If you already hold a research or professional doctorate degree you may ask that the program request from The Graduate School an exemption from the standardized test score requirement.

Statement of Purpose

The statement is a critical piece of the admissions process.  We will evaluate both the content of the statement and your writing skills in considering your application.  The statement should not exceed two pages in length.  Doctoral applicants should include discussion of your research interests and how they mesh with the current research of ESE faculty.  Master’s applicants should include a discussion of personal goals and research interests.  All applicants who have specific interests in lab, field, and/or computational research should indicate these interests in their statements.  All statements should include the names of ESE faculty with whom the applicant would like to work.  Please visit the “Department Research” link on our departmental website toolbar for more information.  All applicants should review our six focus areas and include a ranked list of your preference in your personal statement:

• Contaminant sources, fate and transport;
• Design and analysis of engineered systems;
• Exposure biology, biomarkers and mechanisms of disease;
• Global environmental health;
• Impacts and mitigation of climate change; and
• Policy, decision-making and risk analysis.

Document Submission

Applicants should preview all documents uploaded into the application system, to ensure that all documents are legible for committee review.

Degree Selection

Applicants should review our application FAQ (http://sph.unc.edu/envr/graduate-application-faq/)
and the “Guide to Choosing a Graduate Degree in ESE” (https://sph.unc.edu/envr/envr-degrees/)
before applying, as well as the following:

PhD in Environmental Sciences and Engineering

The PhD, a terminal degree, is intended for incoming students with a strong background in the sciences or engineering and prepares them for careers in basic and applied research, education, or management in the field of environmental sciences and engineering.

Master of Science (MS)

The MS degree is intended for incoming students with a strong background in the sciences or engineering and prepares them for advanced education or careers in research, practice or management in the field of environmental sciences and engineering.

Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (MSEE)

The MSEE is intended for incoming students with an accredited undergraduate engineering degree.  The MSEE prepares students for careers in practice, advanced education, research, or management in the field of environmental engineering.

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)

The MSPH is intended for incoming students with a background in the sciences or engineering and prepares them for advanced education or careers in practice, research, or management in the field of public health with emphasis in environmental sciences and engineering.

Dual Master’s Degree Program Between the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering and the Department of City and Regional Planning

We are partnering with the Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP) to offer students the opportunity to earn both the MCRP and one of the master’s degrees offered in ESE (MS, MSEE, MSPH).  It should be possible to obtain both degrees in three years.

*Consultation with the Director of Graduate Admissions will be required to be considered for admission during either summer session (I or II).