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Environmental Life Sciences, PHD

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Environmental Life Sciences

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No
This transdisciplinary program prepares you to address global change and its consequences, from urban to remote ecosystems, using new and integrative approaches.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD Environmental Life Sciences

A Doctor of Philosophy program in environmental life sciences provides doctorate-level training in different but integrated fields, with a focus on the interactions between organisms (e.g., plants, microbes, humans and other animals) and their environment (locally and globally). Dissertations can include any of the following fields, among others:

  • biochemistry and chemistry
  • biology (ecology, physiology, evolution)
  • conservation science
  • environmental engineering
  • geosciences
  • mathematics and statistics
  • social sciences
  • spatial sciences
  • sustainability

Graduate students are trained by means of a core class taught by environmental life science faculty, additional courses that fit their needs, research seminars and hands-on experiences in the lab or field, with guidance from committee members across multiple disciplines.

The program focus is on collaborative, interdisciplinary and integrative studies of the causes and consequences of environmental variation across scales ranging from molecules to organisms to the globe. The overall goal is to provide a valuable interdisciplinary doctoral program that encourages students to explore and solve complex problems in the context of environmental change.

Administered by ASU's School of Life Sciences, eight additional schools participate in this interdisciplinary program to promote broad, collaborative training.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (3 credit hours)
ELS 501 Grand Challenges in Environmental Life Sciences (3)

Electives (69 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
ELS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students are required to take ELS 501 in their first semester at ASU.

For electives, students should see the academic unit for approved coursework. Students also may take ELS omnibus courses to fulfill some of the elective requirements.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework are made up of electives and research.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related discipline from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. academic record form
  4. personal statement
  5. curriculum vitae or resume
  6. three letters of recommendation
  7. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.


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Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
November 15th
Final


Learning Outcomes

  • Able to effectively communicate environmental biology concepts in oral and written formats.
  • Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about environmental life sciences.

Career Opportunities

Environmental life scientists address ecological and environmental questions in social-ecological-technological systems, thus students often have a social science or related component in their dissertation. Graduates are prepared for a range of careers related to global environmental change, conservation and resource management, and sustainable industries among others.

Career examples include:

  • climate change analyst
  • consultant
  • environmental compliance inspector
  • environmental engineer
  • environmental safety and health coordinator
  • insect ecologist and exhibits specialist
  • oceans and climate manager
  • professor
  • public health scientist
  • research director
  • scientist

Scientist, professor, consultant and research director roles may involve specialization areas, including:

  • atmosphere and space
  • ecology (community, ecosystem, microbe, population, wildlife)
  • ecosystem restoration
  • forestry and conservation

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-1768


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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