In order to receive the PhD degree, the research student must plan and carry out original and independent research, which has an innovative and substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in the field of environmental or geographic research, as well as write a scientific essay (doctoral thesis) according to the structure and nomenclature accepted in the research discipline. Also, the research student must successfully complete the curriculum, including all other duties that apply according to the School of Environmental Sciences (SES) regulations and the Authority for Advanced Studies - the Bloom School of Advanced Studies.

These regulations supplement the study requirements established by the Bloom School's Authority for Advanced Studies for PhD programs, of which all instructions apply in SES.

School committee for PhD studies

The school council will elect the committee for PhD studies. The committee members will have an appointment at the university at the rank of senior lecturer or higher in the regular academic track, with at least half of the committee member's position being anchored in the school. Appointing a member who does not meet these criteria requires the Dean's approval.

At least four members will be appointed by the committee, one of whom will be the SES director. The committee will nominate one of the members as chairman (not the SES director). PhD committee members will serve a three-year, with an option for re-election. If a committee member is absent due to sabbatical, retirement, or any other reason, the diminished school council shall select a permanent or temporary replacement, contingent on the circumstances. As required, the committee will convene meetings.

Main roles of the committee

Setting the school admission conditions for candidates for PhD studies subject to the general university admission requirements.
Setting and publishing the school criteria and uniform guidelines for submitting applications for admission to doctoral studies, and examining the statement of intentions for a doctoral degree, in addition to all the additional documents required for admission to doctoral studies.
Discussion of requests for admission or rejection for PhD studies.
Ongoing supervision of the proper execution of the curriculum defined by the supervisor and the doctoral committee of the school.
Approval of supervisor(s) for the doctoral thesis and addition or replacement of a supervisor if necessary.
Monitoring the fulfillment of the obligation to submit the research proposal on time, and supervising the corrections required by the readers of the proposal, if there were any.
Follow-up of the annual progress reports and extension requests for studies when due.
Suggesting recommendations regarding the awarding of prizes, scholarships, research grants and other supports to PhD students.
Confirmation of the prevention of conflict of interest between a supervisor, including a member of an accompanying committee (for a student and/or between a student and a judge and/or between a supervisor and a judge).
Supervising the introduction of corrections, changes, and additions to the research proposal and the doctoral thesis based on the referees' recommendations.
Confirmation regarding the completion of the study obligations for a PhD.

Admission conditions and procedures

An average score of at least 90 in each of the courses for a bachelor's degree from a recognized higher education institution in Israel or abroad as well as at the end of the first year of the master's degree studies. During this year, one must attend and complete courses amounting to 13 hours per week with numerical grades, as well as submit a seminar paper that was graded at least 90.
Two recommendations from academic staff members.
Written consent of the supervisor of the doctoral thesis.
A statement of the candidate's intentions regarding the proposed research topic (about 3-5 pages), approved by the supervisor of the designated doctoral thesis.
The SES PhD committeeis entitled to invite the student to an interview with the committee of the school for PhD studies as a condition for their admission to studies.
Admission to the direct doctoral program is restricted to the initial or subsequent semester of the master's degree program during the first year of study. Admission to a straight doctoral program is contingent upon the successful completion of the initial year of study toward a master's degree.
The documents (sheets and grades and certificates of bachelor's and master's degrees) of candidates who are accredited by universities or colleges outside of Israel that are recognized in Israel or, including accredited by universities with branches in Israel that operate with the approval of the Council for Higher Education, will be submitted to the school's secretariat to check their compliance with the admission conditions. These candidates, as mentioned, will be required to successfully pass the GRE test (Test General) and be in the 70% percentile in each of the three components of the test. Passing this test is a condition of registration and one of the conditions of admission to studies. Alternatively, the candidate will be required to complete at least four courses determined by the school committee with a total of 16 hours per week with an average grade of at least 84, provided that one of the courses, as mentioned earlier, will be at level 3 and will require the writing of a seminar paper, these studies will be carried out as part of preliminary research.

Candidates with a master's degree from a recognized institution of higher education without a thesis will be required to complete a preliminary research study course, before starting their doctoral studies, detailed information can be read under the master's degree title.

