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Summer Semester 2025

Winter Semester 2025/2026

Open Programs

60 programs

28 programs

89 programs

Application Requirements

Master degrees in Environmental Sciences typically admit students who got their first academic degrees in related subjects such as Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, Biology or other Sustainability-related topics. Depending on the specialization of the degree, a background in Engineering, Social Science or economics may be required. It is best to check on each program’s website. Entrance tests or interviews are not part of the admissions process, you only have to hand in standard certificates (your first degree certificate, a transcript of records). These typically include your CV and a letter of motivation and sometimes work experience or a stay abroad. Additionally, you will have to prove your English language abilities with a language certificate. You may also be expected to be experienced with quantitative research methods.

Application Modes

Application process.

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar Weimar

Natural hazards and risks in structural engineering.

HTW Berlin - University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Mba & engineering life science management.

TOEFL Scores

Cambridge Levels

5 (1 program )

71 (1 program )

B2 First (FCE) (21 programs )

7.5 (1 program )

110 (1 program )

C2 Proficiency (CPE) (18 programs )

University of Stuttgart Stuttgart

Air quality control, solid waste and waste water process engineering.

Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde

Biosphere reserves management (biom).

University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) Landau / Kaiserslautern

Environmental pollution management - ecotoxicology.

3-8 semesters

→ View all programs with online courses

Master of Arts

Master of Business Administration

Master of Engineering

Master of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Winter intake

Summer intake

Winter & Summer intake

List of all German Universities offering English-taught Study Programs in Environmental Science

Ansbach University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 0

M.Eng. (Master of Engineering)

Bielefeld University

M.Sc. (Master of Science)

Bochum University of Applied Sciences

Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science)

CBS International Business School

Program Fees: € 5,730 - € 7,920

M.A. (Master of Arts)

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How Much Does it Cost to Live in Germany?

Germany in University Rankings

DAAD Scholarships: Guide

Engineering Universities in Germany: A Guide 2024/25

100 Best universities for Environmental Science in Germany

Updated: February 29, 2024

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• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
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Below is a list of best universities in Germany ranked based on their research performance in Environmental Science. A graph of 36M citations received by 1.4M academic papers made by 170 universities in Germany was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Technical University of Munich

For Environmental Science

2. University of Gottingen

3. Heidelberg University - Germany

4. University of Hamburg

5. University of Munich

6. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

7. University of Bonn

8. RWTH Aachen University

9. Free University of Berlin

10. University of Tubingen

11. University of Freiburg

12. University of Erlangen Nuremberg

13. Kiel University

14. Technical University of Berlin

15. University of Stuttgart

16. Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main

17. University of Munster

18. University of Cologne

19. Ruhr University Bochum

20. Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

21. Dresden University of Technology

22. Humboldt University of Berlin

23. University of Bayreuth

24. University of Wurzburg

25. University of Bremen

26. Darmstadt University of Technology

27. University of Giessen

28. Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf

29. Leibniz University of Hanover

30. University of Hohenheim

31. Friedrich Schiller University of Jena

32. University of Marburg

33. Charite - Medical University of Berlin

34. University of Leipzig

35. Braunschweig University of Technology

36. University of Duisburg - Essen

37. University of Ulm

38. Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg

39. University of Konstanz

40. University of Regensburg

41. University of Bielefeld

42. University of Potsdam

43. Saarland University

44. Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg

45. TU Dortmund University

46. University of Rostock

47. Hannover Medical School

48. University of Kassel

49. Technical University of Kaiserslautern

50. University of Greifswald

51. Hamburg University of Technology

52. Otto von Guericke University of Magdeburg

53. Freiberg University of Technology

54. Osnabruck University

55. University of Lubeck

56. University of Mannheim

57. University of Wuppertal

58. University of Paderborn

59. University of Augsburg

60. Jacobs University Bremen

61. University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover

62. Leuphana University of Luneburg

63. Clausthal University of Technology

64. Chemnitz University of Technology

65. University of Siegen

66. Munich University of the Federal Armed Forces

67. University of Trier

68. Ilmenau University of Technology

69. Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg

70. Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

71. University of Koblenz-Landau

72. Aachen University of Applied Sciences

73. Witten/Herdecke University

74. University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg

75. University of Bamberg

76. University of Passau

77. Bauhaus - University Weimar

78. University of Hagen

79. Folkwang University of the Arts

80. German Sport University Cologne

81. Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences

82. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

83. University of Erfurt

84. Catholic University of Eichstatt-Ingolstadt

85. Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences

86. WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

87. Munich University of Applied Sciences

88. European University Viadrina

89. Cologne University of Applied Sciences

90. University of Hildesheim

91. Mainz University of Applied Sciences

92. Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences

93. University of Vechta

94. TH Bingen University of Applied Sciences

95. Berlin School of Economics and Law

96. Bremen University of Applied Sciences

97. Hertie School of Governance

98. Munster University of Applied Sciences

99. Reutlingen University

100. Berlin Technical University of Applied Sciences

The best cities to study Environmental Science in Germany based on the number of universities and their ranks are Munich , Gottingen , Heidelberg , and Hamburg .

