Fast-Track B.S. to Ph.D. Program

The UTA Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences doctoral program provides students with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in environmental and Earth sciences. Dissertation research is the heart of the doctoral program, and it is supported by carefully selected coursework and development of competency in specific research skills. The B.S. to Ph.D. fast-track program permits highly qualified students who already have a bachelor‘s degree to complete a Ph.D. without obtaining a master‘s degree.

The dissertation is an original and independent research project carried out under the supervision of a department faculty member. The most important element of success in completing the doctoral program is selection of a faculty research advisor and dissertation research topic. Students considering the Ph.D. program should contact faculty members with research interests that match their own interests.

The student’s program of coursework is designed in consultation with a faculty advisor and faculty committee to support the student’s dissertation research, taking into account their previous background and the need for interdisciplinary training to solve environmental problems. Students in the EES B.S. to Ph.D. fast-track program must take 15 hours of core courses in environmental and Earth sciences. In addition to their primary area of emphasis, the discipline in which dissertation research is conducted, courses are assigned in a secondary area of emphasis to provide interdisciplinary training. Also, by taking courses, passing examinations, or other means, doctoral students must demonstrate proficiency in a research tool such as statistical data analysis, mathematical modeling, computer programming, or operations research.

More information about the EES doctoral program can be found in the University Catalog.