The Earth System Science and Policy Program is the academic component of UND's Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment. The Center also has an active research program, fully externally funded. The research is tightly integrated with the academic program.

A number of Graduate Research Assistantships are available. These offer $9000 for the 9-month academic year for Master's degree students and $16,000 for PhD students. Twelve-month assistantships are correspondingly larger. Tuition is waived for Graduate Research Assistants. The assistantships blend seamlessly with the course requirements.

To be considered for a Graduate Research Assistantship, indicate your interest in the letter that accompanies your application. The deadline for applications for GRA's is January 15 of each calendar year.