Registration for doctoral studies

Contacting a potential supervisor and getting their consent in principle for supervision, as well as coordinating the research topic.
A supervisor must be a permanent school faculty member in the researcher's track (track A). Guidance by a supervisor who is not a faculty member in track A requires special approval from the committee.
The supervisor must sign a statement of intent and submit it to the committee.
The applicant for PhD studies must register through the online registration portal of the Student Administration Division.
A candidate for PhD studies must submit the following documents:

CV in Hebrew or English.
Graduation certificates of B.A and M.A studies, including grade sheets.
A statement of intent (3-5 pages) written in Hebrew or English and approved and signed by the designated supervisor(s). Guidelines for writing a statement of intent.
Summary of the proposed research topic in Hebrew or English (up to a page).
At least two letters of recommendation from members of the academic staff who know the candidate personally will be sent directly by the recommenders to the departmental committee. One of the letters of recommendation will be from the supervisor of the research dissertation.
Each letter of recommendation will be accompanied by a recommendation form for the candidate for the student's full doctoral studies and signed by the recommender.
Academic publications (if any).

The doctoral committee reserves the right to invite the candidate to an admissions interview.

Guidelines for writing the statement of intent for the doctoral thesis within the School of Environmental Sciences

The statement of intent will be between 3 - 5 printed pages with 1.5 spacing, according to the proper scientific writing rules, not including a bibliography.
The statement will include the research topic, the rationale for carrying out the research, the purpose of the research and its innovation, and the theoretical background (anchoring the proposed research in relevant bodies of knowledge), the importance and innovation of the research, and the method of conducting the research (the research structure, the research population, the research variables, the research tools, and potential biases). Studies requiring access to sensitive information (medical files, security material, etc.) Must include the required information, how it will be obtained, and which approvals are available for that data acquisition access and publication.

A list of references must be attached to the statement of intentions.

If the research involves significant financial expenses (funding of laboratory tests, a survey, new laboratory equipment, etc.), the source or possible funding sources and the feasibility of raising the required budgets must be indicated.
If there is more than one supervisor for the work, the responsibilities of each supervisor must be detailed.

A candidate accepted for studies will be allowed to start their studies at any time. A candidate who began their studies during the spring semester can submit their application for the university scholarships offered in the following academic year (subject to the RLA procedures).

The documents (sheets and grades and certificates of bachelor's and master's degrees) of candidates who are certified by universities or colleges from abroad recognized in Israel or, including certified by universities with affiliates in Israel that operate with the approval of the Council for Higher Education, will be submitted to the school secretariat for checking their compliance with the admission conditions. These candidates, as mentioned, will be required to successfully pass the GRE test (Test General) and be in the 70% in each of the three components of the test. Passing this test is a condition of registration and one of the conditions of admission to studies. In addition, the candidate will be required to complete at least four courses determined by the school committee for a total of 16 semesters with an average grade of at least 84, provided that one of the courses, as mentioned earlier, will be at level 3 and require writing a seminar paper.

The course of PhD studies and research

PhD studies can last for a maximum of four years and consist of two distinct phases: research phase A and phase B.
If either the research proposal or the doctoral thesis is not submitted within the prescribed timeframe of the first year of study or four months after the commencement of studies, respectively, an extension of studies must be requested from the RLM. Automatic approval is not granted for this extension.
A PhD candidate must present an annual progress report to the doctoral committee, approved by the advisors, at the start of every academic year. The committee may terminate the student's doctoral studies if the progress report fails to meet its necessary standards.
The doctoral committee will send a copy of the report to the Bloom School of Advanced Studies.
Interruption of studies, cancellation of studies following the RLM regulations (as of the October 2022 update)

o Student withdrawal from academic pursuits must be communicated in writing to both the Blum School and the doctoral committee.

o The SES PhD committee may advise the Dean to sanction the academic progress of a student whose circumstances deviate significantly from the norm. The Dean will have the authority to determine whether or not to terminate studies in response to an improper academic situation, irrespective of whether the school committee's or the general university committee's recommendation has been accepted.

o Phase A research student or a student enrolled in preliminary research studies whose studies have been interrupted (whether due to personal reasons, school-related obligations, or the Dean's initiative) may submit a request to resume their studies to the SES PhD committee or the university as a whole for PhD studies. The Dean will determine the request after receiving the endorsement of the school or general university committee. The Dean has the authority to impose conditions on the renewal of studies.

o A Phase B research student whose studies have been interrupted (whether due to personal, institutional, or Dean-initiated reasons) may submit a request to resume studies to the SES PhD committee. The Dean will determine the request after receiving the committee's recommendation. The Dean has the authority to impose conditions on the renewal of studies.

Research Phase A: The maximum time allotted for completion of Research Phase A studies is two years, which commences from the date of admission and encompasses the semester/summer break.

By the conclusion of the initial academic year, the student shall be obligated to:

Submit the completed research proposal for committee consideration.
After receiving supervisor approval, the doctoral committee will accept the proposal and forward it to two referees for evaluation. Among these referees, a minimum of one must be an external faculty member with a senior lecturer or higher rank.

