Admission
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Entrance Requirements
Application Deadline for Priority Consideration:
If you are planning to apply to the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Program for Fall Semester admission, please submit your materials to the Graduate School Office before the application deadline. The application deadline for priority consideration is February 1. Admissions decisions on completed applications received by this date typically will be sent out by March 1. Applications received after February 1 will be reviewed by the program on an ad hoc basis but the funds available to support your submitting post-deadline applications may be limited by program commitments to the pre-deadline applicants.
Admission to our program is competitive. You will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Performance in coursework: You must hold a baccalaureate degree or a master's degree from a supporting discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, geology, physics, or closely allied discipline) and have performed satisfactorily. The GPA in undergraduate or in previous graduate level coursework should be at least 3.0. You should enter the program with knowledge of one of the supporting sciences and having successfully completed biology, organic chemistry, physics, statistics and calculus.
- GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores: For Fall 2021 admissions, the GRE requirement has been waived due to COVID-19 circumstances. International students must still submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores. To be most competitive, the TOEFL score should approach or exceed 100 (IBT) and the IELTS score should approach or exceed 6.5. It is recommended that examinations taken more than 5 years ago be retaken, especially if the scores were near our minimum level.
- An identified fit with a program faculty member. A substantial part of your funding will arise from an individual program faculty member. To ensure your success, we require that you receive a commitment from a program faculty advisor willing and able to support you in their laboratory. You should begin this process at or before the time of applying by contacting individual faculty members in your area of interest.
- Research and work-related experience: Our most competitive applicants will have independent research experience at either the undergraduate or graduate level, or have a record of environmental science-related work experiences that indicate a high chance of success in Ph.D.-level research.
- Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required that address your past performance and provide an indication of your chances of success in our Ph.D. program. Letters should be sent to wsugrad@wright.edu.
Acceptance to the program will be determined by the admissions committee (consisting of program faculty from each participating department). If you are deficient in one of these areas, but otherwise found to be acceptable, the admissions committee may recommend remedial courses that should be completed during the first year. Determining deficiencies will be dependent on your area of focus.
How to Apply
The application package should be submitted to the Graduate School and must include:
- Completed Application for Admission to a Graduate Status. Visit the Graduate School website to apply online or download the application form.
- A statement of your Goals and Objectives (1–2 pages) written to the director of the Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Program. This statement should clearly identify your research objectives, identify potential faculty advisors in your area of interest, and provide an indication of why Wright State is an appropriate place to continue your training. To ensure your success, we require that you receive a commitment from a program faculty advisor willing and able to support you in their laboratory. You should begin this process at or before the time of applying by contacting individual faculty members in your area of interest.
- Letters of recommendation from the three references listed on your application. These should be sent directly from the person writing the letter to the Graduate School. If your referee chooses to send electronically, please arrange for letters of recommendation to be sent to: wsugrad@wright.edu.
- (Waived for Fall 2021 admission) Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (General Test).
International students must submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores. To be most competitive, the TOEFL score should approach or exceed 100 (IBT) and the IELTS score should approach or exceed 6.5. Please visit the International Admissions website to review international student admission requirements, international applications and additional language, VISA and financial requirements.
A $40 fee for degree-seeking applicants will be assessed to all applications, payable with a credit card.
