This is a research-oriented degree intended for full-time students.
Although courses may be taken on a part-time basis, a minimum of one
year of full-time residency normally is required for completion of the
doctoral dissertation.
Admission and Degree Requirements for Students Entering with a Master`s Degree
A master's degree in geology, chemistry, biology, chemical engineering,
environmental engineering, environmental science, or related fields
usually is required. In some cases, highly qualified students with
bachelor`s degrees in these fields may be accepted directly into the
doctoral program.
A minimum master's GPA of 3.5, or the
equivalent, typically is required for admission, and applicants must
submit their GRE scores. International students must achieve a minimum
TOEFL score of 550.
Specific degree requirements and
dissertation topics are approved by the department on an individual
basis. Among the requirements, students must:
1. maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0;
2. take a minimum of 36 credits of EvSc 790 or 26:375: 790 Doctoral Dissertation;
3. register every term for either EvSc 600 or 26:375: 600
Environmental Science Seminar. If a student should complete the
required 36 credits of EvSc 790 or 26:375:790 before the final
dissertation document is accepted, he or she must register for a
minimum of 3 credits of EvSc 790 or 26:375:790 for each term until the
dissertation has been submitted and accepted;
4. have
completed at least 24 credits of course work beyond the master`s
degree. Of that total, at least 12 credits must be in 700-level courses
that were chosen in consultation with the graduate adviser. No more
than 6 credits may be in EvSc 725, 726 or 26:375:725, 726 Independent
Study.
Admission and Degree Requirements for Students Entering with a Bachelor's Degree
Exceptional students with appropriate undergraduate degrees may apply
directly for admission to the doctoral program. Applicants are
evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Typically, a minimum undergraduate
GPA of 3.5, or the equivalent, is required for admission, and these
students must submit their GRE scores. Inter-national students must
achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or 213 on the computer test.
Once admitted to the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of
3.0 in the required courses (EvSc 610, 612, 616; EM 631; and see
program adviser for the other fifth course), and a minimum overall GPA
of 3.0.
Required Courses (51 credits)
EM 631 Legal Aspects in Environmental Engineering or 26:380:576 Environmental Geology
EvSc 610 Environmental Chemical Science
EvSc 612 Environmental Analysis
EvSc 616 Toxicology for Engineers and Scientists
See program adviser (for the fifth course)
In addition, students are required to take a minimum of 36 credits of
EvSc 790 or 26:375:790 Doctoral Dissertation and to register every term
for EvSc 600 or 26:375:600 Environmental Science Seminar. Should a
student complete the 36 credits of EvSc 790 or 26:375:790 before
submitting his or her final dissertation document, this student must
register each term for a minimum of 3 credits of EvSc 790 or 26:375:790
until the document has been submitted and accepted.
Electives (27 credits)
Twelve credits from 700-level courses are chosen in consultation with
the graduate adviser. Doctoral tracks in geological sciences and
biological sciences are available. No more than 6 credits may be taken
in EvSc 725, 726 or 26:375:725, 726 Independent Study. The remaining 15
credits of electives may be chosen from any 600- to 700-level courses,
including courses that are outside the department.
All Doctoral Students
Qualifying Examination. Within
three terms of their admission to the program, doctoral students must
take a qualifying examina- tion, and they must pass this examination
within two years after their admission. A student is allowed only two
attempts to pass this examination.
Formation of Dissertation Committee. Within
three months of passing the qualifying examination, doctoral students
must form a dissertation committee that meets the approval of the
graduate adviser (not the dissertation adviser) in environmental
science. As a minimum, the committee must consist of the doctoral
student`s dissertation adviser, three additional faculty members from
the program, and one outside adviser. The outside adviser should not be
part of the program or a member of the departments of chemical
engineering, chemistry, or environmental science.
Research Proposal. Within
six months of forming the dissertation committee, each doctoral student
must make a formal oral presentation on the scope of his or her
proposed research to members of this committee and to other interested
persons. Within three months of this presentation, the committee
members must approve formally the dissertation proposal. This time
frame ensures that students meet the doctoral requirement of having an
approved dissertation committee formed and a dissertation proposal
approved within one year of passing the qualifying examination.
Dissertation Defense. After
submitting the final document to the dissertation committee, students
are required to make an oral defense of their dissertations. To receive
final approval, students must obtain signatures from all members of the
dissertation committee. Any student who is unable to complete the
requirements for the Ph.D. degree may become a candidate for the master
of science in environmental science once he or she meets the
requirements for that degree.
