Applying to Environment, Resources and Energy Policy

Applying to & Funding opportunities for our program

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree. All disciplines are welcome.
• 2 letters of recommendation from professors or employers
• Statement of purpose (see tips below)
• The GRE is optional
• TOEFL scores for international students: a minimum of 79 internet-based test (iBT) or 550 paper-based test (PBT)

HOW TO WRITE A STRONG STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Your statement of purpose assists us in making acceptance and funding decisions. This brief essay of 1-2 pages is your opportunity to:

• Weave your personal “data points” (previous degree, grades, jobs, and life experiences) into a narrative that helps us understand who you are and why you want to join Environment, Resources and Energy Policy (ENREP)
• Highlight aspects of your career goals and background that are important to your trajectory, but not readily seen in your transcripts.
• Show that you have done your homework on the ENREP program by telling us how and why it would help you achieve your career goals.

Please include the following sections:

Career goals:  Explain your professional goals and how an ENREP degree will help you reach them. You may choose to include personal stories that affect your decision to pursue the ENREP degree. You may want to mention faculty whose research relates to your interests.

Background:  Explain the experience and skills you will bring with you to ENREP and how they have prepared you for graduate study. This is also the place to discuss anything that might concern the Committee, such as if you have a dip in your GPA.

TA qualifications (optional): Some ENREP students work as teaching assistants (TAs) for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences department. These competitive positions are paid hourly and do not include tuition waivers or health insurance. While responsibilities vary, most TAs help grade papers and exams, guide classroom discussions, and manage course logistics. If you want to be considered for a TA position, explain why you would like this opportunity and tell us about academic, professional, and/or personal experiences that would make you a good TA.

• Teaching Assistants: Each semester we offer several teaching assistant positions, paid on an hourly basis, typically for 5-10hrs per week. These are competitive and offered on a rolling basis.
• Research Assistants: Professors may hire research assistants with their own research grant funding. Reach out to individual professors to inquire about these opportunities.

Other Funding Opportunities and Financial Aid

• Payne Scholars Program
• Three credits available for a Paid Internship
• Mines Financial Aid Office
• If already employed, ask your company for tuition support

QUESTIONS?

Reach out to program director, Dr. Derrick Hudson at dkhudson@mines.edu