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. We review applications holistically, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose in order to best understand an applicant’s motivation and preparation for a PhD in the environmental social sciences.
2027-2028 Application Cycle
The application portal for the 2027-2028 Ph.D. Graduate Admissions cycle will open mid-September 2026. The Environmental Social Sciences PhD program welcomes applications for fall matriculation only.
Applications to the Environmental Social Sciences PhD program must be received by the deadline of TBD in order to be considered for the Fall 2027 admission cycle. Applicants must indicate whether they are applying to the EBS subplan or GEP subplan.
Applicants to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program must apply to that program by October 6, 2026 by 1pm PST, and apply separately to the Environmental Social Sciences PhD program by TBD.
What is needed to apply?
View the required material to apply for the ESoS PhD program (EBS and GEP subplans).
What is the admissions timeline?
View the ESoS PhD admissions application timeline. Updates will be posted to this timeline.
Where can I find additional information?
View commonly asked questions about program requirements and admissions process.
Need help?
Most questions can be found by clicking on the links above in each section and the FAQ pages for Graduate Admissions FAQ and the Environmental Social Sciences PhD program FAQ.
Environmental Social Sciences PhD program admission-related questions should be directed to the department at esosadmissions@stanford.edu.