University of Georgia
Prior to starting the ILS Application
Questions about the PhD ILS application should be sent to [email protected]

ILS manages applications for multiple PhD graduate programs. Please review participating the Environmental Health Science faculty directory prior to starting the application.  

International Students: Please review supplemental requirements prior to applying; verified English Language proficiency scores are required for application review. For more information, please visit: https://grad.uga.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applications/. 

  • We strongly encourage you review the ILS frequently asked questions page prior to starting your application (https://ils.uga.edu/admissions/faq/).
  • ILS is NOT able to provide application fee waivers. Please refer to the UGA Graduate School regarding fee waivers (https://grad.uga.edu/admissions/application-fee/). 
  • The GRE is NOT a required component of the application. 
  • ILS does NOT require a writing sample or copies of publications 
How to apply

The Environmental Health Science PhD program admits students through the Integrated Life Sciences (ILS) program. The ILS program allows first-year graduate students to explore the research areas of more than 270 faculty and 16 participating PhD graduate programs. A hallmark of this competitive graduate program is its emphasis on existing and emerging interdisciplinary research areas. During the Fall semester, entering students perform three laboratory rotations and follow a streamlined and innovative curriculum designed to facilitate the transition to graduate education and research. At the end of the Fall semester, students choose a graduate program and thesis advisor to oversee their thesis research. From that point forward students are a member of their chosen graduate program.   

Please visit the ILS website for more details on the program, participating faculty, and admissions processes. ILS only admits students for Fall semester; applications for matriculation in spring or summer semesters are not accepted. ILS program applications must be submitted to the UGA Graduate School using the ILS major code (PHD_ILSC). All application materials must be complete by December 1st at 11:59 PM EST for the following Fall term. For example, applications to begin the program in Fall 2025 must be completed in entirety by December 1, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST.  

Step 1: Submit an official online application to the UGA Graduate School 

  • Website: https://gradapply.uga.edu/apply/. 
  • Please select the following on the Program/Term Selection page. 
  • Campus: Athens 
  • Degree Level: Doctoral 
  • Intended Program: PHD, Integrated Life Sciences [PHD_ILSC] 

Step 2: Complete the ILS Secondary Application Form 

For your application to be considered complete, the ILS Secondary Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on December 1. 

  • After submitting the UGA Graduate School application, you will receive an invitation to complete the ILS Secondary Application Form. This form is critical to the evaluation of your application. Please check your spam folder.
  • Before beginning this form, please prepare the following: 

Step 3: Make sure you have included required items in your application prior to the December 1 deadlilne

  • Application fee payment 
  • Three letters of recommendation 
  • Current CV/resume 
  • Statement of purpose (see below for more details) 
  • Verified English Language Proficiency scores (if applicable)

PhD ILS Environmental Health Science Applications