Environmental Dynamics

Environmental Dynamics (ENDY) is an interdisciplinary graduate program studying the complex interactions between humans and the environment. The ENDY program offers master’s and doctoral programs that appeal to students across a variety of disciplines including anthropology, geology, geosciences, engineering, architecture, biological sciences, agriculture and more.
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Three Degree Options: Choose Your Path

Master's Degree Doctoral Degree MicroCertificates (in Environmental Resiliency)
Program Format: In Person Program Format: In Person Program Format: Online

Program Credit Hours: 30 credit hours*

*30 hours includes 6 thesis hours.
Without a thesis, students must take 36 hours.

 Program Credit Hours: 72 credit hours*
*54 hours coursework and 18 hours dissertation research or
24 hours coursework and 18 hours dissertation research with
a Master’s from an accredited program.		 Program Credit Hours: 9 credit hours

Enrollment Requirements

All potential Environmental Dynamics students must apply to the Graduate School and International Education for admission and meet all Graduate School requirements. The ENDY program may also require additional information to determine the appropriateness and suitability of applicants for advanced study and research leading to the Master or Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Dynamics.

  • diploma
    Bachelor's or Master's Degree in an environmental field such as anthropology, geography, geology, biological science.
  • graduation cap
    3.2 GPA or higher
  • language

    English Language Proficiency

    For non-native English speakers: a sufficient score on university accepted language exam.

All applicants have equal opportunity for placement and funding within the Environmental Dynamics program, and admission into the program is determined by committee evaluation.

 

Application Checklist

  • Graduate School Application 
    If you are applying for financial support, submit a Graduate School Assistantship form as well.
  • Official Transcripts
    For non-University of Arkansas students.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
    From professional or academic references. 
  • One Example of Technical Writing 
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
    While the GRE is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended, especially for students seeking funding. Please note – applicants with GRE verbal + quantitative scores of less than 300 are rarely funded.
  • Other Supporting Documentation
    Any other relevant information that would assist the Admissions Committee in selecting applicants.

Notable Deadlines

Admission and Funding of Fall Applications: Dec. 15

Consideration for Teaching Assistantship:Materials must arrive by Dec. 15

Qualifying MEST Support Candidates:Submit ENDY application prior to Dec. 15

 

 

Cost and Funding Resources

Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship (DDF) Doctoral Academy Fellowships (DAF) Graduate Assistantships

Program of Study

All master’s and doctoral students in the Environmental Dynamics program will take four core courses. While the environmental resiliency microcertificates are offered as part of the Environmental Dynamics program, the required courses vary. Visit Global Campus for more information. 

Overview of Earth Systems: Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere, Cryosphere, and human interaction across Earth systems. Emphasis on understanding of processes within Earth systems and interactions across Earth Systems as they pertain to global self-regulation, secular variation, climate stability, development and sustainability of human societies. 
Examines the interacting natural and anthropogenic factors involved in global change, concentrating on climate variability and change.

 

An interdisciplinary study of the Quaternary Period including dating methods, deposits soils, climates, tectonics and human adaptations. 
This course examines the complex interrelationships between human societies and the natural environment. Drawing on diverse and interdisciplinary perspectives in archaeology, ethnography, history, geography, and palaeo-environmental studies, readings and discussion will explore the co-production of social and environmental systems over time. 

 

Additionally, students are required to take three semesters of ENDY 6991: Colloquium—which does not count towards the required 24 hours of coursework. In consultation with a student’s advisory committee, they will select another 12 hours of coursework to fit their individual needs.

An additional 18 hours of dissertation research beyond the 24 hours of coursework are also required. Dissertations in the ENDY program are based on original, innovative ideas and are expected to contribute significantly to knowledge of human interactions within the environment.

Students entering with a bachelor’s degree are required to take an additional 30 credit hours decided on in direct consultation with their committee.

Student wishing to terminate with a Master’s degree are required to take a total of 30 credit hours including the 12 hours of required core classes and one colloquium (which does not count toward the 30 hour).

For more information on policies and procedures of the ENDY program, view the ENDY Handbook.

Harrison Smith in the field

Our Program Handbook 

The Environmental Dynamics interdisciplinary program spans multiple disciplines across campus. The program’s nationally recognized research efforts rely primarily on field research in the areas of natural and social impacts of climate, impacts of rapid economic development on environmental quality, landscape evolution and degradation, natural hazards, watershed sciences, soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Our handbook provides information relating to program specific policies and procedures that will both act as an overview for prospective students and used as a guide for current students during their time in the Environmental Dynamics program.

View the Handbook

Find Program Faculty Program Research Related Programs
Windmills in a field

Graduate Microcertificate in Environmental Resiliency

This microcertificate is the first step to understanding resiliency. Students who complete the certificate will understand the foundational theories and frameworks of the following types of resilience and understand which theoretical positions to use to access methods for case study application – Ecological Resilience, Socially Catalyzed Resilience and Socio-Ecological Resilience.

Learn More
Read Success Story
Environmental Dynamics student Jessie Abrego Bonilla

The hands-on research opportunities, mentorship from dedicated faculty and a global perspective have prepared me to tackle complex climate challenges. The Environmental Dynamics Program has equipped me with the skills and confidence to advance my academic goals and make a real impact on climate resiliency in Panama and around the world. The U of A has not only shaped my academic journey but also ignited my commitment to global environmental stewardship.


– Jessie Abrego Bonilla, ENDY Student

View More Students and Alumni Read Jessie's Feature

Program News

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Our Program Staff

Peter UngarDr. Peter S. Ungar

Director of Environmental Dynamics

Cay MathisCay Mathis

Assistant Director of Environmental Dynamics

Contact Environmental Dynamics

Physical Address:
336 MAIN

Mailing Address:
340 N. Campus Drive
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Tel: 1-479-575-2508 Fax: 1-479-575-3469