During the remaining time frame, which shall not surpass two years:

Upon receiving the feedback from the readers, the student will revise the proposal in collaboration with the supervisors. The revised proposal will then be submitted to the PhD committee, accompanied by a letter that details the necessary corrections.
In an accompanying letter, the student supervisors will validate the modifications implemented to the research proposal.
After the doctoral committee has reviewed and approved the revised research proposal, it will be submitted to the Advanced Studies Authority for approval and a letter of support.
Completion of at least eight semesters of coursework, either in or out of school (not including a doctoral seminar for 4 semesters which is mandatory). These courses will be at least a level 3. The courses shall be established in collaboration between the student and their supervisor, subject to the PhD committee's approval.

Writing guidelines for a PhD research proposal

A proposal composed entirely in Hebrew will encompass the research subject and a synopsis in English, whereas an English proposal will incorporate both the subject matter and a Hebrew summary of the proposal.
The proposal should be written in clear language following standard scientific writing style.
When printing the research proposal, 1.5 spaces should be allowed.
The research proposal is approximately 15 to 20 pages in length, bibliography included.
The cover should comprise the following information: the research title, the supervisors' names, and the submission date.
The first chapter comprises an exposition of the research problem and a literature review, which comprises definitions and explanations of the research variables, as well as an examination of scientific studies and theories that establish the foundation and justify the research.
The research objectives, comprising a formal definition of the research questions and objectives and the research hypotheses, are discussed in Chapter 2.
The third chapter provides a comprehensive outline of the research methodology, including the data collection approach, the research tools, and a detailed data collection plan that includes specific references to each hypothesis and descriptions of the collection dates, methodologies, and sources. Elaborating on the operational definitions of the variables; sampling—the studied population, sample size, and type; data analysis—the process of processing and analyzing the data; and sampling, the operative definitions of the variables.
The approximated contribution and innovation of the research comprise the fourth chapter.
English abstract.
Reference list.
The anticipated schedule for the study's execution (Gantt chart or analogous).
Appendices (if required).

Research Phase B: The period for research phase B activities will be from the conclusion of research phase A until four years after the student's acceptance for PhD studies at the start of the semester. The following assignments must be completed throughout this study period:

Conducting research and composing the doctoral dissertation, obtaining the advisor's and school committee's approval, and submitting it for evaluative review at Bloom School.
In order to submit their work in the English language or the format of a PhD publications, students may submit a request to the committee along with the approved research proposal, provided they have obtained the supervisory or supervisory approval.
A PhD candidate shall be obligated to provide the thesis advisor with access to the primary materials utilized in the research, either during the thesis's preparation or after its submission, upon request. The student is required to retain the original research materials for a minimum of three years from the date of submission, following the approval of the doctoral thesis.

The doctoral seminar

Every student must participate in the school's doctoral seminar during the studies. The instructions for participation in the seminar, as they appear in the syllabus, are mandatory, i.e., the presentation of the research and mandatory attendance.

The seminar is included in the compulsory studies in the scope of 8 semesters.
Additional requirements: submission of the doctoral thesis and general adjudication procedures
The doctoral research work will be carried out at the University of Haifa. Permission to carry out the doctoral thesis at another scientific institution in Israel or abroad requires the approval of the supervisor or supervisors, the school committee, and a letter of joint supervision agreement approved by the RLM.
The student will prepare the doctoral thesis according to the guidelines of the doctoral regulations (as updated from time to time)
Upon completion of studies and research, the work will be submitted to the school PhD committee, together with the statement of the student and supervisor(s) regarding the format of the doctoral thesis and its components, for final approval by the committee.
The doctoral thesis will be submitted in one of two features: monograph or doctoral publications. The format for submitting the doctoral thesis is up to the student and the supervisor and subject to the committee's approval.
The student will submit their request in principle regarding the format of the doctoral thesis upon approval of the research proposal.
The scope of the doctoral thesis should not exceed 250 pages, not including bibliography and appendices.
The committee found that all the conditions for submitting the work were met will transfer the work to the Authority for Advanced Studies in preparation for the review procedure, together with the list of referees approved by it.
The Authority for Advanced Studies will send the doctoral thesis for review.
In areas of research where the availability of Hebrew-reading labor referees is limited, the school committee may, in consultation and with the agreement of the supervisor(s), demand that the statement of intent, the research proposal, and the doctoral thesis be submitted in English.
Each doctoral thesis will include titles and abstracts in Hebrew and English.

