PSU's Earth, Environment and Society doctoral program is a collaborative degree, primarily drawing students from the disciplines of environmental science and management, geography, and geology. Our Ph.D. program prepares you for an impactful career as a professional scientist or launches your continued studies in geology, conservation, geography, GIS, or climate science.
Our students engage in relevant research while acquiring advanced academic training in a wide variety of environmental issues. Through this doctoral program, you'll also benefit from our close partnerships with federal and nonprofit environmental partner organizations and have opportunities to connect with other professionals and researchers in the area through conferences, seminars, and events.

Study Earth, Environment and Society at Portland State University, a PhD degree offered at its main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for September 26, 2026.
About PhD in Earth, Environment and Society
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Earth, Environment and Society at Portland State University
Entry Requirements
- Copies of official degree certificate/diploma
- Certified translation of transcripts
- Financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
English Requirements
- PTEMin 60
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Career Opportunities after Completing PhD in Earth, Environment and Society
Most of our alumni have landed jobs in research or teaching at colleges and universities, in industry working in environmental compliance or consulting, or in government.
Employers range from the region's global companies such as Nike, Intel, and Amazon, to influential nonprofit and governmental agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, The Nature Conservancy, and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
The knowledge and skills you gain in our program prepare you for work in a variety of fields, including:
- Climate science
- Geology
- Hydrology
- Forest ecology and vegetation dynamics
- Biology
- Marine science
- Geographic information and spatial data science
- Meteorology
- Earth science
- Zoology
- Resources management
- Urban sustainability and resilience
Fee Information
How to Apply
- Complete the graduate application
- Send the Graduate School’s Admissions office your official academic transcripts
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency
- Provide financial documentation demonstrating adequate financial support for at least the first year of study
- Depending on the individual graduate program that you are applying for, additional department requirements may include:
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Standardized test scores, e.g., GRE (not required by all programs)
- Resume
- Writing samples
- Portfolio
United States of America, Aberdeen