Applying to the Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science Ph.D. Program
Overview of NRESS 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: Please submit two copies, either online or as printed paper copies. Online submissions are encouraged as this speeds the application process.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three 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.
- Transcripts: Applicants must submit two official copies from each college/university attended for at least one year. Official transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes.
- Test Scores:
GRE: Applicants whose bachelor's degree is from a non-US university must submit official copies of GRE scores. Otherwise, GRE’s are encouraged, but not required.
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: $60
- 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.
What to Consider During the Application Process:
1. Degree Options: The NRESS Ph.D. program offers two degree options:
- Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental studies (NRES)
- Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science (EES)
Please note the choice of the program/degree on the application form. (Option may be changed once enrolled)
2. Faculty Advisors:
To enter the NRESS Ph.D. program, students must have a faculty advisor, who will mentor and oversee the student’s graduate program, including identification of an advisory committee, necessary courses and selection of research topic. The faculty advisor will also oversee the administration of exams and preparation of the dissertation. Applicants should visit the NRESS program website and review the list of faculty in their area of interest. The applicant should contact potential faculty advisors to discuss their interests and determine whether the faculty member(s) may be willing and able to serve as the student’s advisor. Links to each individual faculty member’s homepage and contact information are found on the NRESS Faculty List. E-mailing a letter of interest with an attached resume to prospective faculty advisors is recommended. If assistance is needed in this process, please feel free to contact the NRESS Program Coordinator.
The program does not require application interviews, although meetings with prospective advisors often do occur prior to or during the application process.
Upon identifying a potential faculty advisor, applicants should indicate this in their application and/or via email to the NRESS Program Coordinator to ensure that the application materials are forwarded to the appropriate faculty member(s).
For information on departments and research groups at UNH that are associated with the NRESS Program, see the links on the NRESS website, http://www.unh.edu/nressphd/ .
3. Following up on an application:
Applicants should check their file frequently at the Graduate School website to make sure that all of their application materials are arriving in a timely manner. Please contact Paula Howard in the Graduate School, paula.howard@unh.edu and/or Jennifer Bourgeault, the NRESS Program Coordinator, nress.phd@unh.edu, if there are problems with an application.