Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering (Interdisciplinary)

The University of Texas at El Paso presents both an extraordinary setting and excellent capabilities for the multi-disciplinary doctoral program in Environmental Science and Engineering. Located on the U.S.-Mexico border and one of the most environmentally-impacted areas of North America, UTEP has established itself as a center of environmental research and development activity, with support from the EPA, the NSF, the Department of Energy, private foundations, and state agencies. With support and coordination from the Center for Environmental Resource Management (CERM), faculty and students from several departments conduct research often in collaboration with local agencies and national laboratories. With the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the establishment of a new EPA regional office in El Paso and of the joint U.S. and Mexico Border Environmental Cooperation Commission (BECC) in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and UTEP's already established base of collaborations with Mexico on environmental problems, UTEP and El Paso have become an internationally recognized source of cutting-edge research, technology, and education. The newly established Center for Inland Desalination Systems also works closely with this program.
Admission Requirements
Students with a Bachelors or graduate (Masters or above) degree in a discipline related to environmental science and engineering are eligible to apply to the ESE doctoral program. In addition to Graduate School requirements, students are expected to have superior academic records (cumulative GPA > 3.5/4.0). Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to demonstrate English proficiency. Please consult the graduate school website for required scores. Students must submit at least two letters of reference from individuals qualified to judge their capability to do doctoral-level work. A statement of purpose outlining the students research interests, motivations for joining the ESE program, and how participation in the ESE program will benefit the student’s mid to long term career goals is also required. Applicants will be notified of their admission status by the Graduate School.
Degree Requirements
Specific course requirements for each student will be determined by the student's Doctoral Advisory Committee. However, each student must complete at least a total of 60 hours beyond the undergraduate degree and 36 hours beyond the master's degree. With departmental approval, students entering the program with a master’s degree can transfer up to 24 semester hours of graduate coursework as advanced standing toward their PhD degree. For masters students, the sum of i) transferred hours (up to 24hrs), and ii) hours taken whilst enrolled in the ESE program (at least 36hrs) must equal or exceed a total of 60 hours. At least 30 hours of organized coursework are required within the 60 hours counted towards completion of the doctoral degree. Organized coursework must include certain ESE core courses, including ESE 6306 and ESE 6307 Interdisciplin Envir Prob Solv . The balance of the required 30 semester hours of organized coursework will be fulfilled by a selection of elective courses. Enrollment of the candidate in research and dissertation courses will complete the remainder of the 60 semester hours.
Prior to taking ESE core courses, all students are generally expected to have had the equivalent of basic courses in biology, chemistry, physical geology, and calculus, including differential equations. All full- time students are required to enroll in ESE 6107 during the fall and spring semesters. All students must complete a minimum of two (2) hours of ESE 6107. A maximum of six (6) hours of ESE 6107 will count towards fulfilling the requirements of the degree.
Note: All degree requirements must be completed within eight years.
Students are required to pass a qualifying examination based on material from the ESE core courses and any leveling courses they might have taken during the first two semesters of residence. Students are eligible to sit for the qualifying examination a maximum of two times.
All of the core classes are required and the student must obtain a grade of B or better in each of the core courses.
Students are encouraged to begin research germane to their dissertation topic early in the course of study. The student must identify a dissertation supervisor during the first two semesters of full-time or part-time participation in the ESE program. Within this same period, a Doctoral Committee must be formed, a dissertation proposal prepared for review and approval by the student’s committee, and an abstract of the proposal distributed to the ESE faculty for comment. Students will not be allowed to register for additional coursework until these requirements have been met.
Prior to enrolling in the dissertation courses, each student will take a comprehensive examination administered by the student’s Doctoral Advisory Committee. The examination can be written, oral, or both. Students are eligible to sit for the comprehensive exam a maximum of two times.
The dissertation must demonstrate the ability to perform independent research and the competence for scholarly exposition. It should present original investigation at an advanced level of a significant problem in Environmental Science and Engineering and should provide the basis for a publishable contribution to the research literature in the field. Students should enroll in ESE 6398 during the first term of dissertation work and ESE 6399 each term thereafter. Each doctoral candidate must successfully defend the dissertation before the Doctoral Advisory Committee.
