Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences and Specialization Chemical and Environmental Toxicology at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

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Program overview

The Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences with a specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology is a comprehensive program designed for students aiming to delve deep into the complexities of Earth sciences and toxicology. Offered by the University of Ottawa in collaboration with Carleton University, this program emphasizes research and interdisciplinary learning. Students will engage with a variety of toxic substances and their effects on living systems, gaining insights into both organic and inorganic materials. The program is conducted in English and is structured to provide a robust academic foundation, preparing graduates for advanced research and professional opportunities in the field.

Program structure

The Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences and Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology is structured to provide a thorough academic experience over a duration of 48 consecutive months. The program is designed for full-time students and includes the following key components:

Thesis Requirement: Students must complete a thesis based on original research.
Collaborative Specialization: The program includes a collaborative specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology, enhancing the research and training available.
Research Facilities: Students have access to shared research facilities between the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Coursework: Students are required to complete a series of compulsory and optional courses relevant to Earth sciences and toxicology.
Seminars: Participation in seminars is mandatory, allowing students to present their research and engage with current topics in the field.

Overall, the program is designed to foster a deep understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of Earth sciences and toxicology, preparing students for a successful career in academia or industry.

Featured Experiences

The Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences and Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology offers several unique experiences that enhance the educational journey:

Collaborative Research: Students benefit from the collaborative nature of the program, working alongside faculty from both the University of Ottawa and Carleton University.
Access to Advanced Facilities: The program provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities, enabling hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Field Studies: Opportunities for field investigations are available, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Seminars and Workshops: Regular seminars and workshops are conducted, featuring guest speakers and experts in the field of toxicology and environmental sciences.
Interdisciplinary Approach: The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from various scientific disciplines to address complex environmental issues.

Career Options

Graduates of the Doctorate in Philosophy Earth Sciences and Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Environmental Consultant: Provide expert advice on environmental regulations and sustainability practices to organizations and government agencies.
Toxicologist: Study the effects of chemicals on living organisms and contribute to the development of safety standards and regulations.
Research Scientist: Conduct research in academic or industrial settings, focusing on environmental toxicology and related fields.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Work with government bodies to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations regarding chemical substances.
Academia: Pursue a career in teaching and research at universities, contributing to the education of future scientists in Earth sciences and toxicology.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make significant contributions to environmental science and public health.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2026-10-05

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Earth Sciences and Specialization Chemical and Environmental Toxicology, PhD

Degree Offered: PhD

Available Options for Program

Student status

Full-Time:	Yes
Part-Time:	No

Language

English:	Yes
French:	No

Minimum Requirements

B+ in a master's degree in Earth Sciences or a related discipline

Average time to completion

12 full-time terms; 48 consecutive month

Area(s) of specialization

Environmental geoscience
Geochemistry
Petrology
Geomathematics
Geomatics
Mineral resources studies
Sedimentary systems
Tectonics
Geophysics

Your complete admission package must include

Application Fee:	CA$125.00 (non-refundable)
Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation. Academic references preferred.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.
Language requirements (if applicable) Language proficiency test scores equivalencies:	French Program: TOEFL 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based) English Program: TOEFL 84/New TOEFL 4, 24 (Writing); 20 (Individual)/IELTS 6.5, 6.5 (Writing); 6 (Individual) (Internet-based)
Required document(s):	Resume A letter of intent outlining your career goals and proposed research area. We recommend that you contact potential thesis supervisors early. To register, you need to be accepted by a thesis supervisor. International students must show proof of funding in the form of a supervisor stipend and a combination of scholarships and/or in-trust accounts. A good knowledge of either English or French and good ability to write in English is required. Please note that non required admission documents will not be consulted, conserved or returned to the student. These documents will be destroyed according to our administrative procedures.

Language Requirements

Program-Specific English Requirements

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to understand, write and fluently speak the language of instruction (English) in the program to which they are applying. Proof of linguistic proficiency may be required.

Applicants whose first language is neither French nor English must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.

Note: Candidates are responsible for any fees associated with the language tests.

General Graduate English Requirements

English proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
TOEFL iBT Internet-based/Home Edition/Paper (for tests taken before January 21, 2026)*	84 (overall); 24 (writing); no partial score below 20
TOEFL iBT Internet-based / Home Edition/ Paper (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)*	4.5 or 86 (overall); 4.5 or 21 (writing); 4.5 or 22 (reading); 4.5 or 20 (listening); 4 or 20 (speaking)
IELTS Academic/ IELTS Academic One Skill Retake	6.5 (overall); 6.5 (writing); no partial score below 6
Cambridge English Proficiency Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	170 (overall); no partial score below 160
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	60 (overall); no partial score below 59
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)	70 (overall); no partial score below 60

* Effective January 21, 2026, TOEFL is changing its grading system to a 1-6 band scale instead of a 1-120 band scale. Score reports will include results on both scales for the next two years.

The University of Ottawa accepts TOEFL MyBest^®scores for the TOEFL iBT test.

French proficiency test chart

Test	Minimum Required Score
DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française)	C1/C2
TCF (Test de connaissance du français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2
TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)	B2 (overall); no partial score below B2

Where the program-specific and general graduate requirements above differ, whichever score is higher (stricter) applies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!