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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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