Academics & Admissions

The Environmental Social Sciences PhD program offers subplans in Environmental Behavioral Science (EBS) and Global Environmental Policy (GEP). The subplans share much of the same structure and requirements regarding units, candidacy, qualification, annual review, defense, and timeline, but differ in terms of specific course requirements and admissions review. Both subplans use “cohort” models, where the applicant applies to the Environmental Social Sciences program rather than to a specific research group. However, applicants must indicate whether they are applying to the EBS subplan or the GEP subplan.

Application Timeline 

The department will be accepting applications in Fall 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Applications will open September 15, 2025 and close December 1, 2025.

Degree Programs

Undergraduate

The Environmental Social Sciences department does not have an undergraduate degree, however many of its faculty teach in the interdisciplinary Earth Systems Program, which offers a BS and coterminal MS degree. 

Learn more about Earth Systems Program

Graduate Program

Through its courses and seminars, Environmental Social Sciences offers graduate students an opportunity to be part of an intellectual community with common or related interests and goals.

Learn more about the Graduate Program

How to Apply

The Environmental Social Sciences Department welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences and perspectives who would contribute to our growing community of scholars.

How to apply

Admissions FAQs

Learn more about frequent application and eligibility questions. 

Admissions FAQs