A copy of the dissertation in PDF or Word electronic format must be submitted to the Graduate School for format check prior to the scheduled defense date. The dissertation, including an abstract not to exceed 350 words, must be prepared according to the Graduate School’s thesis and dissertation guidelines available at the Graduate School Web site. The student will receive email confirmation from the Graduate School after the format has been approved. The final Graduate School approved dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate School in PDF electronic format by the deadline as published in the Class Schedule along with a hard copy of the signature page with original signatures of the dissertation committee members. Information on submission procedures can be found on the Graduate School website. The signature page must be included in the PDF file but it should not be signed.
Curriculum
Semester-Hour Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Foundation/Leveling Courses | As needed | |
ESE Core Course | 18 | |
Environmental Project | 6 | |
Elective Courses * | 6-12 | |
Research | 18-24 | |
Dissertation | 6 | |
Total Hours | 54-66 |
- *
Can include six (6) hours of ESE 6107 and additional core courses, if approved by the student’s Doctoral Advisory Committee.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
ESE 6107 | Graduate Seminar | 1 |
ESE 6301 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
ESE 6303 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6402 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
ESE 6404 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6405 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
Environmental Projects | ||
ESE 6306 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 3 |
ESE 6307 | Interdisciplin Envir Prob Solv | 3 |
Elective Courses | ||
Select two to four elective courses with the approval of the graduate coordinator. | 6-12 | |
Research and Dissertation | ||
ESE 6396 | Doctoral Research | 3 |
ESE 6398 | Dissertation | 3 |
ESE 6399 | Dissertation | 3 |
Note: All students will take elective courses to fulfill the 60 semester-credit-hour requirement for this doctoral degree program. Only elective classes approved by the student’s committee qualify for this requirement.
Energy Science and Engineering Track
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
Select six of the following courses, including at least four from the Energy Engineering block: | ||
ESE 6107 | Graduate Seminar Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 1 |
ESE 6301 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
ESE 6303 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6402 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
ESE 6404 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6405 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
Energy Science and Engineering Track-Specific Core Courses | ||
ESE 6312 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6314 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6316 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6318 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6320 | Adv Topics in Energy Engr | 3 |
Environment Projects | ||
ESE 6306 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6307 | Interdisciplin Envir Prob Solv | 3 |
Elective Courses | ||
Select two to four of the following courses, or suitable alternatives, with approval of the graduate coordinator. | 6-12 | |
MECH 5328 | Fracture Mechanics | 3 |
ESE 6396 | Doctoral Research | 3 |
Research and Dissertation | ||
ESE 6396 | Doctoral Research | 3 |
ESE 6398 | Dissertation | 3 |
ESE 6399 | Dissertation | 3 |
Note: All students will take elective courses to fulfill the 60 semester-credit-hour requirement for this doctoral degree program. Only elective classes approved by the student’s committee qualify for this requirement. The list below is only a sample of course offerings.
Degree Plan
Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering
Required Credits: 60
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PhD in Environmental Science & Engineering Core (All courses require a grade of B or better) | ||
Required Courses: | ||
ESE 6301 | Environmental Law and Policy | 3 |
ESE 6303 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 3 |
ESE 6306 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 3 |
ESE 6307 | Interdisciplin Envir Prob Solv | 3 |
