ESE
Ecological Sciences and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
At Purdue University, the Ecological Sciences and Engineering (ESE) Interdisciplinary Graduate Program offers a collaborative, cross-disciplinary experience that prepares students to tackle complex environmental challenges through research and sustainable solutions. ESE students explore pressing global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management, gaining the skills to become practitioners (MS) or researchers and educators (PhD). Students apply or join ESE through a partnering academic department, fulfilling both ESE and departmental degree requirements. With a flexible curriculum built around five interdisciplinary theme areas, students can tailor their plan of study to match their research interests, and applicants are encouraged to connect early with ESE faculty to identify potential advisors and departments.
“The ESE Interdisciplinary Program allows students to develop a multidisciplinary perspective through diverse coursework and in-depth conversations with peers in other departments. As a student in this program, I have been able to learn from the unique perspectives of my ESE colleagues and pursue interdisciplinary collaborations giving me the chance to deep dive into real-world problems and provide unique, realistic solutions.”
PhD Student Ecological Sciences and Engineering with Agronomy

Please review the below sections to better understand admissions process and requirements.
The ESE Interdisciplinary Graduate Program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, including the natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. To learn more, join our prospective student list by filling out the OGSPS request for information form and selecting “Ecological Sciences & Engineering – Interdisciplinary” as your program of interest.
The priority deadline to be considered for financial support is November 15. The final application deadline is February 1. The ESE Interdisciplinary Graduate Program typically admits students for a fall semester start. Exceptions for spring or summer admission are rare and considered on a case-by-case basis. If you wish to request an exception, please email ese@purdue.edu.
Priority consideration for fellowship and assistantship funding is given to applicants who submit a completed application before the November 15 priority date. Support options include assistantships, fellowships, grants, scholarships, and financial aid. Students pursuing non-thesis masters are responsible for their own tuition and fees.
Graduate students admitted to the ESE program may be eligible for financial support through fellowships, teaching assistantships from their home department, or research assistantships funded by their major professor’s grants. Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit and may be offered through OGSPS or directly by faculty based on your application. Assistantships are highly competitive. After admission, the faculty may contact you directly regarding available positions. External fellowships are also encouraged, and students should seek out and apply for any opportunities for which they are eligible.
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we minimize printed materials and mailings. We’re happy to connect with you via email, phone, and the resources available on our website.
The ESE Symposium is an annual event open to the entire Purdue University, the Greater Lafayette community, and beyond. We invite students, faculty, staff, and the public to join us in celebrating community, collaboration, and action.
The priority deadline to be considered for financial support is November 15. The final application deadline is February 1. The ESE Interdisciplinary Graduate Program typically admits students for a fall semester start. Exceptions for spring or summer admission are rare and considered on a case-by-case basis. If you wish to request an exception, please email ese@purdue.edu.
The Ecological Sciences and Engineering Graduate Student Organization (ESE GSO) brings students together for professional development, community outreach, and social connection. Meet the officers leading these efforts.
Each ESE student partners with one of these degree-granting departments at Purdue to complete their graduate studies. Use the links below to learn more about each department’s connection to the ESE program.