Direct path to the doctorate:

Studies in this track are intended for outstanding students who wish to continue consecutively to doctoral studies and whom the school considers possible candidates for PhD studies. In addition, the track is intended for excellent students studying for a master's degree and interested in doctoral studies. These students can switch to a direct path to a doctorate at the end of the first year of MA studies while meeting the school's admission requirements.

Admission

An average score of at least 90 in each of the courses for a bachelor's degree from a recognized higher education institution in Israel or abroad as well as at the end of the first year of the master's degree studies. During this year, one must attend and complete courses amounting to 13 hours per week with numerical grades, as well as submit a seminar paper that was graded at least 90.
Two recommendations from academic staff members.
Written consent of the supervisor of the doctoral thesis.
A statement of the candidate's intentions regarding the proposed research topic (about 3-5 pages), approved by the supervisor of the designated doctoral thesis.
The PhD doctoral committee is entitled to invite the student to an interview, as a condition for their admission to studies.
A candidate may be admitted to the direct path to the doctorate in the first semester or the second semester of the first year of the master's degree studies only. A student may be admitted to a direct path to a doctorate no later than the end of the first year of study for a master's degree.
The documents (sheets and grades and certificates of bachelor's and master's degrees) of candidates who are accredited by universities or colleges outside of Israel that are recognized in Israel or, including accredited by universities with branches in Israel that operate with the approval of the Council for Higher Education, will be submitted to the school's secretariat to check their compliance with the admission conditions. These candidates, as mentioned, will be required to successfully pass the GRE test (Test General) and be in the 70% percentile in each of the three components of the test. Passing this test is a condition of registration and one of the conditions of admission to studies. Alternatively, the candidate will be required to complete at least four courses determined by the school committee with a total of 16 hours per week with an average grade of at least 84, provided that one of the courses as mentioned earlier will be at level 3 and will require the writing of a seminar paper, these studies will be carried out as part of preliminary research.

Registration procedure

A candidate for a direct path to a doctorate will choose a supervisor from among the school's permanent faculty members.
A potential supervisor must be contacted to get his consent in principle for the supervision and coordinate the subject of the work with him.
After finding a facilitator and topic, write the statement of intentions.
Candidates for the direct path to the PhD are requested to submit the following documents.
CV in Hebrew and English.
Graduation certificates of B.A studies and grade sheets of M.A studies.
A consent letter to supervision signed by the designated supervisor(s).
A statement of intent approved and signed by the designated supervisor(s), as detailed above.
Summary (up to a page) of the statement of intent in Hebrew and English.
Two letters of recommendation from members of the academic staff
Each letter of recommendation will be accompanied by a "recommendation form for the candidate for the student's doctoral training" filled out and signed by the recommender.
Publications (if any).

Duration of studies and academic integrity

The total duration of studies for the direct path to the doctorate is up to five years, divided into two phases: the graduate studies phase and the doctoral studies phase.
The phase of studies qualified in the direct path to the doctorate shall not exceed two years for a student who was accepted into the path immediately upon completion of his bachelor's degree studies, and shall not exceed one year for a student accepted into the path after completing one year of studies in the master's degree.
During the graduate studies phase in the direct track, the student will be required to meet the following requirements: completion of courses with a numerical grade of at least 26 hours per week at the graduate level and their completion with a weighted grade of at least 90.
Submission of two seminar papers with a grade of at least 90, within 26 hours per week. Submission of a research proposal no later than the beginning of the fourth semester of studies for a student who was accepted into the track directly after completing his undergraduate studies, and no later than the beginning of the second semester for a student who was accepted into the track after completing one year of studies in the master's degree.
The conditions for transitioning from year one of the accredited study phase to year two are the completion of courses in the scope of half of the curriculum in the relevant department or school with a weighted numerical grade of at least 90, and the submission of a seminar paper that was awarded a grade of at least 90.
Upon approval of the doctoral research proposal and compliance with the study obligations of the qualified phase as detailed above, the student will receive the university's qualified certificate in the direct route.
Upon approval of the doctoral research proposal, and compliance with all the study obligations of the qualified phase as detailed above, the student will move to the doctoral studies phase in the direct track.
The duration of studies at this stage will not exceed three years, and the doctoral research will continue the research carried out as part of the qualified research. During this phase, the student will be required to complete the curriculum of the third degree following the school's determination, complete the writing of the doctoral thesis, receive the approval of the supervisor, receive the approval of the school committee, and also submit it to the Bloom School for review.
A student who wishes to stop his studies in the accredited stage of the direct path to the doctorate, and complete his accredited studies in path A or B, will be allowed to do so, provided that his eligibility for a master's degree in the direct path has not yet been confirmed. In this case, the student will have to complete the study quota and the other duties required to receive the master's degree in track A or track B.

Doctorate regulations