Introduction
The Nicholas School of the Environment provides educational opportunities for students at the doctoral level (PhD), graduate professional level (Master of Environmental Management and Master of Forestry), and undergraduate level. The school also offers undergraduate and graduate courses at the Duke Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, and a continuing education program (Duke Environmental Leadership program) including a master’s program for mid-career professionals and certificate and short courses. Click on the links above for more information.
Doctoral Degrees
The traditional PhD, which is offered through
the Duke Graduate School, provides the opportunity
for students to pursue in-depth interest in
a more narrowly focused field in preparation
for a career in teaching and/or research.
Doctoral students work with faculty in each
of the Nicholas School's three divisions: Earth
and Ocean Sciences, Environmental
Sciences and Policy and Marine
Science and Conservation. Deadline
for application is Dec. 15.
Professional Masters Degrees
Most students entering the Nicholas School seek
graduate professional degrees, preparing for careers
as expert environmental problem-solvers after
two years of study. The Master of Environmental
Management (MEM) degree trains students
to understand the scientific basis of environmental
problems, as well as the social, political and
economic factors that determine effective policy
options for their solution. The Master
of Forestry (MF) degree develops experts
in sustainable management of forested ecosystems.
The deadline for MEM and MF applications is February
1.
Students can also earn an MEM degree online through the Duke Environmental Leadership Program. Deadline for application is March 1.
Undergraduate Degrees
The Nicholas School cooperates with Trinity College
of Arts and Sciences in awarding four undergraduate
degrees: AB and BS in Environmental Sciences,
and the AB and BS in Earth and Ocean Sciences.
Courses for the majors are taught by more than
60 Duke professors in 20 cooperating departments
and schools. Undergraduate directors and advisory
committees representing the various areas and
cooperating departments administer the degrees.
Duke Marine Laboratory Academic Programs
The Duke University Marine Laboratory offers
two full semester programs and two five-week
summer sessions for undergraduate and graduate
professional and research students. Summer sessions
are also open to post-docs.
The Duke Environmental Leadership Program (DEL)
The DEL Program includes a portfolio of online and traditional course options driven by a
broad perspective of interdisciplinary themes, strategic approaches to environmental management,
communication and effective leadership. Students may enroll in individual courses, 10-credit
certificate programs or the 30-credit DEL-Master of Environmental Management degree program
for mid-career professionals.
Course Offerings
The Nicholas School offers a wide array of courses for its students in Durham and at the Marine
Lab. Please follow this link to access an index of courses.
