Earth and Environmental Sciences at Rensselaer

In recent decades, the Earth Sciences have undergone major changes, stimulated in part by the reinterpretation of Earth history and improved understanding of the processes that modulate modern and ancient environments.  The past 15 years have been especially exciting, as the interconnectedness among all Earth systems — air, water, solid Earth, and the biosphere — has come into sharper focus. Cognizant of these changes (and leading some of them), Rensselaer's Earth and Environmental Sciences faculty provide instruction in modern Earth Sciences that is both far-reaching and relevant, addressing key topics ranging from environmental contaminants in local waterways, Earth's long-term climate history, to the conditions on ancient Earth that gave rise to life.

 

Announcement: The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department is seeking graduate student applications. We have a rich geology, environmental science, and astrobiology program, as well as data science and geoinformatics. Applications submitted after the RPI deadline will still be considered - Follow this link to apply:  https://admissions.rpi.edu/graduate/masters-and-phd-applicants

  • Program Spotlight

    Ph.D. in Geology

    Conduct independent geoscience research with accomplished faculty to unveil exciting new findings in Earth Science.

  • Program Spotlight

    M.S. in Geology

    Learn analytical problem-solving skills using cutting-edge research approaches and technologies.

  • Program Spotlight

    B.S. in Environmental Science

    Use an interdisciplinary approach to address environmental challenges in a changing world.

  • Program Spotlight

    B.S. in Geology

    Learn about the interconnectedness and changing of Earth systems through time using state-of-the-art techniques.

  • Program Spotlight

    B.S. in Hydrogeology

    Understand the natural and human-designed interplay between water, soil, and rocks at the Earth’s surface.

Announcements

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department is seeking graduate student applications. We have a rich geology, environmental science, and astrobiology program, as well as data science and geoinformatics. Applications submitted after the RPI deadline will still be considered - Follow this link to apply:  https://admissions.rpi.edu/graduate/masters-and-phd-applicants

News

Today, it was announced that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will become the first university in the world to house an IBM Quantum System One. The IBM quantum computer, intended to be operational by January of 2024, will serve as the foundation of a new IBM Quantum Computational Center in partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). By partnering, RPI’s vision is to greatly enhance the educational experiences and research capabilities of students and researchers at RPI and other institutions, propel the Capital Region into a top location for talent, and accelerate New York's growth as a technology epicenter.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Martin A. Schmidt ’81 presided over the 217th Commencement Ceremony, his first as president. During the ceremony, which was held at the East Campus Athletic Village, Rensselaer awarded a total of 1,988 degrees — 152 doctoral degrees, 390 master’s degrees, and 1,446 bachelor’s degrees — to 1,957 students, some of whom earned multiple degrees. Approximately 1,500 students attended the ceremony.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on May 20, 2023, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will award a total of 1,988 degrees — 152 doctoral degrees, 390 master’s degrees, and 1,446 bachelor’s degrees — to 1,957 students, some of whom have earned multiple degrees. Approximately 1,500 students will attend the ceremony.

Contact Information

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Jonsson-Rowland Science Center, 1W19
110 8th Street
Troy, NY 12180