Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science (by Research)

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science (by Research)

Objectives
The PhD by Research programs emphasize independent study without coursework, but hone skills in analytical and critical thinking, as well as synthesis as evidenced by the required number of publications. This option addresses the following objectives:

  1. provide research-track opportunities to qualified students towards obtaining a PhD degree in a shorter span of time·
  2. increase the number of environmental scientists who will help address the evolving societal needs and;
  3. increase the number of publications in Environmental Science that are responsive to the current and emerging issues.

Admission into the Program
Admission requirements

  1. an M.S. degree in Environmental Science or related field from a recognized institution of higher learning with at least 24 units of graduate courses;
  2. at least one publication in the field of Environmental Science in a peer-review journal (e.g. Web of Science or Scopus indexed) in the last five years in which the applicant is the primary author as defined by the Institute;
  3. passing of assessment examination and interview process administered by the Institute;
  4. presentation of capsule proposal for dissertation research and acceptance of a faculty member of the Institute as prospective dissertation adviser; and
  5. proof of English proficiency for foreign students whose medium of instruction in the previous degree program is not English, i.e. a score of 6.5 in the International Language Testing System (IELTS) or the equivalent in alternative English Language qualifications approved by the University policy

Graduation Requirements

  1. Completion of 26 units of Program of Study consisting of:
    • 12 units of Env Sci 395 Advanced Studies in Environmental Science to be taken at 4 units interval;
    • 2 units of Env Sci 296 Seminar to be taken at 1 unit interval;
    • 12 units of Env Sci 400 Ph.D. Dissertation, which can be taken at 3-6 units interval;
  2. Maintenance of a Cumulative Weighted Average Grade (CWAG) of 1.75 or better at the end of each academic year until completion of the program of study;
  3. Passing the oral presentation of the Dissertation Proposal;
  4. Submission of a progress report approved by the Dissertation Adviser and Reader at the end of each semester if enrolled in Env Sci 400;
  5. Presentation of a Colloquium (dissertation progress report) as prescribed by the Graduate Program of the College of Science;
  6. Passing the oral presentation and defense of the Dissertation;
  7. Submission and acceptance of at least two papers from the Dissertation Research in a peer-reviewed journal (e.g. Web of Science /Scopus indexed ) in which the student is the primary author, as defined by the Institute;
  8. Oral presentation in an international or national conference within the residence period; and
  9. Submission of bound and digital dissertation manuscript

Description of Courses

  • Env Sci 296 Graduate Seminar (lecture), 1 unit (1 hour per week)
  • Env Sci 395 Advanced Studies in Environmental Science (laboratory), 4 units (12 hours per week)
  • Conduct of directed, specific research on a problem in the field of Environmental Science. Note that Env Sci 395 shall be taken three times and final output shall consist of two submitted manuscripts to an international peer-reviewed journal.
  • Env Sci 400 Dissertation, 12 units (can be taken in 3-6 units per semester)

Residence Period
The recommended residence period is three years. However, the time limit or “maximum residence period” for the completion of the degree shall be no more than five years.

Application
Each application for admission into the program must be accomplished in the Official College application form and accompanied by official transcript of records, two (2) written recommendation from former professors or experts on the field, and the officially prescribed application fee. All applications shall be submitted to and processed by the Graduate Office of the College of Science, referred to the Graduate Committee concerned for evaluation and endorsed by the latter to the Dean for official and formal action. Please refer to the Graduate Office-College of Science website for details.