Doctor of Philosophy in Biological and Environmental Sciences - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

This interdisciplinary program involves faculty from multiple departments and offers five diverse areas of specialization, ranging from molecular biology to sustainable agriculture systems. The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) graduate specialization takes a systems-based, interdisciplinary approach to the biological and environmental sciences as applied to agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, nutrition, and food safety. Our diverse group of faculty, with contributors from both the natural and social sciences, use a broad array of approaches to help achieve economically and ecologically sustainable production, management, consumption, and utilization of plants and animals for the development of healthy communities.

Areas of research include animal science, aquaculture, aquatic pathology, ecological anthropology, ethnobiology, entomology, fisheries, nutrition and food sciences, plant sciences, resource economics and policy, and integrated agriculture and food systems. SAFS benefits from the outstanding extension and outreach programs of the Rhode Island Agricultural Experiment Station, Rhode Island Sea Grant, and the Coastal Resources Center. We have established solid relationships with stakeholders (industry, local, state, and federal government, non-governmental organizations), and actively disseminate our research to stakeholders both locally and globally to facilitate the sustainable growth of the industry.

Admission is quite competitive and applicants with GPAs below 3.0 are rarely admitted Applicants with a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0 may be considered if there is other evidence of exceptional promise included with the application Possible sources of evidence include relevant professional experience as evidenced by publications or letters of recommendation andor high GRE test scores 90th percentile or above

The percentage and number of admitted applicants varies over time depending on faculty commitments and funding available However over the last several years between 10-30 percent of applicants are admitted to the graduate program

An unofficial copy of your transcripts Official copies are required after admission Instructions for submitting the official transcript will be provided in the admission letter
At the beginning of your personal statement please list the names of one or more potential advisors in boldface type
Two reference letters Additional letters will be considered although only two are required
Consider submitting any additional materials that provide direct evidence of relevant experience or writing ability such as published papers research

TOEFL IBT -
An overall score of 80 or above 82 for teaching assistantship consideration AND
Minimum scores in the following areas -
Reading 19
Writing 18
Listening 17
Speaking 18 the suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 20.
If you are below the minimum in one area by two points or in two areas by one point but have an overall score of 80 or above the Dean will make a determination if you can be considered.
IELTS -
International English Language Testing System IELTS All scores must be sent directly to URI Required minimum score of 6.5 AND minimum scores in the following areas -
Reading 6.5
Writing 6.5
Listening 6.5
Speaking 6.5. The suggested minimum speaking score for a teaching assistantship is 7.
The minimum score on the Paper-based TOEFL is 550.

Pearson Test of English - Required minimum scores are Reading 53 Writing 59 Listening 47 and Speaking 47 - 62 for international teaching assistants.