That tackles complex coastal environmental challenges
Interdisciplinary, high-impact research
What is it like to conduct research that changes lives? When pursuing a graduate programme at Louisiana State University’s College of the Coast and Environment (CC&E), it means working alongside internationally recognised faculty members. Being stationed along the Mississippi River and Louisiana's rapidly changing deltaic coast. Getting unparalleled access to one of the world's most dynamic environments. Gaining firsthand experience with coastal land loss, hurricanes, flooding, climate change, fisheries, ecosystem restoration, and more.
For nearly a century, researchers here have observed, studied, and sought solutions to these challenges — and today, you can follow in their footsteps. CC&E graduate degrees in Oceanography & Coastal Sciences and Environmental Sciences will guide you in building a deeper understanding of the natural world, allowing you to make an impact on communities on coasts and deltas across the globe.
“Our graduate students come to LSU from around the world because they want more than a degree; they want the opportunity to tackle real environmental challenges alongside internationally recognised faculty. At the LSU College of the Coast & Environment, students gain hands-on research experience, build global professional networks, and graduate prepared to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.”
Dr. Rebeca de Jesús Crespo, Associate Professor, LSU Department of Environmental Sciences.
of recent master's and doctoral graduates secured employment or continued education within six months of graduation
100%
100%
of recent master's and doctoral graduates secured employment or continued education within six months of graduation
90%+
Oceanography & Coastal Sciences alumni employed in science, research, environmental, or academic careers
44%
of CC&E’s graduate student body are international students
40%
of CC&E’s faculty come from outside the US
US$14.7
million in research awards
LSU's
most research-intensive college (research funding per faculty member)
CC&E’s graduate programs at a glance
Pursue cutting-edge research that launches careers
Every day, faculty, students, and staff work in state-of-the-art facilities and on-site to address today’s most pressing coastal and environmental issues, whether that’s navigating ocean hazards or developing effective science-backed policy. It’s not just about academics — it’s preparation for career impact.
It starts from the very first semester. Graduate students collaborate with globally renowned faculty on fully funded projects, backed by organisations such as NASA, the US Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. They participate in paid research experiences through assistantships or fellowships, elevating their name and careers through published work and developing in-demand skills in artificial intelligence, remote sensing, field instrumentation, and more.
Take the road to professional development
According to a survey of CC&E’s recent master’s and doctoral graduates, 100% of respondents secured employment or further education within six months of graduation. That is, in no small part, due to the college’s emphasis on professional development and building strong networks.
Long before graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists from government agencies, industry, and universities around the world. You’ll publish with your faculty mentors and present their research at conferences on the state, national, and international levels.
Over at LSU's Olinde Career Centre, there are more resources that you can access: career coaching, résumé and CV reviews, mock interviews, employer networking events, as well as thousands of career opportunities.
“Our graduates launch careers as professors, research scientists, environmental consultants, engineers, geologists, program managers, and conservation leaders. They work at universities, government agencies, private industry, and nonprofit organisations, applying their expertise to protect the environment, strengthen coastal resilience, and address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.”
Dr. Stephen Midway, Professor, LSU Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences.
“As awareness of environmental challenges continues to grow, careers in renewable energy, waste management, geomatics, sustainable planning, and biodiversity are becoming increasingly vital. At EUC, we are committed to preparing students for impactful careers that drive sustainability and positive change.”
Alice J. Hovorka, Dean & Professor of the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
Hear from the students
As a student from Indonesia, a nation that faces many coastal challenges, Muhammad Farid Geonova’s research focuses on coastal and ocean modelling. The goal? To make forecasting more accurate and increase his home country’s resilience to natural disasters. He’s a member of LSU’s Coupled Ocean Modelling Group, where he’s researching Hurricane Francine and advancing numerical modelling tools.
“LSU CC&E has given me the unique opportunity to study in Louisiana’s coastal and deltaic environment, which shares many similarities with Indonesia. Through my research, coursework, conferences, and fieldwork, I have gained stronger technical skills in coastal oceanography, numerical modelling, data analysis, and scientific communication.”
Muhammad Farid Geonova
IBM and Columbia University are partnering to make data centres more energy-efficient, as these facilities consume around 2% of U.S. energy supplies according to the Department of Energy. They are modelling AI's energy use, designing low-power chips, reducing software inefficiencies, and optimising system operations to address this issue.
V. Faye McNeill, professor of chemical engineering, is working with partners across the Global South to expand air quality monitoring in India, generate new air pollution data in Africa, and build local capacity in air quality science. The team’s success has led to informed policy decisions and improved air management across various regions.
A campus designed for impact
My long-term goal is to become a subject matter expert in supply chain, which is the backbone of the industry. I found BGSU's Logistics Systems Engineering program is a combination of engineering and management, which helps me to enhance my knowledge and skills. I joined BGSU in January 2022 and got the opportunity to work as a Graduate Assistant on an industrial project under the guidance of Dr. Sarder.
Swati Arora, India
MS in Logistics Systems Engineering
Hear from the students
Israt J. Tama
Israt J. Tama’s research uses mapping technology and green infrastructure to study how different communities experience and recover from flooding.
“Coming to CC&E felt like finding a place where I belonged. The research connects directly to the flooding and climate challenges my home country of Bangladesh faces, allowing me to study solutions that can make a difference in both Louisiana and back home. The supportive faculty, collaborative environment, and opportunities to share my research have helped me grow with confidence. As an international student, I never felt alone.”
An enriching education awaits at
Louisiana State University, College of Coast & Environment