Integrated and Applied Sciences, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Integrated and Applied Sciences (IAS) doctoral program was established to broaden student exposure to all areas of science, encourage collaboration across departments and colleges, and better train graduate students to present their research to a more diverse audience. This interdisciplinary program is large enough to provide students with broad exposure to collaborative scientific projects, yet small enough for students to have one-on-one interaction with their faculty mentor. This personalized approach is necessary for developing the communication skills that will enhance employment opportunities for students and, in keeping with SLU's Jesuit tradition, endow them with tools to better contribute to society.

Leadership

Vasit Sagan, Ph.D.
     Program Director

Curriculum Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in integrated and applied sciences (IAS) utilizes interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration within the fields to prepare graduates to confidently assume multi-faceted roles in the changing scientific community. Students specialize in a concentration depending on their primary mentor’s research area. Concentrations include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science and GIS.

The distribution of courses in the various IAS areas is determined by the student’s dissertation committee with a minimum total of 30 credits between all three areas. A total of 42 credits are required with the remaining 12 credits coming from dissertation credits. An appropriate coursework track is developed by the student and their mentor with subsequent approval by the IAS administrative committee. A typical coursework structure includes:

• Participating departmental core courses (9–12 credits)
• Interdisciplinary credits (18–21 credits)
• Dissertation credits (12 credits)

Biology Concentration

This concentration is geared toward biological research with bioinformatics or integrated geospatial biology. Required core courses may be taken in the SLU's Department of Biology.

Chemistry Concentration

This concentration is for students interested in chemical research with substantial overlap with other biological or physical science and engineering disciplines.

Environmental Sciences and GIS Concentration

This concentration is for students interested in the application of geographic information systems (GIS) in the field of environmental sciences. Required courses are taken in SLU's Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, as well as the GIS program.

Physics Concentration

This concentration is geared toward students interested in the physics of solid-state and nanomaterials.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

This research-intensive doctoral program will train students for careers in pharmaceutical and biochemical industries, as well as in academia. The program’s scientific training takes place in an interdisciplinary environment with biology, biomedical science, chemistry, earth and atmospheric science, engineering, and physics faculty.

Careers

This doctoral program trains scientists for careers in academia as well as chemical, biological, environmental and geospatial science industries and prepares them to collaborate with other professionals. Scientific training takes place in an interdisciplinary environment with faculty from science departments in SLU's College of Arts and Sciences.

Admission Requirements

The integrated and applied sciences administrative committee will ensure that the applicant possesses a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, recognized college or university in a discipline relevant to the research of the integrated and applied sciences faculty mentor.

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Professional goals statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Review Process

The integrated and applied sciences administrative committee will ensure that the applicant's previous academic record indicates the ability needed to pursue advanced studies. The committee will then make an admissions recommendation to the graduate admissions department, which is responsible for making the final decision and communicating that decision to both the integrated and applied sciences program director and the applicant.

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed.  Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

1. Graduates will be able to use scientific principles underpinning the primary scientific discipline in which their concentration is based and by applying basic research methodology, demonstrate their application to their particular field of interest (chemistry, biology, physics, environmental science, sustainability science).
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate advanced creativity in scientific research methodology in their concentration and appropriately use techniques in a laboratory and/or field setting – including experimental, theoretical, and computational methods.
3. Graduates will be able to integrate methods, theories, paradigms, concepts etc. from more than one discipline.
4. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate (oral and written) results and conclusions from their research, describe techniques and methodology used, and apply their experiences in the greater world in which we live.

Non-Course Requirements

Assuming successful completion of oral and written comprehensive exams, students should complete the Ph.D. program in four to five years. Students entering the program with an appropriate M.S. degree may complete the program in less time, again assuming successful completion of oral and written comprehensive exams.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Biology Concentration

Chemistry Concentration

Environmental Sciences and GIS Concentration

Physics Concentration

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Program Notes

• Core courses are defined as lecture or lab course offered in concentration home department.
• Interdisciplinary courses are defined as lecture or lab course offered outside of concentration home department.

For more information about our program, please contact:

Vasit Sagan, Ph.D.
Integrated and Applied Sciences Program Director
vasit.sagan@slu.edu