Environmental Science subfields in Germany

183 phd-environmental-science positions in Germany

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PhD Student (f/m/d) for geochemistry of actinides / Completed university studies (Master) in the field of Geosciences, chemistry, applied mathematics, environmental sciences or related fields

international peer-reviewed journals and at conferences Your profile # Completed university studies (Master) in the field of geosciences, chemistry, applied mathematics, environmental sciences or related

PhD position: Gene regulation and evolution of dormant states in bees (f/m/d)

21 May 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company PhD Programme "Gene Regulation in Evolution" Department Institute of Molecular Biology Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First

PhD position: Inheritance of epigenetic information via small RNA molecules (m/f/d)

Phd position: evolution and genetic regulation of fecundity in the colorado potato beetle (f/m/d), phd position: epigenetics and sex chromosomes through the lens of evolution (f/m/d), phd position: identifying recent episodes of adaptation in humans by genome and epigenome editing (f/m/d).

24 May 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company PhD Programme "Gene Regulation in Evolution" Department Institute of Molecular Biology Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First

PhD student position in Environmental AMR (f/m/d)

At the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases lab, there is a 100 % position available from 01.06.2024, initially limited to 3 years: PhD

PhD position: Epigenetics and the evolution of germ-soma separation (f/m/d)

23 May 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company PhD Programme "Gene Regulation in Evolution" Department Institute of Molecular Biology Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First

PhD Candidate

GERICS develops science -based prototype products and services in support to government, administration and business in their efforts to adapt to climate change. It builds up a national and

PhD student position in Environmental AMR – analysing drivers and barriers to the spread in aquatic and terrestrial environments

2 May 2024 Job Information Organisation/Company Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases lab Research Field Computer science » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Germany

Searches related to phd environmental science

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PhD Environmental Engineering programs in Germany

Water resources and environmental engineering (watenv).

University of Hanover

Environmental science — soil, water and biodiversity.

University of Hohenheim

Natural hazards and risks in structural engineering (nhre).

Bauhaus-University Weimar

Environmental engineering.

Hamburg University of Technology

Technical University of Munich

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Environment and Energy

Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Management and technology of water and waste water.

University of Duisburg-Essen

Applied computer science.

Trier University - Environmental Campus Birkenfeld

Deadline information, best universities with environmental engineering in germany.

Bachelor Environmental Engineering programs in Germany

Master Environmental Engineering programs in Germany

Most Popular Environmental Engineering programs in Germany

PhD Environmental Engineering programs in Germany

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Graduating seniors seek degrees in climate change and more US universities deliver

Climate Data Analyst Casey Olson, left, of Utah State University, conducts a tour during a visit to the Utah Climate Center’s climate reference station on April 1, 2024, in Logan, Utah. Increasingly, U.S. universities are creating climate change programs to meet demand from students who want to apply their firsthand experience to what they do after high school. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Lydia Conger, from left, all of Utah State University, Casey Olson, climate data analyst, Ashley Lewis and Maya Cottam stand with Kaitlyn Linford, high school student and her mother, Cherisse Linford, while being shown a wind-shielded precipitation gauge during a tour on April 1, 2024, in Logan, Utah. Increasingly, U.S. universities are creating climate change programs to meet demand from students who want to apply their firsthand experience to what they do after high school. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Climate Data Analyst Casey Olson, center left, of Utah State University stands with students during a tour of the climate reference station on April 1, 2024, in Logan, Utah. Increasingly, U.S. universities are creating climate change programs to meet demand from students who want to apply their firsthand experience to what they do after high school. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

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At 16, Katya Kondragunta has already lived through two disasters amped by climate change. First came wildfires in California in 2020 . Ash and smoke forced her family to stay inside their home in the Bay Area city of Fremont, for weeks.

Then they moved to Prosper, Texas, where she dealt with record-setting heat last summer .

“We’ve had horrible heat waves and they’ve impacted my everyday life,” the high school junior said. “I’m in cross country ... I’m supposed to go outside and run every single day to get my mileage in.”

Kondragunta says in school she hasn’t learned about how climate change is intensifying these events, and she hopes that will change when she gets to college.

