Environmental Science and Management PhD
student and mentor going over lab data

Information for Prospective Students

View Program Curriculum

Applying

Application Due Dates

The application deadlines are March 1 for students seeking a Fall start date and October 31 for those seeking a Spring start date. Financial aid is usually offered only for students starting in the Fall.

Application Sequence

  1. Submit a complete application partial applications are never evaluated
  2. Evaluation of completed application
  3. Interview offer if the application is not rejected at the evaluation stage
  4. Admission offer/rejection
  5. Financial support offer, if applicable usually several weeks after admission

Application Components

  1. Apply to the Graduate School.
  2. Personal statement.
  3. Statement of Research Interests. The essay should include a list of faculty members with whom you have communicated and who are willing to serve as your research advisor.
  4. Official transcripts from ALL undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
  5. Three letters of reference from university faculty or professional supervisors who can attest to your potential for success in doctoral level research and coursework.
  6. TOEFL scores for international applicants. Montclair State University’s reporting code is 2520.
  7. Application fee.

Evaluation of applications

Successful applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and/or a masters degree with a graduate grade point average of at least 3.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with a non-U.S. degree must submit a course-by-course evaluation with U.S. degree equivalency information for bachelors and (if applicable) masters coursework from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or by Educated Choices. There is no threshold GRE score for admission. However, our current program-wide average scores are 306 (Q+V) and 4.0 for AWS. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact possible research advisors and research projects prior to submitting an application and solicit letters of reference from university faculty who can specifically address your potential to conduct doctoral-level research.

See the Graduate School’s Admission Review and Application Process FAQ’s for more information on applying to be a graduate student at Montclair State University.

The admissions committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications. We are interested in students whose research interests are compatible with our faculty advisors, who have demonstrated potential for conducting original, creative, independent research at the doctoral level, and who possess strong quantitative skills and written and oral communication skills. We assess your transcripts and the diversity and rigor of coursework you have completed, we assess your previous research and employment experience as detailed in your personal statement and research statement, and through candid evaluations provided by your references.

Support

Doctoral tuition and required fees for the 2020-2021 academic year were $689.53 per credit. Costs for books and supplies are variable for each course, and range from zero to over $100 per course. View the most current information for tuition and fees on the Student Accounts Graduate Costs web page.

The Environmental Science and Management program offers several forms of financial aid. The admissions application also serves as the financial aid application. All eligible applicants will be interviewed by the admissions committee as part of the funding process.

Please note – applications are due March 1 for students seeking to begin the program in the following fall semester.

Grant-funded Doctoral Fellowships

Grant-funded Doctoral Fellowships are merit-based and support full-time students. The award consists of a stipend (typically $21,000 but may be higher) and a tuition waiver that typically covers 20 to 24 credits per academic year. The grant principal investigator (PI) selects his or her doctoral fellows. Grant-funded fellowships are awarded on the basis of academic and research record, compatibility of advisor and student research interests, and proficiency in the knowledge and skill set required by the advisor’s research program and its funding source. Doctoral fellows typically enroll in 10 credits per semester and have 20 hours per week of research responsibilities set by the grant PI.

University-funded Doctoral Assistantships

University-funded Doctoral Assistantships support full-time and part-time students. All doctoral assistants have teaching responsibilities, with the number of service hours per week scaled to match the value of the assistantship award. Full-time awards consist of a stipend (currently up to $22,000) and up to 10 credits of tuition per semester. Part-time awards consist of tuition remission only (1 to 8 credits per semester).

Grant-funded hourly positions

Faculty research grants may provide funding to hire graduate students as hourly workers during the academic year or during the summer. The grant principal investigator (PI) hires hourly workers on the basis of academic and research record, compatibility of advisor and student research interests, and proficiency in the knowledge and skill set required by the advisor’s research program and its funding source.

External fellowships and student research grants

Dr. Brachfeld maintains an extensive list of student fellowships and student research grants funded by state and federal agencies and professional societies. Please see the Links section on Dr. Brachfeld’s webpage for more information.

Adjunct Instructor positions

Advanced doctoral students near the completion of their programs may be eligible to be hired as adjunct instructors. Adjunct instructors have full and sole responsibility for their courses, and are paid on a per-credit basis. All adjunct instructors must have earned a masters degree in an appropriate discipline, and ideally have had prior experience as a teaching assistant. NOTE – hiring adjunct instructors is the sole purview of each academic department’s chairperson, and all adjuncts must meet the qualifications set by both the university and each individual department.

