PhD Sustainable Energy at Arizona State University

Programme overview

Society is in the midst of a transition toward sustainable energy. Because the global energy system is a complex, sociotechnical system, the transition toward sustainable energy requires the next generation of leaders to possess a transdisciplinary perspective comprising both technical and societal dimensions of energy. The Doctor of Philosophy degree in sustainable energy integrates these perspectives in preparing you to address the challenges in energy transitions.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (17 credit hours) SOS 571 Sustainable Energy Technologies and Systems (3) SOS 572 Sustainable Energy Transitions (3) SOS 573 Sustainable Energy Policy (3) SOS 574 Data Analytics for Sustainable Energy (3) SOS 575 Sustainable Energy Research Seminar (4) SOS 589 Community of Graduate Student Scholars (1) Electives or Research (42 credit hours) Other Requirement (13 credit hours) SOS 792 Research (13) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SOS 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information Students take SOS 575 in four different semester terms for 1 credit hour each term.

Career pathways

Professionals with expertise in sustainable energy are in high demand across industries, including academia, business, planning and government. Career examples: chief sustainability officer, director of policy advocacy, energy analyst, professor, project manager, renewable energy project manager, researcher, science and technology policy advisor.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts resume or curriculum vitae statement of intent three letters of recommendation proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. The school encourages applicants with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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