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Frequently Asked Questions


We are offering an application fee waiver this year. The Laney Graduate School (LGS) will waive the $75 fee for all applicants. When the applicant submits their application, they will bypass the payment screen altogether. 

Applicants are encouraged to explore our faculty and contact faculty directly who may be a research match. When communicating with prospective faculty mentors, please include relevant research and a copy of your CV. Students may indicate interest in up to three faculty members on the application. Faculty research compatibility will be important for consideration. 

General expectations would be completion in 4 or 5 years. The likelihood of an accelerated path is uncertain at this time, but we are actively exploring all possibilities to provide the best guidance for our students.

In instances where English is not the first language and the primary language of instruction is other than English, TOEFL or IELTS scores are required. To submit TOEFL scores, our institution code is 5187 (no department code is needed).  If the student’s language of instruction is in English, the TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required.  

It is better to wait and submit your TOEFL or IELTS score along with the other application materials before the application deadline. We will not review applications prior to the closing date.

The program typically requires a score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT or iBT Home Edition), a rating of C1 on the TOEFL ITP, and an overall band score of 7.5 on the IELTS is expected, though these scores are not used as cutoffs. 

For students in mainland China, the TOEFL ITP Plus is offered. Scores which match the C1 level of CEFR (generally scores ranging from 63-68 on each of the sections – Listening, Reading, Structure and Written Expression) are acceptable. 

The highest total score of a single sitting will be used if the student has taken an exam more than once. Students may also take the optional writing section of the SAT or ACT exam to demonstrate English proficiency. 

We do not consider GRE scores in the admissions process. Please do not submit, they will not be reviewed.

Yes, all non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an official translation document, i.e. WES 

The Emory University Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) PhD Program is designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) based program, with a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code of 03.0104 (Environmental Science). This designation emphasizes the program's commitment to scientific and technical methodologies while qualifying graduates for the STEM OPT extension, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. after graduation. Through rigorous coursework and innovative research, students are equipped with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the fields of environmental sciences.

There is no minimum GPA requirement for consideration. Success in relevant coursework is important, but evaluation is holistic and based on an applicant’s research intentions. 

Institutional addresses are strongly preferred. However, we understand that university faculty may have retired or moved. Applicants should use the best email addresses for their recommenders, and include a note in their application as to why a personal email address is being used.

No, we do not have formal rotations as other programs do. However, students may have opportunities to collaborate with various faculty members and engage in different research projects throughout their studies. I encourage you to discuss this with potential supervisors to understand how flexibility and collaboration might be integrated into their research groups. 

No, the program is in person, and all admitted students will be expected to be in residency for the duration of their degree (with the exception of fieldwork, if required, and holidays). 

No, the program is full-time, and all admitted students will be expected to carry a full-time load, including summer research and experience enrollments.

No, all interested applicants, irrespective of age, are encouraged to apply.

No, all interested applicants, irrespective of nationality, are encouraged to apply. Non-US citizens and permanent residents will be required to apply for a visa to study in the US. You can find additional information on Obtaining a Visa and Understanding your U.S. tax responsibilities at https://gs.emory.edu/new_students/international.html

No, but all applicants must have a bachelor's degree in hand prior to matriculation.

No, students who successfully complete all the requirements of the program will receive a PhD.

All interested applicants are encouraged to apply. However, those who already have a PhD are unlikely to be prioritized for funding.

All admitted students will be funded by the Laney Graduate School for four years. This includes tuition and a competitive stipend.

The PhD stipend is intended to support graduate students so that they may devote themselves to full-time study in their programs.

All new and continuing degree-seeking Emory University students must have health insurance. Under this requirement, students must purchase the Emory University Student Health Insurance Plan (EUSHIP) or opt out by providing enrollment documentation in a comparable United States-based plan. In addition, new students wishing to waive enrollment in the EUSHIP must complete the annual waiver process. For more information, please go to LGS Student Handbook .

An applicant may submit PDFs of substantive publications such as an academic journal article, a technical report, a chapter of a Bachelor's or Master’s thesis, or any piece of academic writing up to 8,000 words in length.

General expectations would be completion in 4 or 5 years. The likelihood of an accelerated path is uncertain at this time, but we are actively exploring all possibilities to provide the best guidance for our students.

Students will be limited to two one-year leaves of absence. More information can be found here: https://gs.emory.edu/academics/policies-progress/absence.html

There is no additional family stipend; however, we will hopefully know the final stipend amount soon. We are unaware of any family housing, but a new graduate housing complex has been built: https://gs.emory.edu/guides/students/parental.html

All new and continuing degree-seeking Emory University students must have health insurance. Under this requirement, students must purchase the Emory University Student Health Insurance Plan (EUSHIP) or opt out by providing enrollment documentation in a comparable United States-based plan. In addition, new students wishing to waive enrollment in the EUSHIP must complete the annual waiver process.

Most doctoral students are eligible for a health insurance subsidy for at least the first five years of enrollment. The information will be outlined in their offer letter. The subsidy covers 100% of the cost of the Emory University Student Health Insurance Plan (EUSHIP) premium. The subsidy is not cash and cannot be awarded as stipend dollars. More information about EUSHIP can be found here: https://studenthealth.emory.edu/insurance/euship.html

Yes. All PhD program policies are contained in the Laney Graduate School student handbook. The handbook for the 2023-2024 academic year can be downloaded here: https://gs.emory.edu/_includes/documents/sections/handbook/lgs-2023_24-handbook_feb-2024.pdf.

An overview of the financial support that the Laney Graduate School provides is available here: https://gs.emory.edu/admissions/finance_overview.html. LGS also supports students in other ways. This includes wellness services, affinity groups, access to mentors, advisors, and resources for student parents. There are also writing groups, book clubs, workshops, professional development and academic support groups.

Short-listed applicants will be invited to campus for a visit. At that time, they will have the opportunity to speak with students enrolled in other PhD programs.

The Laney Graduate School has an Office of Professional Development and Career Planning. The team offers a range of professional development and career planning programming throughout the year, on topics such as the job search, interviewing and networking. They also connect advanced students to internal and external funding opportunities, and offer special funding opportunities to support students’ professional development. More information can be found here: https://gs.emory.edu/professional-development/about.html