Ph.D. PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY
George Mason University
Those holding a baccalaureate degree in the natural or earth sciences, engineering, resource planning, or related fields from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.00 (out of 4.0) are eligible to apply for admission. If the baccalaureate degree is in a field other than the above mentioned, the applicant should have taken several science courses beyond the introductory level. An applicant may be required to make up deficiencies before being permitted to enroll in the program. Three letters of recommendation should be submitted including at least one from a former professor. The aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination is required for students without a previous master's degree in an appropriate field. In addition, a substantial statement of interest in the program, potential area of specialty, research interests, and career goals should be submitted with the standard application. Students will specialize in either Environmental Science or Environmental Public Policy. An interview with the Director or written contact with a prospective major professor is recommended. A list of faculty and their research interests is available upon request. Criteria for admission include the student's credentials, interests, and goals as well as the availability of an appropriate advisor.
Application packets are available by writing or calling the Office of Admissions, Finley Building, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444; (703) 993-2400/2404. After processing by the Office of Admissions, completed applications are then forwarded to the Program Director for consideration. Application deadlines are February 15 for Fall admissions. There is no Spring or Summer admission. Further inquiries and requests for financial aid information should be directed to: Director, Ph.D. Program in Environmental Science and Public Policy, Department of Biology, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, MSN:3E1, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, (703) 993-1050.
Program of Study
The Environmental Science and Public Policy doctoral program encourages an independent and creative approach in the development of curricula. In order to satisfy the objectives of a Ph.D. degree, however; the coursework must be carefully planned. In consultation with their advisor and other faculty as appropriate, students are required to develop a Coursework Proposal by the end of their second semester and submit it to the Program Director. The Coursework Proposal lays out the sequence of courses student will use to achieve their academic goals and the program requirements. A dissertation committee should be formed as soon as possible. The final Program of Study must be completed before advancement to candidacy and must be approved by the dissertation committee, Program Director, and Dean.
The program requires a minimum of 78 graduate credits beyond the Bachelor's degree (48 beyond the Master's in an applicable field) distributed among three area categories and the student's individual program focus. This distribution provides both depth and breadth in knowledge related to environmental problems.
Area 1 - Environmental Sciences: A minimum of 12 credits (24 for those specializing in Environmental Science) is required in areas such as biology, geology, geography, chemistry or environmental engineering.
Area 2 - Public Policy: A course in environmental law is required. Other courses in areas such as public policy, economics, sociology, geography, ethics, business, or conflict management are required for a total of 12 credits (24 for those specializing in Environmental Public Policy) in this category. A recommended group of courses includes: BIOL 670 (Environmental Law for Biologists), EVPP 675 (Environmental Planning and Administration, PUAD 640 (Public Policy Process), PUAD 643 (Policy Research), and PUAD 749 (Issues in Public Policy; Environmental Regulation).
Area 3 - Methods and Technology: A minimum of 6 credits in research skills such as statistics, remote sensing, cartography, analytical chemistry, computing, mathematics, modeling, or management and information systems.
The student's individual program focus should reflect a cohesive area of study building toward the dissertation topic. Courses include in the individual program focus may also satisfy area category requirements. Graduate seminars for credit and research hours belong in this category. The doctoral seminar must be taken twice. Internships appropriate to each student are encouraged especially when the traditional academic instruction does not provide appropriate expertise.
Course requirements can be filled from a variety of departments on campus. A list of potential courses that fulfill area requirements is distributed by the program coordinator each semester. Appropriate off-campus course may be available with prior committee and graduate school approval.
Upon completion of all coursework, the student's advisor may request the scheduling of a candidacy exam. Prior to the candidacy exam, preferably by the student's second semester, the dissertation committee must be selected and officially appointed. The committee should consist of a Chairman (the major professor), and three or four other members. Three members must be from George Mason University and two different departments or governing units must be represented. One member may be from outside the university at the appointment of the Director. The candidacy exam includes both written and oral portions. Upon passing the candidacy exam, the student is then recommended for advancement by the Program Director. A student must advance to candidacy within five years of initial registration.
Dissertation Research and Defense
Students must complete a dissertation involving original research (12-24 credits). The dissertation is a written piece of original work that demonstrates mastery of subject matter, methodologies, and conceptual foundation in the chosen field of study. Before the student may enroll in Dissertation Research (EVPP 999), a dissertation proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee and sent to the Graduate School for approval. (In preparation for the dissertation the student may enroll in a maximum of six (6) hours of Proposal Research: EVPP 998). At the conclusion of the program, students must defend their dissertation and present their results in public seminar. The dissertation and defense must be completed within five years of advancement to candidacy.
Revised: 10/11/96 (h:phdmemo.chk)
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