Application process

Participating Graduate Programs

RECHARGE NRT has widened the application in 2026 to accept students from any Portland State University Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Communication or Urban Studies and Planning graduate program to complement the NRT training. Examples include the following programs.

• Earth, Environment, and Society 

• Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Computer Science

• Communication

• Geography

• Geology

• Mathematical Sciences

• Urban Studies and Planning

The NRT program lasts two years and uses a cohort model. Applicants must be either a doctoral student enrolled in the participating graduate program (no more than 2 years of completion of their doctoral study) or apply to the participating department or program for admission (students who have already completed one year of their master's degree by the time they apply to NRT are not eligible). Students in the NRT program will engage in transdisciplinary research that connects to multiple NRT faculty and community partners, which may result in co-authored publications and implementable solutions. 

• Prospective students are strongly advised to contact potential NRT faculty advisor in one of the above graduate programs prior to application submission. Students should then apply to PSU for graduate admission here and also submit an application to the NRT Program here by March 16, 2026 for the Fall 2026 cohort.

• The NRT program, in collaboration with Heritage University, seeks to recruit applicants from Native American and Tribal communities.