Environmental Sciences — Admission Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication.

The graduate admissions committees for all programs and tracks recommend admissions on the basis of the completed application, official transcripts, Graduate Record Examination scores (aptitude tests only), and letters of recommendation. It is strongly recommended that applicants required to take the TOEFL exam attain scores of at least 600.

A BS or BA degree is required for admission, with a major in the natural, physical, or social sciences, or in mathematics. Candidates who have completed a master’s degree are particularly welcome in the doctoral program.

Completion of at least one year each of college level mathematics (including calculus), biology, chemistry, physics and social sciences will generally be considered as minimum prerequisites for admission to study at the master’s or doctoral level. Applicants should consult with prospective advisors, as there may be additional prerequisites for specific specialty areas. Students are also advised to review the subject matter of the prerequisite courses before they begin the program.

At the discretion of the graduate admissions committee, and depending on the area of concentration an applicant chooses, academic deficiencies at the undergraduate level may need to be remedied before the applicant is admitted to either the master’s or the doctoral program. After admission, the student’s advisory or dissertation committee may also require that academic deficiencies be remedied. The stated interest of a prospective student must coincide to an acceptable degree with the faculty specialties represented within the program. Generally, prospective students should identify potential faculty advisors in their application.

To assure applicants of full and timely consideration, completed applications should normally be received by January 21 for the fall semester and by October 15 for the spring semester; however, applications received after those dates may be considered. Notification of admission is made as soon as possible. In general, students who have been admitted will be notified of assistantship awards shortly thereafter.