Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program in the School of the Environment (SOE) prepares scientists to confront environmental issues which can be resolved only through innovative basic and applied research. The degree requirements are intended to ensure that all Ph.D. candidates develop independent and originality of thought and that they have in-depth knowledge in a specialized area of study and a broad knowledge base in environmental science in general. The Ph.D. program is an extension of the Master’s degree program. The program emphasizes environmental chemistry, environmental policy and risk management, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, as well as biomolecular sciences.

Completion of the requirements for the doctoral degree includes the following:

• A 3.0 cumulative grade point average must be maintained in all coursework.
• Nineteen (19) hours of core requirements
• Thirty-seven (37) hours of supporting courses which includes a minimum of 12 hrs. of concentration electives.
• Twenty-four (24) hours of Dissertation Research
• Participation in the instructional component of select graduate and undergraduate lectures and/or laboratories as assigned for a minimum of two semesters
• Successful completion of an oral and written comprehensive examination.
• Submission and oral presentation of research proposal
• At least one presentation at a scientific meeting
• Submission of at least one manuscript for publication in a refereed scientific journal and
• Submission and defense of an acceptable dissertation based on original research.

Applicants for admission should have a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a graduate degree in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics or a closely related area. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) combined score of at least 300 in the verbal and quantitative components of the general test and a “B” average in upper level (last 60 hours) B.S. degree course work are required of all applicants. Students must also submit three letters of recommendation from graduate or undergraduate professors or other persons who can attest to their potential to succeed in the program. Applicants must also meet the general admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. Foreign applicants are required to meet the above requirements in addition to obtaining a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Admission to the School of the Environment Ph.D. degree program may be subject to space and fiscal limitations.