Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree may be preceded by graduate education in environmental science or another discipline. The program requires preparation of a research proposal, passage of a qualifying examination and general examination, completion of the dissertation research and a presentation of the research at a final examination.

Course requirements are flexible, though a minimum of two years of residence at the University of Washington is required. Students interested in the Ph.D. should contact individual faculty members to request information on current research and graduate opportunities.

Prospective applicants, please note: While we recommend that applicants hold a previous Master’s degree prior to beginning doctoral studies, we do not require it. Prospective students who have not earned a Master’s degree before the start of their UW Ph.D. program should contact the faculty you are most interested in working with and have a conversation about which degree program application to submit in your case. If you are sure you want to apply directly to the Ph.D., please proceed. If you are unsure what you wish to do, note that M.S. students at SEFS may be permitted to continue on to earn a Ph.D. with faculty approval at the end of their first academic year (or later while still an M.S. student).

Go here to view the Ph.D. Program of Study Form and the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam Form.

Prepare and apply for the Ph.D. program at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.

Course Requirements

  • Orientation
    • SEFS 500 (one credit) Graduate Orientation Seminar
  • Social and Natural Sciences Applied to Natural Resource and Environmental Issues
    • SEFS 509 (three credits) Analysis of Research Problems
  • Disciplinary Knowledge
    • 400-500 level: Approved by committee (10 credits plus one additional course)
  • Research Design and Quantitative Analysis
    • 400-500 level: Approved by committee (eight credits plus one additional course)
  • Current Topics
    • 500 level: Topics vary from year to year (two credits plus one additional course)
  • Dissertation Research
    • SEFS 800 (27 credits)
  • Electives
    • Other courses or research credits (24 to 36 credits)
  • 90 Credits Total
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