ESE 6402 | Environmental Chemistry | 4 |
ESE 6404 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 4 |
ESE 6405 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 4 |
PhD in Environmental Science & Engineering Major (All courses require a grade of C or better) | ||
Graduate Seminar: | ||
ESE 6107 | Graduate Seminar (Complete two semesters) | 2 |
Elective Courses: | ||
Select ten hours from the following: | 10 | |
Select Adv Topics Biol Science | ||
Resrch Biological Science | ||
Rsrch Funding & Prof Developmt | ||
Biogeography | ||
Biosystematics | ||
Advances/Evolutionary Theory | ||
Advances Immunological Concept | ||
Advances in Ecological Theory | ||
Physiology of Bacterial Cell | ||
Structure/Funct Macromolecules | ||
Molecular Pathogenesis | ||
Aquatic Ecology | ||
Basic Principles of Toxicology | ||
Gene Regulation | ||
Physiological Regulatory Mech | ||
Cell Physiology | ||
Rsrch Funding & Prof Developmt | ||
Adv Research Techniques | ||
Biodiversity | ||
Molecular Parasitology | ||
Independent Research | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Grndwtr Hydro & Polltn | ||
Adv Design of Struct Systms | ||
Advanced Structural Analysis | ||
Finite Element Method (3-0) | ||
Risk/Reliability Anal-Engr Sys | ||
Environmental Processes | ||
Water Reclamation & Reuse | ||
Stats Methods for Civil Eng | ||
Bridge Engineering | ||
Advanced Geotechnical Eng. | ||
Prestressed Concrete | ||
Construction Management | ||
Design for Dynamic Loads | ||
Air Pollution Control | ||
Methods Engineering Computatio | ||
Surface Water Hydrology | ||
Hydraulic Computer Application | ||
Biol Unit Operations/Processes | ||
Adv Phy-Chem Water Treat | ||
Design-Filtrat'n/Membrane Proc | ||
Mech Pavement Design/Analysis | ||
Foundation Design II | ||
Geotech. Site Investigation | ||
Advanced Civil Eng. Materials | ||
Sustainable Engr Design | ||
Structural Loads Models | ||
Traffic Engineering | ||
Foundation Design I | ||
Highway Geometric Design | ||
Traffic Flow/Simulat Modeling | ||
Urban Transportation Planning | ||
Infrastrct Syst Design & Eval | ||
Construction Dispute Resolutn | ||
Adv Constr Cost Analysis & Bid | ||
Construction Internship | ||
Adv Construction Law & Ethics | ||
Adv Construction Scheduling | ||
Advanced Construction Safety | ||
Adv Constr Methods & Materials | ||
Special Topics Civil Engr | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Earth Construction | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Construction Claims | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Environmental Eng Chemistry | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Civil Engineering Seminar | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Infrastructure Management | ||
Engineering Analysis (3-0) | ||
Infrastructure Engineering | ||
Water Resources Mgmt | ||
Mod Methods/Engr Computation | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Graduate Research in Chemistry | ||
Modern General Chemistry | ||
Advanced Analytical Chemistry | ||
Contem Topics Analytical Chem | ||
Advanced Organic Chemistry I | ||
Advanced Organic Chemistry II | ||
Contem Topics Organic Chemistr | ||
Contemp Topics in Biochemistry | ||
Anal./Model of Bio Structures | ||
Advanced Physical Chemistry I | ||
Advanced Physical Chemistry II | ||
Contemp Topics Physical Chem | ||
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Contemp Topics Inorganic Chem | ||
Graduate Research in Chemistry | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Graduate Research in Chemistry | ||
Teaching Practicum - Chemistry | ||
Advanced Analytical Chemistry | ||
Contemp Topics in Analyt Chem | ||
Advanced Organic Chemistry I | ||
Advanced Organic Chemistry II | ||
Contemp Topics in Organic Chem | ||
Advanced Biochemistry | ||
Contemp Topics in Biochemistry | ||
Adv Physical Chemistry I | ||
Advanced Physical Chemistry II | ||
Contemp Topics in Phys Chem | ||
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | ||
Contemp Topics Inorganic Chem | ||
Graduate Research in Chemistry | ||
Logical Foundations of CS | ||
Computer Networks | ||
Artificial Intelligence I | ||
Theory of Computation | ||
Human-Computer Interaction | ||
Topics in Language Processing | ||
Parallel & Concurrent Program | ||
Secure Web-Based Systems | ||
Advanced Operating Systems | ||
Advanced Computer Architecture | ||
Advanced Algorithms | ||
Interval Computations | ||
Computer Security | ||
Topics/Intelligent Computing | ||