Student Loans

Please see the Office of Financial Aid for information on scholarships, grants, and graduate student loans.

Opportunities

Each year the Environmental Science and Management program expects to have several university-funded doctoral fellowships available for new students. In addition, program faculty recruit students for grant-funded fellowships; please consult with your prospective advisor.

Please note: applications are due March 1 for students seeking to begin the program in the following fall semester.

FAQ

Why should I attend Montclair State University for my doctoral education?
Montclair State University combines the best of all worlds. We boast a world-class faculty whose research is supported by numerous state and federal funding agencies, and who are deeply committed to mentoring and training the next generation of scientists. Montclair State University provides a superior educational experience at a fraction of the cost of a private university or institute. One of four public research institutions in the state, Montclair State is designated a Research Doctoral 3 University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. We are ranked among the top 100 public schools in the nation and Top 200 among all national universities.
What research opportunities exist in Environmental Science and Management?
Our faculty conduct research in the following broad areas:

Faculty research programs are funded the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Sea Grant, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, among others. View our research pages and individual faculty pages to learn more about projects in progress and student opportunities.

What career paths and job options are available to Environmental Science and Management graduates?
Our alumni are employed by municipal, state and federal government agencies in the U.S. and abroad, are employed as university professors, are staff scientists in environmental consulting firms and private industry, and work at non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the environment. View our alumni page to see where our program alumni are employed.
What are your program demographics?
At any given time the Environmental Science and Management program has 45 to 50 students, roughly 90% of whom are full-time students. Our male to female distribution is about 40:60. Our students come from across the United States, China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Taiwan and Vietnam, with a 65:35 domestic to international ratio. View our student profile page to learn more about our current students and their research interests.
How much time is required to complete the program?
Our program is 72 credits, evenly distributed between coursework and research. The minimum completion time is four years for a full-time student. The typical completion time for our full-time alumni was five years, and seven to eight years for our part-time students.
How do I apply for the Environmental Science and Management PhD program at Montclair State University?
The application process is fully online and is administered by the Graduate School. Applications are due by March 1 for students seeking to begin the program in the following fall semester and October 31 for students seeking to begin the program in the following spring semester. Visit the Graduate School’s application website to begin your application. ALL application materials should be submitted directly to the Graduate School by the appropriate deadline, as per the instructions in the application website.
Are there eligibility criteria to submit an application?
There is no pre-screening process. Any interested prospective student may submit an application to the Graduate School. Applications are due by October 31. We encourage you to view the application procedures page for more information.
How do I arrange a visit to Montclair State University?
The Montclair State University Graduate School runs two formal Open House events each year, typically in October and February. We strongly encourage prospective students to attend these events to meet with program faculty and students and tour our facilities. The application fee is waived for students who attend an Open House event. Prospective students may also set up informal visits by contacting prospective faculty advisors or the program director. Prospective students should always contact us well in advance to ensure that the director and faculty are on campus and available at the time of your visit.
What is the application due date for the Environmental Science and Management Program?
For students seeking to begin the program during the 2019-20 academic year, the new due date is March 1 for students seeking financial aid and a fall semester start date.
Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?
The GRE is not currently required for doctoral admission (Fall 2021 admission onwards).
Are there minimum GPA and GRE scores needed for admission to the Environmental Science and Management Program?
Applicants must have a bachelors GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and a graduate GPA of at least a 3.3 on a 4.0 scale. There is no minimum GRE score required for admission. The average GRE scores for our current students are 306 (Q + V) and 4 for the analytical writing section.
What are you looking for in the Personal Statement and Research Statement?
The program faculty are looking for well-written statements that detail your environmental science and management interests, your background experiences that have prepared you for doctoral-level research, your interactions with prospective advisors, and your ideas for dissertation research.
I am an international applicant. What is the most recent information regarding COVID-19?
The most recent information regarding COVID-19 for international students can be found on Office of Global Engagement (OIE) website. Other useful information regarding this can be found on the International Admissions and Student Services website.
I am an international applicant. How do I submit transcripts from overseas institutions?
International applicants must submit transcripts to a foreign credential evaluation service that is a member of either the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Educated Choices. Foreign credential evaluation consists of foreign language translation, course-by-course evaluation to determine content equivalencies, and conversion of grades to their U.S. equivalents. NACES members can be found on their website. Please also see the Graduate School’s webpage with additional information for international applicants.
Applicants with a non-U.S. degree must submit a course-by-course evaluation with U.S. degree equivalency information for bachelors and (if applicable) masters degree coursework from any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, or by Educated Choices, or an agency accredited by the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).
I am an international applicant. What are the minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores required for admission?
Montclair State University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam for international applicants who are non-native English speakers. A TOEFL score of at least 83 on the internet-based test is required for doctoral applicants. Montclair State University’s reporting code is 2520.
In place of the TOEFL exam, international applicants may submit official scores from the International English Language Testing System. A minimum score of band 6.5 is required for doctoral applicants. Montclair State University’s reporting code is 2520.
Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 105.
Please also see the Graduate School’s webpage with additional information for international applicants.
Can I request a waiver of the TOEFL exam?
The TOEFL or IELTS exams can be waived only under the following circumstances:
  • You have successfully completed Level 112 at any ELS Language Center worldwide. Provide official documentation with your online application.
  • You earned a degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction. Provide official documentation with your online application.
  • You have completed 24 non-remedial credits from an accredited United States college or university (documented via your official transcripts).
  • You have earned a master’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (documented via your official transcripts).

