The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, a terminal degree, is intended for students with a strong background in the sciences or engineering and prepares graduates for careers in basic and applied research, education, advanced practice, and management in the field of environmental sciences and engineering. Research, and publication in peer-reviewed journals, is a major focus of a PhD education.
Success in achieving the Environmental Sciences and Engineering PhD discipline specific degree competencies is measured by the successful completion of all degree requirements including formal course work; a comprehensive written exam; a preliminary oral exam (i.e., preparation and defense of a research dissertation proposal); preparation of a dissertation; and a final oral exam (i.e., defense of the dissertation).
All PhD students present their work in the Departmental Seminar (ENVR 400). Although not a requirement, most will present their work at national and international meetings and publish in peer-reviewed literature.
Resources
- Competencies developed by ESE faculty define what students should know and be able to do upon completion of the PhD program. Competencies are met via specific courses and/or experiences as indicated in the ESE Competencies Mapping.
- To learn more about the PhD graduate student experience, check out our Doctoral Student Handbook.
- Learn more about the PhD program and application details here.
- Students can plan their coursework and track their progress to degree completion using the PhD Course Planning Worksheet.
- General Questions? Visit our FAQs for Prospective Students