Software Safety & Risk Anlysis | ||
Spec. & Desgn of Real-Time Sys | ||
Graduate Student Internship | ||
Software Construction | ||
Software Reverse Engineering | ||
Comp. Dec Making & Risk Anal | ||
Cyber-Sec for Critical Op Tech | ||
Topics in Software Engineering | ||
Model-Based Software Devlpmnt | ||
Software Requirements Engr | ||
Software Architecture & Design | ||
Software Integration and V&V | ||
Software Project Management | ||
Software Engineering Practicum | ||
Special Topic Computer Science | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Research Methods | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Logical Foundations of CS | ||
Theory of Computation | ||
Adv Computer Architecture | ||
Advanced Algorithms | ||
Special Topics | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Research Methods | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Doctoral Research | ||
Laboratory for EE 5318 | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Probability & Random Processes | ||
Computational Methods for EE | ||
Linear Systems Analysis | ||
Antenna Theory | ||
Semiconductor Device Physics | ||
Modern Semiconductor Devices | ||
Electronic Material Processing | ||
Nanoelectronics | ||
Adv Digital Communications | ||
Stat Infer for Signal Analysis | ||
EE 5325 | ||
EE 5326 | ||
Data Communications | ||
EE 5333 | ||
Adv Fiber Optic Communications | ||
Systems Engineering Fundamtls | ||
Systems Engineering Mgmt | ||
Requirements Engineering | ||
Integratn, Verifictn, Validatn | ||
Practicum in Elect & Comp Eng | ||
EE 5352 | ||
Biomed Signal & Image Process | ||
EE 5357 | ||
Computer Vision | ||
Fuzzy Logic & Engineering | ||
EE 5369 | ||
Operating Systems | ||
Digital Signal Processing | ||
Image Processing | ||
Computer Architecture I | ||
Advanced VLSI Design | ||
Network Protocols | ||
Energy Sustainability | ||
Smart Grid Fundamentals | ||
Advanced Trans Power Flow Cont | ||
EE 5386 | ||
Power System Operations | ||
Radar Signal Processing | ||
Special Topics Electrical Engr | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Research Methods | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Doctoral Seminar | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Special Topics | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Research Methods | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Arid Lands | ||
Climate Science | ||
Topics in Environmental Sci. | ||
Interdisciplin Envir Prob Solv | ||
Adv Topics in Energy Engr | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Selected Topics in Geol Scien | ||
Directed Study in Geology | ||
Selected Topics in Geol Scienc | ||
Directed Study in Geology | ||
Graduate Research in Geol Sci | ||
Computer Appl in Earth Sci | ||
Earth Structure | ||
Earth Materials | ||
Planetary Geology | ||
Mineral Resrcs, Econ & Environ | ||
Intro Entrepreneurial Geosci | ||
Selected Topics-Geological Sci | ||
Hydrogeology | ||
Petroleum Geology | ||
Environmental Tracers in Water | ||
Isotope Geology | ||
Advanced Petrology | ||
Directed Study in Geology | ||
Sandstone Petrography | ||
Sedimentary Depositional Envir | ||
Basin Analysis | ||
Quantit Techniq Geological Sci | ||
Low Temperature Geochemistry | ||
Global Biochemical Cycles | ||
Paleoclimatology | ||
Graduate Research in Geol Sci | ||
Geol/Mineral Resources Mexico | ||
Fundamentals of Earth Science | ||
Fundmtls/Fld Meth in Earth Sci | ||
Directed Study in Geology | ||
Adv Topics in Geological Scien | ||
Directed Study in Geology | ||
Doctoral Research in Geol Sci | ||
Directed Study in Geology | ||
Adv Topics in Geological Scien | ||
Sandstone Petrography | ||
Carbonate Petrogrph & Dep. Env | ||
Sedimentary Depositional Env | ||
Sequence Stratigraphy | ||
Hydrogeology | ||
Environmental Tracers in Water | ||
Doctoral Research in Geol Sci | ||
Directed Study in Geophysics | ||
Directed Study in Geophysics | ||
Atmospheric Processes | ||
Digital Image Processing | ||
Geophysical Inverse Theory | ||
Reflection Seismic Data Proces | ||
Seismology | ||
Topics in Geophysics | ||
Well Logging | ||
Plate Tectonics | ||
Directed Study in Geophysics | ||
Geop App-Digital Signal Proces | ||
Directed Study in Geophysics | ||
Directed Study in Geophysics | ||
Directed Study in Geophysics | ||
Advanced Seismology | ||
Advanced Seismic Methods | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Adv Production/Inven Control | ||
Linear and Combin Optimiz Meth | ||
