Applying to the Program
Overview of the Program
NRESS is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program with a diverse body of students from numerous foreign countries and the U.S. The program offers opportunities to study in a broad range of disciplines, from environmental science and natural resources to earth science, oceanography, atmospheric science, related social sciences and ethical and policy studies. Students with wide ranging traditional and non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If assistance is needed in the application process, contact Jennifer Bourgeault, NRESS Program Coordinator, at nress.phd@unh.edu.
Application Deadlines
January 15: for matriculation in August, for the fall semester.
October 15: for matriculation in January, for the spring semester.
While applications received after the deadline will be considered, to receive priority consideration for financial and advisor support, please submit application by the deadline. Early submissions are encouraged to allow applicants more time to identify a faculty advisor and find funding. Please check with the UNH Graduate School for Graduate financial aid deadlines.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the NRESS Program come from a wide range of undergraduate majors. Individuals are considered based on the quality of their work and its relevance to the particular area of study they wish to pursue.
Most applicants enter the program with a master's degree. Applicants who do not have a master’s degree are considered based on academic merit and significant work and/or research experience. The applicant must identify a potential advisor who will commit to accepting her/him as a doctoral student if the candidate is admitted to the NRESS program. See information on faculty advisors below.
Application Requirements
All application materials for the NRESS program must be sent directly to the UNH Graduate School. Application materials as well as more specific details regarding the application process are available at the UNH Graduate School website.
- Application Form: See the UNH Graduate School Application Instructions webpage for more information. Note: Only on-line applications will be accepted after January 1, 2010.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three electronic (preferred) or original signed ink copies are required. These should include academic referees. Use forms and envelopes available from the UNH Graduate School.
- Personal Statement: A clear, concise statement of the applicant’s relevant past experiences including academics, research, and/or work experience. The statement should also include an expression of interests and an explanation of the student’s goals in pursuing a doctoral degree.
- Graduate Advisor: Applicants must identify in the application personal statement an NRESS PhD Program Faculty member willing to serve as their graduate advisor.
- Transcripts: Applicants must submit one official copy from each college/university attended for at least one year. Official transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes.
- Test Scores:
- GRE: All applicants must submit GRE scores.
- TOEFL: Applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. Minimum acceptable scores are: 213 for the computer-based test, 550 for the paper-based test and 80 for the internet-based test.
- Application Fee: $65
- Residency Form: Required for New Hampshire applicants only.
- International Applicants: International applicants must file a pre-application on the Graduate School website prior to applying to the program. Please see the International Applicants page on the UNH Graduate School website for additional requirements.
Financial Aid
The Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science Ph.D. Program is interdepartmental and for that reason does not directly offer any assistantships. Most students are supported by funding for specific research projects from grants received by their faculty advisors, or through competitive scholarship and fellowship programs. A limited number of graduate assistantships and tuition waivers are available through the UNH Graduate School. There are a number of opportunities to fund graduate research through private, state, and federal initiatives. Please visit the Funding and Scholarships page on the NRESS website for more information.
