Environmental Life Sciences, PhD
This transdisciplinary program prepares you to address global change and its consequences, from urban to remote ecosystems, using new and integrative approaches.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
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
You are trained by means of a core class taught by environmental life science faculty, additional courses that fit your 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 you 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.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 credit hours) Electives (69 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information 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.
ELS 501 Grand Challenges in Environmental Life Sciences (3)
ELS 799 Dissertation (12)
Students are required to take ELS 501 in their first semester at ASU.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Able to execute a research plan of their own design that addresses a significant scientific question about environmental life sciences.
- 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.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 11/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services 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.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer 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
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Life Sciences
|
LSA 181
sols.grad@asu.edu
480-965-1768
Admission deadlines
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