Design/Analysis Indust Exprmnt | ||
Computer Simulation Appli | ||
Advanced Quality Control | ||
Special Topics Industrial Engr | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Topics in Applied Mathematics | ||
Principles of Analysis | ||
Principles of Algebra | ||
Numerical Analysis | ||
Comp Methods of Linear Algebra | ||
Real Variables | ||
General Topology | ||
Numer Solution Part Diff Equat | ||
Numerical Optimization | ||
Complex Variables | ||
Special Topics | ||
Mathematical Statistics I | ||
Mathematical Statistics II | ||
Statistics in Research | ||
Multivariate Data Analysis | ||
Time Series Analysis | ||
Statistical Computing | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Topics in Optimization | ||
Mathl Methods for Mech Eng | ||
Solid Mechanics I | ||
Heat Transfer I | ||
Comp. Fluid Dynamics | ||
Fluid Dynamics | ||
Thermodynamics | ||
Adv Finite Element Analysis | ||
Solid Mechanics II | ||
Mech of Composite Materials | ||
Analytical Dynamics | ||
Space Systems Design | ||
Aerospace Propulsion | ||
Aero Dynamics and Controls | ||
Special Topics Mechanical Engr | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Matls Extrac, Synth, & Process | ||
Phase Transformations & Micros | ||
Mechanical Behavior of Matls | ||
Advanced Matrls & Composites | ||
Special Topics | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Graduate Projects | ||
Microstruc & Microchem Charac | ||
Adv Concepts in Matls Sci Engr | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Graduate Research in Physics | ||
Mechanics | ||
Mathematical Physics | ||
Electrodynamics | ||
Quantum Mechanics | ||
Advanced Statistical Mechanics | ||
Solid State Physics | ||
Research Problems in Physics | ||
Special Topics in Physics | ||
Graduate Research in Physics | ||
Graduate Research in Physics | ||
Systems Engr Fundamentals | ||
Systems Engr Management | ||
Systems Requirements Analysis | ||
Sys Intgrtn, Verfctn, & Valdtn | ||
Sys Engr Project Practicum | ||
Systems Architecture & Design | ||
Systems Engr Processes | ||
Systems Modeling & Simulation | ||
Systems Engr Special Topics | ||
Individual Studies | ||
Graduate Seminar | ||
Statistical Programming | ||
Applied Experimental Design | ||
Categorical Data Analysis | ||
Post-Genomic Analysis | ||
Special Topics | ||
Mathematical Statistics I | ||
Mathematical Statistics II | ||
Applied Regression Models | ||
Stochastic Processes | ||
Multivariate Data Analysis | ||
Time Series Analysis | ||
Statistical Computing | ||
Graduate Research | ||
Intro to Statistical Analysis | ||
Statistical Machine Learning I | ||
Statistical Machine Learn. II | ||
Doctoral Research: | ||
ESE 6396 | Doctoral Research (Complete six semesters) | 18 |
Thesis: | ||
ESE 6398 & ESE 6399 | Dissertation and Dissertation | 6 |
Total Hours | 60 |
Concentration in Energy Science & Engineering
Required Credits: 60
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Energy Science & Engineering Core (All courses require a grade of B or better) | ||
Specific Core Courses: | ||
Select four courses from the following: | 12 | |
ESE 6312 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6314 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6316 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6318 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
Adv Topics in Energy Engr | ||
Electives: | ||
Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
Environmental Law and Policy | ||
ESE 6303 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6312 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6314 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6316 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6318 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
Adv Topics in Energy Engr | ||
Environmental Chemistry | ||
ESE 6404 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
ESE 6405 | Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | |
Energy Science and Engineering (All courses require a grade of C or better) | ||
Env & Energy Projects: | ||
ESE 6306 & ESE 6307 | and Interdisciplin Envir Prob Solv Course currently in degree plan, but no longer offered. Please see advisor for substitution. | 6 |
Doctoral Research: | ||
ESE 6396 | Doctoral Research (Complete six semesters) | 18 |
Thesis: | ||
ESE 6398 & ESE 6399 | Dissertation and Dissertation | 6 |
Total Hours | 48 |
1 ESE 6396 Doctoral Research may be substituted up to two times.