| Major Code: 9128 |
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy |
| Delivery Mode(s): Classroom |
Age Restriction: No |
| Admission Status: Graduate |
Location(s): Main Campus - Melbourne |
| Admission Materials: 3 letters of recommendation, résumé, objectives |
Admission Requirements
An applicant for the doctoral program in environmental science must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution in environmental science, biology, chemistry or other appropriate science curriculum. In some cases, certain undergraduate courses must be taken to remediate areas of deficiency before a student can start the doctoral program.
For admission, a student should have a superior academic record and at least three letters of recommendation, including one from the master’s degree thesis advisor. Preference will be given to students with high scores on the Graduate Record Examination.
Included with the application should be a short but clear statement of the interest and objectives of the applicant. Although not absolutely required, an on-campus interview is highly recommended.
General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview section.
Degree Requirements
The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree and is conferred in part in recognition of research accomplishments. Each student must complete an approved program of coursework; pass the comprehensive examinations; write an acceptable research proposal and petition for admission to candidacy; complete a program of significant original research; prepare and defend a dissertation concerning the research; and present a seminar on the research. Each candidate is expected to publish a major portion of the dissertation in refereed national or international journals. A minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework and 24 credit hours of dissertation beyond a master’s degree are required.
General degree requirements are presented in the Academic Overview section of this catalog and on the Florida Tech graduate programs website.
Curriculum
A program of study must be approved by the student’s advisor and the program chair. A wide degree of latitude is allowed in course selection and research interest within the capabilities of the university and the student’s academic background.
Before admission to doctoral candidacy, the student may be required to demonstrate proficiency in a computer language or a reading proficiency of scientific literature in one foreign language. The chosen language should allow access to important literature in the student’s area of research. This requirement is imposed at the discretion of the doctoral committee.
After admission to doctoral candidacy, a yearly seminar demonstrating progress must be presented to the graduate faculty.
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