Emory University Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) PhD Scholarship

Applications are now open for the Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) PhD Program at Emory University, an interdisciplinary opportunity for students passionate about addressing global environmental challenges. This program integrates natural and social sciences, focusing on climate change, environmental health, justice, sustainable ecosystem management, and biodiversity. The program, starting in Fall 2025, is fully funded with a competitive stipend for four years, with potential additional funding through grants or faculty advisors.

It welcomes applicants with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and community engagement, particularly those aligned with faculty expertise. Applications are accepted from September to December 1, 2025, with no application fee, making it accessible to all eligible candidates, including international students (TOEFL/IELTS required if English is not the primary language of instruction). You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details

• Cohort Size: 4–5 students per year
• Duration: 4–5 years (2 years coursework, preliminary research, and post-candidacy research)
• Funding: Fully funded for 4 years with a competitive stipend; additional years may be funded via external grants or faculty advisors
• Fields of Study: Climate change, environmental health, justice, sustainable ecosystem management, biodiversity, and disease ecology
• Application Period: September 1 – December 1, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
• Application Fee: $75, waived for all ESS applicants

Research Themes

The ESS program focuses on three core themes, blending natural and social sciences to create impactful solutions:

1. Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Justice

• Explores climate risks, air quality, and social inequities.
• Focuses on adaptation solutions for justice and resilience in vulnerable communities.
• Research includes urban disasters, climate migration, air pollution, and equitable emissions reduction strategies.

2. Sustainable Ecosystem Management

• Examines human impacts on ecosystems, from agriculture to urban environments.
• Investigates land use changes, ecosystem services, biodiversity, and sustainable practices.
• Develops policies for sustainable agriculture and urban green infrastructure.

3. Biodiversity and Disease Ecology

• Studies interactions between environmental change and species health.
• Analyzes species interactions, invasive species, and zoonotic disease emergence in the context of global health.

Golden Opportunity: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships 2026/27 (Fully Funded PhD in UK)

Research Methods

The program employs diverse methodologies to address environmental and social systems:

• Geospatial Analysis and Remote Sensing: Uses GIS and remote sensing to model land use, climate impacts, and ecological dynamics.
• Epidemiological, Ecological, and Emissions Modeling: Applies advanced modeling to inform conservation, public health, and climate mitigation.
• Social Science Methods: Includes surveys, interviews, and ethnographic studies to understand community perspectives.
• Community-Based Participatory Research: Collaborates with local communities, Indigenous groups, and stakeholders to co-develop sustainable solutions.

Also Check: National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (Fully Funded)

Application Process

Applications for the ESS PhD program open in September and close at 11:59 PM EST on December 1. Apply online through the Laney Graduate School (LGS). The $75 application fee is waived for all ESS applicants.

Application Requirements

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for review.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters, submitted online by recommenders. Contact the program if a recommender cannot use the online system.
• Faculty Interest: Identify at least three faculty members (two core, one or two affiliated) whose work aligns with your research interests.
• Statement of Purpose: A 2-page (recommended, double-spaced) statement detailing your academic, professional, and research experiences, field of interest, research plans, and career goals. Avoid using AI platforms.
• Writing Sample: A substantial piece (e.g., academic article, research project, or opinion piece) showcasing research and writing skills. Published work is not required.
• Language Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores are required if English is not your first language and your instruction was not in English. Use institution code 5187 for TOEFL.

Check this amazing scholarship: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarships 2025-2026

Admissions Timeline

• September–December 1: Applications accepted.
• January–February: Application reviews and faculty fit assessments.
• By February 7, 2025: Zoom interview invitations sent.
• Late February–March: Admission offers extended.

Also check: KAUST Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities 2025/2026

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated holistically based on:

• Academic preparation and scholarly potential.
• Alignment with program research opportunities.
• Non-traditional learning experiences.
• Leadership, community involvement, resilience, and collaboration.