Increasingly, U.S. colleges are creating climate change programs to meet demand from students who want to apply their firsthand experience to what they do after high school, and help find solutions.

“Lots of centers and departments have renamed themselves or been created around these climate issues, in part because they think it will attract students and faculty,” said Kathy Jacobs, director of the University of Arizona Center for Climate Adaptation Science and Solutions. It launched a decade ago and connects several climate programs at the school in Tucson.

Lydia Conger, from left, all of Utah State University, Casey Olson, climate data analyst, Ashley Lewis and Maya Cottam stand with Kaitlyn Linford, high school student and her mother, Cherisse Linford, while being shown a wind-shielded precipitation gauge during a tour on April 1, 2024, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Other early movers that created programs, majors, minors and certificates dedicated to climate change include the University of Washington , Yale University , Utah State University , the University of Montana, Northern Vermont University and the University of California, Los Angeles . Columbia, the private university in New York City, opened its Climate School in 2020 with a graduate degree in climate and society, and has related undergraduate programs in the works.

Just in the past 4 years, the public Plymouth State University in New Hampshire , Iowa State , Nashville private university Vanderbilt , Stanford University , the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and others have started climate-related studies. Hampton University, a private, historically Black university in Virginia, is building one now , and the University of Texas at Austin will offer theirs this fall .

The fact that climate change is affecting more people is one factor. The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act , the largest climate investment in U.S. history, plus growth in climate-focused jobs, are also increasing interest, experts say.

In these programs, students learn how the atmosphere is changing as a result of burning coal, oil and gas, along with the way crops will shift with the warming planet and the role of renewable energy in cutting use of fossil fuels.

They dive into how to communicate about climate with the public, ethical and environmental justice aspects of climate solutions and the roles lawmakers and businesses play in cutting greenhouse gases.

Students also cover disaster response and ways communities can prepare and adapt before climate change worsens. The offerings require biology, chemistry, physics, and social sciences faculty, among others.

Climate Data Analyst Casey Olson, center left, of Utah State University stands with students during a tour of the climate reference station on April 1, 2024, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

“It’s not just ‘oh, yeah, climate, global warming, environmental stuff,’” said Lydia Conger, a senior who enrolled at Utah State specifically for its climate science studies.

“It has these interesting technical parts in math and physics, but then also has this element of geology,” she said, “and oceanography and ecology.”

When higher ed institutions put their programs together, they often draw on existing meteorology and atmospheric sciences studies. Some house climate under sustainability or environmental science departments. But climate tracks need to go beyond those to satisfy some incoming students.

In Kennebunk, Maine, high school junior Will Eagleson has lived through storms that caused coastal destruction. The sea level is rising in his hometown. As the 17-year-old considers college, he said to get his attention, schools must “narrow it down from environmental and Earth science as a whole, to more climate change-focused programs.”

For Lucia Everist, a senior at Edina High School in Minnesota who is frustrated at her own lack of climate education so far, schools need to go deeper on the human impact of climate change. She cited disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, Indigenous and low-income neighborhoods.

“I looked a lot into the curriculum itself,” the 18-year-old said of her college search. Everywhere she applied, “I made sure had the social aspect just as much as the science aspect.”

Climate students need to learn everything from healthcare to how to store clean solar and wind energy, said Megan Latshaw, who runs Johns Hopkins University’s master’s programs in its Environmental Health and Engineering department. The school has a graduate degree in energy policy and climate, and also offers two certificates that include the term climate change.

“It’s the flooding. It’s the heat waves. It’s the wildfires. It’s the air pollution that’s generated when we’re burning fossil fuels. It’s allergies. It’s water scarcity, and people who may have to flee where they’ve lived for their entire life,” Latshaw said. She noted the university looks into weaving climate change into its schools of public health, engineering, education, medicine, nursing and more.

Another factor may be that many colleges around the country face declining enrollment and less public funding, pushing them to market new degrees to stay relevant.

Many small, private colleges have had to shut down over the last decade with fewer students graduating from high school and more opting for career-oriented training . The same pressures are affecting large public universities systems, which have cut academic programs and faculty to close gaps in budgets.

“There is definitely some part of academia that just simply responds to consumer demand,” said John Knox, undergraduate coordinator for the University of Georgia’s Atmospheric Sciences program, who is considering whether the school should offer a climate certificate. “In the end, I’m worried more about our students succeeding than marketing something to somebody.”

This story has been corrected to reflect that Vanderbilt University is not an Ivy League school.

Associated Press news editor Michael Melia in Connecticut contributed to this story.

Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, @alexa_stjohn . Reach her at [email protected] .

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .