Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program

Students completing the master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst or else- where may be accepted into the Environmental Conservation doctoral program but are formally admitted to candidacy only after the completion of a successful written and oral preliminary comprehensive examination as governed by the graduate program. Specific course requirements are determined by the student’s committee in order to complete the comprehensive examination in the above core topic areas. Doctoral candidates must complete an 18-credit dissertation specific to the degree concentration, successfully defend a dissertation, produce a minimum of three publishable scientific papers resulting from professional projects, and teach or assist in teaching at least one semester. The degree normally requires at least three years of study beyond the master’s degree.