Admissions FAQs
How do I know if I'm a good fit for the program and which subplan is right for me? Review the Graduate Program page and the Stanford Bulletin to learn more about our program and degree requirements for each subplan. Also, review the Faculty profiles list to see what type of research department faculty are doing. This can help you determine which subplan is best for the type of research you want to do.
Before Applying
Where do I start? Please feel free to visit Community Resources. This is a great starting point when considering your Graduate Career.
How do I find out more about the research being done in your department? Faculty profiles list what type of research department faculty are doing, and more information can be found by reading about their specific research groups. If you are interested in knowing more about their research, please contact faculty directly. Please note they can only answer questions regarding research. Admission-related questions should be directed to the department at esosadmissions@stanford.edu.
Do I need to identify a faculty advisor before submitting my application? No. 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.
Do I need a Master’s degree to apply to the doctoral program? No. Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree may apply directly to our doctoral program.
Does the Environmental Social Science Department offer a MS degree? We do not offer a coursework-only MS degree for non-PhD students. However, a graduate student may request or be advised to withdraw from the doctoral program due to unsatisfactory degree progress, non-admission to candidacy, personal circumstances, or because the student is no longer committed to doctoral study. In these cases, no doctoral thesis will be required, and a Masters may be obtained if criteria are met.
Does the Environmental Social Sciences PhD program have any joint degree programs with the PhD? No, the PhD program does not currently have joint degree programs.
Can I apply to more than (1) one Stanford graduate program per year? No. Stanford policy allows applicants to apply for only (1) one graduate program per year.
What type of financial aid does the program provide? Generally, all PhD candidates within the program are provided financial support for the first five years.
Test Requirements
What is the minimum GRE score required in order to be considered for admission? The general GRE test is optional for both subplans but the GEP subplan STRONGLY encourages GRE submission for full consideration. We do not have a minimum GRE score requirement, and we do not track average scores for admitted applicants.
What is the minimum GPA score required in order to be considered for admission? We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. The evaluation of each applicant is based on all the materials in the file and is not exclusively based on GPA.
Application Process
Do you require a writing sample? No, we do not require writing samples for this application cycle. However, if you have previous published research or writing, please indicate this clearly in your application.
Must I apply using the electronic application? Yes. All applications must be submitted through the electronic system; no paper applications will be accepted. Applicants can access Stanford's electronic application on the Graduate Admissions website.
Can ESoS confirm receipt of my application materials? We are unable to confirm receipt of application materials if you have not yet submitted your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check the status of your application materials on your Activities Page.
What happens if my application is submitted by the deadline but my letters and/or transcripts have not arrived? If you have submitted your application by the deadline, any materials received by the deadline are guaranteed to be seen by the admissions committee. If supporting documents are received after the deadline, we will do our best to ensure the committee sees them but we cannot make any guarantees.