Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science

The Doctoral Program in Environmental Science attracts students from various disciplines who are interested in research on the causes of or solutions to the pressing environmental problems of our time, using perspectives from different disciplines. It prepares students for careers in teaching and research within universities and colleges, and also in government laboratories or private organizations where fundamental research on the environment is carried out. The program is designed to provide a broad knowledge of current environmental research issues, and specific training in the most appropriate research methodologies to address questions that lie at the interface between traditional science disciplines. The degree program has been designed so that it can be completed within four years for students who have completed a related master's degree.
The problems of environmental science attract students whose interests and backgrounds do not fit neatly into traditional science boundaries such as geology, chemistry, biology, engineering, geography or physics. Our program allows for students to tackle research projects that need to make use of research concepts, approaches and tools from more than one of these fields. We provide access to a broad range of faculty expertise, facilities and courses. Our goal is to foster the interdisciplinary research work that is critical for finding solutions to, or elucidating the root causes of, today's pressing environmental challenges. We also encourage the inclusion of the social sciences where appropriate. We hope our students learn as much from each other as they do from their courses and research experiences, and we therefore strive to make UTSC a welcoming and interactive place. Research and teaching are focused on the interfaces between traditional disciplines in dealing with fundamental scientific issues. Faculty members are cross-appointed from several departments including physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, forestry and social sciences.

Applicants may be accepted into the PhD program:

Following completion of the MEnvSc degree, an MSc degree in environmental science, or a related discipline, or the MASc degree in environmental engineering or related discipline, or equivalent from a recognized university with a minimum of B+ average in all work completed in the master's program.

By requesting transfer from a suitable master's program (see above); students may reclassify from the master's program after 12 months of full-time study. Transfer from the MEnvSc program is not permitted

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Required score: 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Including Writing and Speaking Sections: Overall score: 93; Writing: 22; Speaking: 22
Academic English Level 60: Required score: B
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Online: Required score: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): Required score: 76 minimum total with at least 22 in each component and 32 in writing
Cambridge Assessment English: Required score: minimum 185 overall with at least 176 in each component.