Program Overview

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Environmental Science and Public Policy, PhD

Overview

Our graduates contribute to the solution of complex environmental problems, which require the development of knowledge and skills in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data, as well as in the integration of scientific understanding into the public policy process.

Admissions

Eligibility

• Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.00 from an institution of higher education accredited by a Mason-recognized U.S. institutional accrediting agency or international equivalent.
• Applicants should have taken at least two semesters of chemistry and three semesters of biology, including a course in ecology.
• It is advantageous for applicants to have an advanced degree (e.g., MA, MS, veterinary, or law) in a relevant field.

Science Background

• Biology and Chemistry Background: Applicants who lack college-level coursework in biology and chemistry (two semesters of each) should complete a two-semester sequence of introductory graduate-level environmental chemistry and biology courses.
  • EVPP 506: Science of the Environment I (3 credits)
  • EVPP 507: Science of the Environment II (3 credits)
• Ecology Background: Students without previous coursework in general ecology will be required to take the following introductory graduate course, which may be included in the graduate program of study.
  • EVPP 607: Fundamentals of Ecology (3 credits)

Application Requirements

• Three letters of recommendation with at least two from individuals with doctorates.
• Substantial statement of interest that includes a description of the specific area of proposed dissertation research, the potential focus (environmental science or environmental public policy), contacts that have been made with potential faculty advisors, and an explanation of career and research goals.
• Prospective Advisor Form completed by a faculty member who has similar research interests to yours and will mentor you during your degree program.

Policies

• For policies governing all graduate programs, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
• Transferring Previous Graduate Credit into this Program: Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this program.

Degree Requirements

• Total credits: 72
• This is a Green Leaf program.

Doctoral Core

• Select at least one course from each of the following categories:
  • Natural Science (3 credits)
    • EVPP 518: Conservation Biology
    • EVPP 527: Conservation Medicine
    • EVPP 550: Waterscape Ecology and Management
    • EVPP 581: Estuarine and Coastal Ecology
  • Policy and Social Science (3 credits)
    • EVPP 530: Evidence-Based Environmental Policymaking
    • EVPP 534: Food-Energy-Water Nexus
    • EVPP 675: Environmental Planning and Administration
  • Methods (3 credits)
    • EVPP 585: Quantitative Data Analysis for Environmental Scientists
    • EVPP 630: Research Design for Environmental Social Scientists
    • EVPP 651: Multivariate Data Analysis for Ecology and Environmental Science
  • Transdisciplinarity and Professionalization (3 credits)
    • EVPP 505: Selected Topics in Environmental Science (when the topic is "Career Development for Environmental Scientists")
  • Doctoral Seminar (4 credits)
    • EVPP 692: Master's Seminar in Environmental Science and Public Policy
    • EVPP 991: Advanced Seminar in Environmental Science (taken at least once)

Natural Sciences

• Select at least 9 additional credits in biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, geography, or environmental engineering.

Public Policy

• Select at least 9 additional credits in public affairs, economics, sociology, and/or business.

Research Methods and Technology

• Select at least 3 additional credits in statistics, remote sensing, geographic information systems, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, modeling, or information technology.

Program of Study Emphasis

• Students select a Program of Study Emphasis within one of two areas of focus:
  • Environmental Science: Select 12 credits in natural science coursework.
  • Environmental Public Policy: Select 12 credits of public policy coursework.

Electives

• If necessary, students select elective courses in order to reach a total of 72 credits.

Dissertation Committee

• Before the end of the fourth semester of coursework, in consultation with their advisor, the student forms a dissertation committee of at least four members.

Program of Study

• After reviewing the student's coursework proposal, progress to date, and area of research, the committee makes final recommendations concerning coursework that will be codified in the program of study to be signed by all committee members and the graduate program director.

Qualifying Exams

• On completion of all or nearly all coursework, students may request to take the qualifying or candidacy exam.

Advancement to Candidacy

• Upon approval of the program of study, completion of all or nearly all coursework, successful completion of the qualifying exam, and the approval of the dissertation proposal by the dissertation committee, the student is recommended for advancement to candidacy by the graduate program director.

Dissertation Research, Dissertation Defense, and Graduation

• Students must complete a dissertation.
• The dissertation is an original written work, demonstrating mastery of subject matter, methodologies, and conceptual foundations on a specific problem in the general field of environmental science and public policy.
• Dissertation completion may be accomplished by taking EVPP 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research alone, or in combination with EVPP 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal.