Prospective graduate students applying to the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University are required to submit a Statement of Interest that follows the structured format outlined below. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in the statement being rejected without review.

Formatting and Submission Requirements:

• The Statement of Interest must be structured as a numbered document (see below).
• The total length must not exceed two (2) single-spaced pages.
• Statements that do not address each of the four (4) prompts and follow the prescribed order will be rejected without review.
• Prospective students are highly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors before submitting their application.

Statement of Interest Structure:

1. Interest in the Graduate Program (200–300 words)

Explain why you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree within the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University. Address the following:

• Your academic and professional background as it relates to environmental and societal challenges.
• Your motivation for selecting this program specifically.
• How this graduate program aligns with your long-term career or research goals.

2. Research Interests and Faculty Connection (200–300 words)

Describe your specific research interests and how they align with ongoing or planned research conducted by tenure-track or tenured faculty members in the department. Be explicit in referencing faculty whose work relates to your interests, including:

• How your proposed research or area of interest aligns with the faculty member or members’ expertise.
• How you envision contributing to existing research projects or expanding on related work. If you have not discussed this with your potential advisor(s) or do not yet know how you might contribute to or expand on their work, please clarify why not.
• Why you believe this faculty member (or members) would be a suitable advisor for your research.

Note: Applicants who do not explicitly connect their research interests to the work of faculty in the department will not be considered.

3. Communication with Potential Advisors (100 words)

Indicate whether you have communicated with any potential faculty advisors before submitting your application. Provide:

• The names of the faculty members you have contacted.
• A brief summary of the discussions you have had regarding potential research opportunities and mentorship.

Note: Applicants who do not explicitly connect their research interests to the work of faculty in the department will not be considered.

4. Financial Need (100 words)

Describe your financial needs and funding expectations. Specifically, indicate:

• Whether you require a standard 20-hour per week research assistantship (including tuition, fees, and health insurance).
• If you have secured or plan to secure external funding sources (e.g., scholarships, fellowships, employer support).

By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can ensure that their Statement of Interest meets departmental expectations and maximizes their chances for consideration.

For any questions regarding the application process, please visit the Department of Environment and Society’s website or contact the graduate program coordinator, Ms. Becky Hirst (becky.hirst@usu.edu)