About PhD Program,
Doctoral students work with the school’s world-renowned faculty to collaboratively design cutting-edge research projects that engage them in scientific discovery, policy, public discourse, and action. The five-year program is fully funded and independent of any faculty research grants, allowing doctoral students the intellectual freedom to explore the environmental issues that most inspire them. Students also have access to a broad array of resources across Yale University and its professional and graduate schools, including its faculty and library system. Graduates complete the doctoral program having gained disciplinary depth and strong leadership skills that enable success in any career path — academic, government research, policy, nonprofits, and the private sector.
Doctoral students at YSE receive five years of guaranteed funding, independent of any faculty research grants, allowing doctoral students the intellectual freedom to explore the environmental issues that most inspire them.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- Applicants should begin contacting prospective faculty advisors between late September and late October to discuss their research interests and determine if they and the prospective faculty member are a good match. This initial contact is normally done by email.
- As part of that initial contact, applicants should explain in writing what research questions they would like to pursue during their doctoral studies, what kind research experience and expertise they already have gained, and why they wish to work with the prospective faculty member. Applicants should provide a CV at that time they initiate contact.
- Applicants are also encouraged to contact current students and alumni from their potential advisor’s research group for more information about working with their advisor, the doctoral program, and life in New Haven.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Doctoral students at YSE receive 5 years of guaranteed funding. Funding packages consist of a stipend ($32,700 for the 2020-2021 academic year), full tuition coverage, and health insurance. For more information on funding and benefits for doctoral students at Yale, visit the following Graduate School of Arts and Sciences webpages:
Application Requirement,
- Biographical information,
- Transcriptsof course work and proof of degrees,
- Test scores(e.g., GRE, and English language proficiency test (TOEFFL, IELTS) as appropriate). NOTE: The GRE is optional. Applicants should check with their prospective advisors whether or not they wish to see the scores.
- A CVdescribing research and professional experience and a list of any scholarly work,
- A personal statementdescribing the goals for graduate study including the dissertation research topic as well as professional aspirations beyond the PhD. (Note: The goal of the YSE doctoral program is to train students to pursue post PhD positions that align with their professional goals and aspirations. These may include academic or non-academic [public or private sector] careers.)
- Three letters of referencethat can describe the applicant’s character, abilities and professionalism, and attest to the applicant’s scholarly aptitude and future potential. Ideally, at least two of the three letters should come from academic advisors or research mentors.
- Applicant may provide a writing sample(e.g. a pdf reprint of a publication) but this is not required.
All elements of the application will be given equal consideration in the decision-making; there are no cut-off’s for test scores.
Application Deadline,
Jan 02, 2025
Application Fee,
The application fee for all degree-seeking applicants is $105.00.
