There are many internal as well as external funding sources that can help with financing for graduate research. These include a mixture of funds to cover research costs and those to support graduate stipends. Below we provide additional information and links particularly geared toward current graduate students in the program. Prospective students may want to consider viewing links for external fellowships, such as those provided by theÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌýÌýwhich can be applied for prior to starting grad school.Ìý
To be accepted into the Environmental Studies MS or PhD programs, acceptance depends very heavily upon the recommendation of aÌýpotential faculty advisor, so prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact a potential advisor.ÌýTake a look at faculty members' research interests, websites, and publications. Email faculty whom you are interested in working with to let them know of your interest and learn more about their lab and current research. This email is a great time to ask what they are looking for in a student and start determining whether their lab is a good fit for you. In your introduction email, it is helpful to include information about what degree you are interested in pursuing and why, your own research interests, and why you are interested in working with that particular faculty member.
Departmental Funding
Awards and Grants
Fellowships and Scholarships
The Environmental Studies department offersÌýa variety of fellowships andÌýscholarships forÌýwhich our students may apply to
- B.E. Willard Fellowship: To provide a fellowship to an ENVS graduate student in field ecology.
- Butler Tuckerman Fellowship: This fellowship provides an annual award to a current ENVS graduate student with preference given to studentsÌýstudying land and water protection and conservation and restoration of the environment.
- Diana Nemergut Memorial Graduate Scholarship:ÌýThe purpose of this scholarship is to provide support for graduate students working on questions in the areas of environmental microbiology and ecological sustainability at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ.
- Grand Challenges (Low- and Middle-Income Students) Graduate Scholarship:ÌýThis is a proposed Sustainable Development Scholarship Program that will identify, fund, and train exceptional students from low and lower-middle income countries to solve big problems in development for their home countries and regions -- and the planet. This work aligns strongly with the timeline for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These scholarships will be built around demand-driven research, with a focus on developing real-world, rapidly scalable prototype solutions over the course of a 4-year PhD program, that are technically and socially feasible. It will draw on the expertise in cutting edge research done at CU and ENVS and build partnerships for long-term and lasting impact. ENVS seeks to fund scholarships awarded in a competition to students who have game-changing ideas but limited capacity for funding. We will identify the best proposals for tackling five grand challenge areas: climate change, air quality, water security, food systems, and biodiversity loss. ENVS seeks to secure funding for four-year graduate research awards (~$250K per student total, $62.5k/year), awarded to a single student every year, from the date of scholarship program commencement to the year 2030.
- Radford Byerly Award in Science and Technology Award: This award supportsÌýENVSÌýgraduate students with a demonstrated commitment to making a significant contribution to science and technology policy inÌýtheir work.
- Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Fellowship:ÌýTo provide support for CU Boulder student travel to Red Cross/Red Crescent projects.
Keep in mind that this list isn't exhaustive in any category, and that other significant funding sources exist.ÌýIt's up to you to search far and wide for the awards that might apply to you. ENVSÌýperpetually funnels grant and scholarship information to students via email, so keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming competitions and awards.Ìý
Opportunities for International Students
For international students applying to graduate school in the US, you can apply for theÌýÌýprior to starting grad school. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists, from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States. Country-specific information can be found on their website.