Degree Overview

  • Delivery Format: on-campus
  • Required Credits: 12-36

Program Details

The Ph.D. in Environmental Science is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and research experience to enter the workforce or academia. Environmental Science involves diverse areas that include chemistry, biological sciences, ecology as well as studies specific to air/water pollution and hazardous wastes. While we expect graduates of the program to possess diverse skills that meet their career interests, we expect that they will exhibit or engage in the following:

  • Academic Excellence: Advanced understanding of chemistry and biology, as well as environmental regulations and other scientific issues related to the environment.
  • Excellence in Research: The doctoral dissertation requires extensive work leading to publications. Ph.D. candidates will aspire to be at the forefront of an evolving field to solve problems that are highly relevant in present and future political environments.
  • Professional Skills: The students develop professional skills by taking courses where the stress is on real-world environmental problems.

What You Will Learn:

Students in the Environmental Science Ph.D. program learn a wide range of topics that relate to the environmental sciences, such as environmental chemistry environmental analysis, environmental law, environmental microbiology, environmental toxicology and more. Alongside advanced theoretical and academic work, students develop research and analytical skills needed to be successful leaders in their chosen focus within the environmental science field.

Overall, we aim for our Ph.D. students in Environmental Science to gain a wide range of skills and knowledge, including the following learning outcomes:

  • Advanced research leading to publications.

  • Learn about natural processes and pollutants.

  • Learn about environmental regulations and laws.

  • Develop an understanding of global environmental issues including energy utilization and its connection to the environment.

  • An ability to identify and utilize evidence-based resources and information.

  • An ability to think critically and creatively about the environmental issues.

  • Demonstrate problem-solving ability as an individual and as part of a team by using observation, experimentation and environmental regulations.

  • Show ability in scientific research and writing using laboratory experiments related to environmental pollution issues and hazardous waste issues. Students should understand issues related toxicity.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how scientific information obtained through the laboratory and computational data are used in research, and to maintain the environmental health of our society in terms of contamination in air, water and soil.

  • Analyze effectively and accurately and use technical skills and equipment to quantify environmental phenomena, as well as use quantitative methods to describe these issues.

  • Understanding of chemical, biological and microbiological process in the environment.

Admissions & curriculum

Explore this area of study

Environmental Science Salaries

$48,963

Starting Salary, NJIT Average

$60,039

Mid-Career Salary, National Average

Environmental Protection Specialist was the 79th highest federal employment category.

Career Prospects

Where do Environmental Science majors work?

Common Job Titles
  • Manager
  • Claims Examiner
  • Scientist III
  • Research Scientist
  • Environmental Protection Specialist
Top Employers
  • Curly's Ice Cream
  • NJ Transit
  • Special Funds Conservation
  • Mott MacDonald
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
What our students are saying
  • John  Antley
    The Chemistry and Environmental Science department has dutifully prepared me for a career in industry."
    John Antley
  • Yue  Zhang
    I have learned a lot from the Chemistry and Environmental Science Department professors, especially my thesis advisor, Mengyan Li."
    Yue Zhang
  • Hilsson Angeles
    NJIT was my dream school."
    Hilsson Angeles

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