To request a waiver for one of the reasons listed above, complete the Request for Standardized Test Waiver form and upload the appropriate documentation with your admissions application materials.

I am an international student. Am I required to demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the TOEFL exam?
YES. If accepted, you are required to take an English language proficiency test upon arrival at Montclair State University. Visit the English as a Second Language (ESL) office at one of the times listed on their website. The test is free of charge. The purpose of this test is to identify students who need additional support or instruction in order to succeed in research, coursework and teaching duties. Upon review of the English language proficiency test score, students may be required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Montclair State University.
How are applications evaluated for program admissions?
The admissions committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications. We are interested in students whose research interests are compatible with our faculty advisors, who have demonstrated potential for conducting original, creative, independent research at the doctoral level, and who possess strong quantitative skills, and written and oral communication skills. We assess your transcripts and the diversity and rigor of coursework you have completed, we assess your previous research and employment experience as detailed in your personal statement and research statement, and through candid evaluations provided by your references. Any students with deficiencies in background preparation will be required to address those deficiencies through coursework within the first year of study.
What financial support is available for Environmental Science and Management doctoral students?
There are several forms of financial aid:
  • University-funded Doctoral Fellowships (DF) support full-time students. These awards consist of a stipend and a tuition remission usually covering 20 to 24 credit hours per academic year. Recipients have teaching responsibilities, typically consisting of leading undergraduate laboratory sections. DFs are selected following a review of eligibility criteria (such as a 3.2 GPA at current or previous institution) and interviews with the Environmental Science and Management Admissions Committee. Students are eligible for up to four years of university funding.
  • University-funded Doctoral Assistantships support part-time students. These awards consist of partial tuition remission.
  • Grant-funded Doctoral Fellowships support full-time students. These awards consist of a stipend and a tuition remission covering 20 to 24 credit hours per academic year. Recipients are selected by the Principal Investigator (PI) of the external grant and have research responsibilities set by the PI.
  • Grant-funded student assistant positions are hourly workers paid from external grants.

Prospective students are encouraged to view the information under the Support tab on this page for more information.

How do I apply for financial aid?
Your admissions application also serves as your financial aid application. All application materials are due by March 1. Check YES for the question “Are you interested in an assistantship?” This covers all forms of financial aid offered by the Environmental Science and Management program. All eligible candidates will be interviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Whom do I contact if I have questions about the Environmental Science and Management program?
For questions about the Environmental Science and Management program please contact Dr. Mark Chopping at choppingm@montclair.edu.
Whom do I contact if I have questions about the application process?
For application questions please contact the Montclair State University Graduate School at graduate.school@montclair.edu.
Is university housing available for graduate students?
Yes, Montclair State University has apartment-style housing for graduate students. However, the majority of our students live in the surrounding areas and commute to campus. For more information about campus housing please visit the Graduate Student section of the Residential Life website.
Full Time vs Part Time
The full time status for graduate students has changed as of June 2020 from 9 credits to 6 credits. This facilitates students having better access to Financial Aid and the ability to have the university’s student health insurance. This ruling does not affect the assistantship requirement for registration. Doctoral and Graduate Assistants have historically needed to maintain a “full time” academic schedule if they were assigned to have 15 hours or more of Weekly Service Hours. The new Financial Aid ruling does not affect DAs and GAs as to how many credits they need to register for. Working more than 15 hours a week will still require that DAs and GAs register for at least 9 credits each semester.