You’ll apply for our Ph.D. programs through the University Graduate School, where you’ll also find the current application fee and detailed information on the application process. As part of the online application, you’ll need to have available:
We’re here to help you through the application process
For the Ph.D. in Public Affairs
- Statement of purpose
- Official copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE test results
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Writing sample
- Official TOEFL report (if applicable)
For the Ph.D. in Environmental Science
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Official TOEFL report (if applicable)
Application FAQ's
- Is there a word limit for an applicant's statement of purpose?
- Yes, there is a word limit of 750 words for the statement of purpose.
- Is there a word limit for an applicant's writing sample?
- No, there is no word limit for the writing sample.
- Are unofficial transcripts acceptable to upload on the application?
- Yes! Unofficial copies are the only transcripts applicants need to upload on our application.
- We ask applicants to send official copies of transcripts so that they can be deemed official sooner rather than later, should the applicant be admitted.
- Where do applicants send copies of their official transcripts?
- International applicants should send their official transcripts by traditional mail to the following address:
330 N. Eagleson Ave, Room 100
Bloomington, IN 47405 - Domestic applicants should send their official transcripts by eDelivery or by traditional mail.
- If sending by eDelivery, please utilize either Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and use oneilphd@iu.edu as the delivery email address (yes, 'O'Neill' with only one 'L').
- If sending by traditional mail, please have the issuing institution send your official transcripts to the following address:
O'Neill School Building
Attn: Kelli Jacobs or Bailey Bennett
1315 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405
- International applicants should send their official transcripts by traditional mail to the following address:
- What funding package is offered to admitted applicants?
- Something or remove question?
- Can the submission of GRE scores be waived?
- Submitting GRE scores is a required component of our application and something that the admissions committee likes to see from each applicant. However, applicants are more than welcome to submit their application without GRE scores and the admissions committee will still take a holistic review of their application. There is no formal process for obtaining a GRE waiver.
- Does the Public Affairs Ph.D. program accept Duolingo or IELTS as a test of English language proficiency?
- No, unfortunately our program only accepts the TOEFL as a test of English language proficiency.
- Can the submission of TOEFL scores be waived?
- Yes, applicants are not required to submit TOEFL scores if they have completed (or are currently completing) their bachelor's and/or master's degree from a United States institution.
- Does the Public Affairs Ph.D. Program offer application fee waivers?
- Unfortunately, our program does not offer application fee waivers. However, the Graduate School does. Information on how to request an application fee from the Graduate School can be found here.
- Do I need to have a faculty advisor before I apply?
- No, it is not required that applicants have a faculty advisor/sponsor before they apply to the Public Affairs Ph.D. program. However, applicants are more than welcome to reach out to O’Neill faculty members that they have an interest in working for/with.
Annual application deadlines
For the Ph.D. in Public Affairs
- Applications open September 1
- Deadline to apply for all applicants: January 1
Note: Admission decisions for are typically sent by the program in mid/late March
For the Ph.D. in Environmental Science
- Applications open September 1
- Deadline to apply for all applicants: January 1
Note: Admission decisions for fall admission are typically made by the program by early March in the year of admission.
For all degrees:
Calculate the cost of your degree
Estimate the cost of your doctoral degree using IU’s tuition and fee calculator, maintained by the Office of the Bursar.
Special information for international students
International students must apply online, but can have supporting documentation mailed. The IU Office of International Services can help you with your specific admissions concerns and questions about life in the United States. Like our domestic students, you’ll apply through University Graduate School, which has a section just for you.
Visit the Office of International Services Apply online through the University Graduate SchoolWe’re here for you
If you have additional questions, contact us.