ASU's School of Sustainability PhD anyone?

[gradstudent2014-15]

I've posted this already in the Decisions section, no responses yet. Thought I'll post it here too.

Can anyone please shed some light on the sustainability program at ASU? I happen to be considering it seriously and it would be of great help if someone can tell me anything about the school. Is it any good? I've heard some good reviews about the program, but since there is hardly any discussion here on the boards about this school, it is making me quite skeptical and I am freaking out!

This is the only school I got an admit from and I really like the work of the POI here. His research closely matches with my interests and I have been in an elaborate interaction with him over emails ( by the way, I am an international student with a masters in environmental studies). But again, since the brand of the school also matters to a certain extent, am not particularly sure if its the right choice (especially after reading a very negative post about ASU in general on one of the boards here).

Also, the instituion is offering me a teaching assistantship and the professor doesnt have any RA openings available. And i am afraid that the TA duties along with 3 courses and my own research work would make it extremly extremely tough. I am not sure if i am over thinking all of this, but i am freaking out a lot!! So, please help!!

I am very sorry for the long post. Also, English is not my first language, so please excuse any errors. Thanks!

[geographyrocks]

Damn my computer.  I typed out this long response, but when I tried to backspace, it decided I meant go back a page instead.

 

Anyway, don't listen to one negative post about ASU.  You have considered all the things that really matter.  As far as I've heard, ASU is great.  It also brings in a lot of research money so I doubt you'll stay in the TA position for long.  I was actually thinking of applying there, but I wasn't too keen on living in Phoenix.  I like warm weather, but 100+ days with temps over 90 is a bit much.  Did you ask your professor about a possible RA in the future? 

I will be a TA for my first year as well (unless NSF gets off their butts and approves my POI's funding) so I understand the fear about the time commitments, but I think it'll be okay.  There have been tons of people who've done it before us.  If they can do it, we can too!

[gradstudent2014-15]

Thanks a ton for the reply! Cannot tell you how reassuring it is to hear someone say something good about this school!

 

So, I have written to my professor regarding research assistantship under him and I am waiting for his reply. However, I am not too hopeful regarding this possibility because, having seen his grant awards and expenses over the last four years, it has been pretty dry as far as the grants go (he got one major grant in 2011 that extends till 2016 and nothing apart from that), while his expenses have been pretty constant (I've assumed this as a sign for him not taking any students as research assistants).

 

I know I should wait for his reply and stop being so pessimistic about everything, but after having received only one acceptance out of 6 universities I applied to, and with almost no discussion on any of the threads here about this school, the joy of acceptance into a doctoral program is overshadowed by serious doubts and second-thoughts about the school/program!

 

In any case, thanks again for your reply! I hope my professor gives me some good news regarding the RA position!

[anthony333]

Damn my computer.  I typed out this long response, but when I tried to backspace, it decided I meant go back a page instead.

 

Anyway, don't listen to one negative post about ASU.  You have considered all the things that really matter.  As far as I've heard, ASU is great.  It also brings in a lot of research money so I doubt you'll stay in the TA position for long.  I was actually thinking of applying there, but I wasn't too keen on living in Phoenix.  I like warm weather, but 100+ days with temps over 90 is a bit much.  Did you ask your professor about a possible RA in the future? 

I will be a TA for my first year as well (unless NSF gets off their butts and approves my POI's funding) so I understand the fear about the time commitments, but I think it'll be okay.  There have been tons of people who've done it before us.  If they can do it, we can too!

 

I too agree that ASU is a great school and I considered it for both my Masters and PhD applications.  I've heard awesome things about the School of Sustainability!  However, as a winter/mountain type of guy it wasn't a very good match for me.