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Application Instructions

The ELS Ph.D. Program admits one entering cohort annually for programs of study beginning in the fall semester. The deadline for applications is the December 15th prior to the August in which a student begins classes. The ELS Ph.D. Program usually notifies applicants of admissions status no later than the following April 15th. Tips for applying

  1. Initiate an online ASU Graduate Admissions Application through the Graduate College’s web site.
  2. Complete the “General Information Section.” You will be asked to enter information on universities that you’ve attended, GPAs, and GRE scores. The GRE General Exam is the only standardized test required of all ELS Ph.D. Program applicants.
  3. Complete the Degree Section.
    1. Click "Find Your Degree/Certificate Program"
    2. Select “Interdisciplinary Studies” as your degree program category.
    3. Select “Tempe” as your degree program campus.
    4. Select “Environmental Life Sciences (PhD)” as your degree program.
    5. Identify the specific ELS faculty members you are interested in working with. This will ensure that these faculty members see your application and can participate in admissions and funding decisions.
    6. You will need three academic letters of recommendation from faculty members who know you well. You have two options:
      1. NEW: You now have the possibility to arrange for your academic recommendation to be done online, as part of your general application process. If you choose this option, you will enter the e-mail addresses of your letter writers, who will then receive an e-mail with instructions on how to complete the recommendation online.
      2. If the letter writer prefers to send a regular letter of recommendation, please follow the following steps:
        1. Download and print the Environmental Life Sciences Recommendation Form.
        2. Complete and sign the top portion of each form.
        3. iii. Give one form to each person who will be writing a letter of recommendation to be sent by regular mail.
        4. Ask the letter writer to mail a paper copy of both the form and the letter of recommendation to:

          Graduate Programs
          School of Life Sciences-ELS Ph.D. Program
          Arizona State University
          PO Box 874601
          Tempe, AZ 85287-4601

    7. Prepare and upload a Statement of Research Interests and Goals 
    8. Prepare and upload a current  Curriculum Vitae or Resume. 
    9. Prepare and upload the Environmental Life Sciences Academic Record Form.
  4. Submit the online ASU Graduate Admissions Application.
  5. Pay the Application Fee.
  6. Have universities mail official, paper transcripts to ASU.
    1. Send one transcript from each college or university you have attended to:
      APPLICATION
      Graduate College
      Arizona State University
      Administration B-Wing Room 170
      PO Box 871003
      Tempe, AZ 85287-1003
    2. More information on international academic credentials.
  7. Have ETS (Educational Testing Service) provide ASU with official GRE scores. The GRE General Exam is the only standardized test required of all ELS Ph.D. Program applicants. The ETS Institutional Code for ASU is 4007. Enter the Department Code as 0000.
  8. If appropriate, complete and submit a paper copy of the Financial Guarantee Form. This form must be completed by anyone who will attend ASU while holding an F-1 or J-1 visa. Send the form to:

    APPLICATION
    Graduate College
    Arizona State University
    Administration B-Wing Room 170
    PO Box 871003
    Tempe, AZ 85287-1003

    Financial Guarantee Form and additional information.

  9. If appropriate, have official TOEFL or IELTS scores sent to ASU. Most applicants from a country in which the native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.