Students look at a meteorological map

Graduate Programs

We train scholars and professionals to make substantive contributions to society as scientists, educators and managers. Join us to pursue your M.S. or Ph.D. degree or a graduate certificate in geographic information science. You'll take courses to develop your scientific knowledge and skills and then collaborate with a faculty adviser to design, develop and execute an original research project. 

Master’s Programs

Our master’s degree programs offer thesis and non-thesis options.

Ph.D. Programs

Graduate Certificate

Training and Fieldwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do before I apply?
  • Identify one or more faculty research interests common to yours. You are encouraged to make an initial contact with them and discuss their research program and opportunities.
  • Visit the department and campus.
When is the application deadline?

Domestic Students:

  • Fall admission and assistantship consideration – Feb. 1
  • Fall admission and no interest in an assistantship – June 1
  • Spring admission and assistantship consideration – Oct. 1
  • Spring admission and no interest in an assistantship – Nov. 1

International Students:

  • Fall admission and assistantship consideration – Feb. 1
  • Fall admission and no interest in an assistantship – May 1
  • Spring admission and assistantship consideration – Oct. 1
  • Spring admission and no interest in an assistantship – Oct. 1
What is an assistantship?

Students may work in a teaching or research capacity for the department. Assistantships include a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend (student fees must still be paid) and are awarded on a competitive basis.

The department typically offers teaching assistantships and research assistantships. Occasionally other assistantship types of funding opportunities arise (administrative assistantships). These can be discussed with the graduate coordinator when they become available.

Teaching assistant positions spend 20 hours a week teaching for the department. The specific course and load depends on the student’s expertise, experience and departmental course offerings. Incoming students would typically teach multiple laboratory sections of introductory courses. 

Research assistantship positions involve working 20 hours a week with faculty on externally funded research grants. Research assistantships are selected by the funded faculty member.

How long can I be on an assistantship?
  • Teaching assistantships for M.S. students are typically funded for two years with an annual review for renewal.
  • Teaching assistantships for Ph.D. students are typically funded for four years with an annual review for renewal.
In certain instances where research assistantships are available, a student may be funded longer than the traditional time period.
When will the decision regarding acceptance be made?

After the Graduate School receives a complete application packet, the department will review the material and notify the graduate school of their decision. This happens on a continuous basis throughout the year.

When will assistantships be offered?

Fall semester: Mid-March to late April.

Most TA and RA positions begin fall semester. Occasionally a TA position become available beginning spring semester. RA positions may become available throughout the year as grant funding becomes available to specific faculty members.

What should I do once I am accepted?

Contact faculty with research interests that overlap with yours to discuss advising and thesis project possibilities. You are strongly encouraged to do this before arrival on campus so that you begin work towards degree completion as soon as you arrive on campus.

How are advisors determined?

Prior to acceptance, students make contact with potential faculty advisors to discuss common research interests. After consultation, a faculty member is asked to be the advisor and agreed upon mutually by the student and faculty member.

What courses should I take?

Each student has a custom designed plan of courses. You, your advisor and committee will determine what courses will be required based on your academic background and your research project.

Contact Us

Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment
Davis Hall, Room 312

815-753-1943 (undergraduate)
815-753-0631 (graduate)

815-753-1945 (fax)
askeae@niu.edu

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