What can I do with a MS and PhD in Environmental Science?

What are some of the best Dual Degree programs (MS + PhD) in US under Material Science Program?

• I am interested in pursuing a  Dual degree(MS+Ph.D) in Material Science with focus on Nano-materials . Can you please suggest few good uni that admit students who have completed B.Tech course in India. Are there any reputed fellowships / scholarships that I can apply to? What are the important things that they look for in students who are applying for such programs? Any help with any of the above specific question would be welcome. thank you :)

• Answer:

  Nanomaterials is a very broad field. Chances are, you'd find someone working in nanomaterials at most universities that do materials research. An MS degree is something you can choose to take on your way to a PhD. If Phd is your ultimate goal (at least initially), you should simply apply to the PhD program. As far as I am aware, there are no MS+PhD dual programs. Most, but not all, scholarships in US universities are open for US citizens and permanent residents only. That said, assistantships are almost ubiquitous at Science/Engineering departments of good universities and it is likely they will not admit you as an international student if they can't support you. For this reason, it is also recommended that you avoid small universities with fledgling science/engineering departments. It would be easier to get admitted to those univs, but funding could be hard to come by. >>> Can you please suggest few good uni that admit students who have completed B.Tech course in India. The best universities, IMO, are Northwestern, MIT, and UC Santa Barbara. Now that I have the direct answer out of the way, I'd say that a highly reputed and experienced advisor at a mid-tier University can often make up for their university's ranking. You should look for research groups, not universities, per se. Naturally, a lot of good research groups also belong to good universities. >>>What are the important things that they look for in students who are applying for such programs? Academic performance, previous research experience, and recommendations. Hmm, this could be potentially unhelpful, but they would like you if besides having good academic credentials, you know the game. That is: You specifically know what kind of research you want to do; preferably, something beyond buzzwords and nano-bio jargon. You are aware of expectations in academia: publishing, funding, collaborations,  etc. They see people they know endorsing your name Notably, personal statements such as "I always wanted to be a materials scientist" are red flags that indicate insufficient research exposure and lack of substance and/or thought in the application. Avoid those.