Graduate Overview

Students in the creek with mussels.

Build the expertise to lead change.

The Department of Environment and Sustainability offers graduate programs for students who want to make a lasting difference—through research, leadership or community-driven work. Whether you're diving into field ecology or rethinking how we approach sustainability, you'll find a graduate path here that prepares you to take on the world’s most complex environmental challenges.

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Why choose UB?

  • Engaged, committed faculty who know your name and support your goals
  • Collaborative research that crosses disciplines and departments
  • Personalized mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities
  • A network that works—alumni land positions in academia, government, NGOs and private industry

Life in Buffalo

A city with energy, culture and room to grow

Buffalo offers the culture and opportunity of a major city without the cost or congestion. You get professional sports, a nationally recognized orchestra, a vibrant theater district and one of the country’s leading art museums, all in a city that is easy to navigate. Restaurants, coffee shops and local markets make it easy to settle in and feel at home.

Love the outdoors? Lake Erie, the Niagara River and nearby state parks offer hiking, skiing, skating, camping and beaches throughout the year. Winter is part of life here and so is the energy that comes with it.

Buffalo is affordable, connected and growing. Toronto is just 90 minutes away, and the region’s expanding economy means new ideas and opportunities are always within reach.

Plan your visit to UB
"Keep Buffalo a Secret" mural on a downtown Buffalo building.

Photographer: Douglas Levere

What you'll study

UB offers graduate degrees in two core areas:

Evolution, Ecology and Behavior

MS and PhD Programs
For students who want to study ecosystems, biodiversity and the science behind how organisms interact with each other—and with their environment.

Sustainability Leadership

MA and Advanced Certificate
Designed for students who want to lead across sectors—government, nonprofit, business and academia—while addressing sustainability from ecological, economic and social angles.

Graduate degree options

  • MS in EEB - Ecology Track
    5/29/25
    Deep scientific training to prepare for field research, teaching or administrative roles in both public and private sectors—or as a stepping stone to a PhD.
  • MS in EEB - Sustainability Track
    9/26/25
    A research-driven program that blends social and natural sciences to tackle today’s environmental problems from a justice-centered perspective.
  • PhD in EEB - Ecology Track
    5/29/25
    Students acquire the advanced training to produce world-class researchers and scientists for the 21 Century. They will attain expertise in their research area and teaching required to pursue a career in academia, as well as the skills and qualifications needed to work in industry, government, and non-profits.
  • PhD in EEB - Sustainability Track
    5/29/25
    This interdisciplinary track prepares you to explore how science and society intersect in advancing sustainability. Designed for those addressing complex environmental transformations and equity.
  • MA in Sustainability Leadership
    1/12/26
    This 30–31 credit program equips students with the skills to lead in a wide range of sustainability roles—from consultancy and analysis to public-sector planning.
  • Advanced Certificate in Sustainability
    8/18/25
    Already in a graduate program at UB? This certificate adds an environmental lens to your current degree. It’s perfect for students in fields like business, engineering, social science, health or public policy who want to integrate sustainability into their work.

Take the next steps

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Explore the course catalog

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