The Louisiana State University’s Department of Environmental Sciences has multiple funded positions for doctoral students. Positions are available in a diversity of research groups. Applications are invited from students interested in microbiology, molecular biology, food webs, geographic information systems (GIS), environmental chemistry, toxicology, landscape ecology, law, social science, colloid and surface science, environmental policy and management, resilience, phytoplankton ecology, and renewable energy systems.

Successful candidates will likely have a GPA of at least 3.0, prior research experiences, and prerequisite courses, such as introductory statistics, chemistry, biology, and other natural sciences. Applicant must be attentive to detail, mature, responsible, capable of thinking critically and working independently, and meticulous.

The preliminary stipend is $23,000 per 9 months, and summer months will be further funded based on the student’s research productivity. Tuition costs are covered by the department, but fees are not. The student will spend an average of 20 hours/week on dissertation research in their respective research group and 20 hours/week serving as a departmental teaching assistant (TA) in cooperation with LSU Online. TA duties will include assisting with existing courses, e.g., ENVS 1126, ENVS 2126, and other large-enrollment courses. TA duties will also include the development, administration, and delivery of novel ENVS courses and assessments.

Standardized tests are encouraged but not required. The most successful candidates will have GRE scores of at least 150 verbal and 150 quantitative. Preferred TOEFL scores for international students are at least 213 computer, 550 paper, or 80 internet-based.

If interested, the applicant should first identify a preferred faculty mentor by evaluating faculty websites available at https://www.lsu.edu/cce/about/cce-directories/envs-directory.php. Then, the applicant should submit application materials to that faculty member, ideally by June 1, 2024. Application materials may include unofficial transcripts, the contact information for 3 references, a personal statement, resume/CV, GRE scores, papers that include the applicant as an author, the name of the preferred faculty mentor, and other products that support the application.

After preliminary evaluation by the faculty member, finalists will be invited to submit a formal application to the LSU Graduate School for the Department of Environmental Sciences. Teaching assistantships begin in Fall of 2024. LSU is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity / equal access employer.

Process for Applying to the MS in Geology Program at ECU

Contact for general questions about the program: Eric Horsman – horsmane@ecu.edu

0. Communicate with Advisors
   We generally do not admit students to our program unless a graduate advisor has agreed in advance to work with them. So contact potential advisors in advance to discuss research opportunities, possibilities for funding, etc. For information about possible advisors, consult the PDF emailed to you.
1. Deadlines
   For admission in the upcoming Fall semester, we strongly encourage you to have your application to the MS in Geology program entirely complete before 1 February. This ensures your application will be given fullest consideration for financial support. The later your application is completed, the fewer resources are likely to be available to support you. However, we are still able to consider applications that arrive as late 1 August. For admission in the upcoming Spring semester, contact the Graduate Program Director (horsmane@ecu.edu) for deadlines.
2. Application
   Complete your application via the ECU portal: https://gradschool.ecu.edu/application-process/. Applications will not be processed or reviewed until all required documents have been received and the non-refundable application fee has been submitted. You may save your application and return to it at a later time. Once your application is submitted, you will not be able to make changes.
3. Official Transcripts
   A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 is required to qualify for admission by the ECU Graduate School. Official transcripts are required and must be sent directly to ECU from your academic institution. ECU requires transcripts for the following:

• any post-secondary coursework completed in the last 5 years (including geoscience field course)
• all transcripts showing a degree earned
• transcripts that include coursework older than 5 years if it completes more than 50% of the degree.
  ECU will accept official transcripts electronically or via postal mail. The addresses are listed below:
  Electronic transcripts: Postal mail: gradschool@ecu.edu ECU Graduate School
  131 Ragsdale Hall, Mail Stop 570 Greenville, NC 27858

0. GRE Test Scores
   GRE scores are not required for admission to our program. You may choose to submit them, in which case please use GRE
   school code 5180 for ECU is 5180.
1. Letters of Reference
   Three reference letters are required. Reference providers must submit their letters electronically. Applicants will enter the name and email address of their recommender(s) and automatic communication will be emailed to them to complete a form and upload their letter of reference.
   When gathering letters of recommendation, approach people who can provide a strong, personal letter that focuses on your academic and intellectual abilities. Comments on your positive character traits and professional experience, while helpful, are not as relevant as comments on your ability to succeed academically.
2. Personal Statement of Purpose
   The Statement of Purpose is a short essay (usually 250-500 words) describing your academic interests, how you would pursue them in the graduate program at ECU, and what your plans are after graduate school. This writing sample is a very important part of your application and is given considerable weight by our graduate program. Be sure to state your academic interests clearly and include reasons why our program is the best place for you to pursue your graduate education.
   Your Statement of Purpose is submitted electronically as part of your application
3. Application Fee
   You are required to submit a $75 non-refundable application fee following submission of your online application. You will receive an email with detailed instructions on submitting the fee after you submit your application. Please note: Applications and materials will not be processed or reviewed until the application fee is submitted.
   Application Processing
   Upon submission of your application, a Graduate Application Specialist will be assigned to your application file. You will receive communication from your Specialist regarding application requirements. You may also reach out to your Specialist if you have questions.