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The 2024 PhD cohort next to Douglas Lake at the University of Michigan Biological Station.

The goal of the SEAS PhD in Environment and Sustainability is to train the next generation of research leaders for impact in our field. The Doctoral Program develops the creative abilities of exceptional students, training them for independent work that contributes to original research and scholarship at the forefront of their chosen fields. SEAS PhD students will become leaders in research, teaching and training others, and developing the scientific knowledge base needed to formulate policies and practices that contribute to societal goals in the field of environment and sustainability.  Uniquely, the SEAS Doctoral Program has a sharp focus on impact, with student research aspiring to contribute to solving real world problems. 

The SEAS PhD in Environment and Sustainability is a highly flexible program. Students choose between a specialized course of study or one that broadly addresses complex, interdisciplinary issues. Each student's course of study is tailored to their scholarly interests and guided by their faculty advisor and committee. Broad areas of specialization reflect the expertise and research interests of faculty.

The SEAS PhD in Environment and Sustainability is a research-based degree. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills to plan, implement, evaluate, and communicate original research. Students are required to take the following courses: 

Three credits of Research Paradigms (EAS 741) taken within the first three terms of study. This course offers a conceptual and critical treatment of issues relevant to doing research in environment and sustainability. Topics addressed include the nature of science and criteria for "quality research"; characteristics of the scientific community; research value systems and ethics; and considerations of interdisciplinary research. The course is intended to broaden the students' perspective of the diversity of research frameworks through class discussions stimulated by assigned readings, as well as workshop problem-solving sessions and occasional guest lectures. 

Two analytic courses. Doctoral students are required to take at least two courses (400-level or above) that focus on tools of analysis, research design, research evaluation, and/or data collection methods. The areas of analytics appropriate to each student will vary and should be determined in consultation with the advisor. 

Doctoral education at the University of Michigan recognizes the importance of intellectual breadth beyond the student’s field of specialization. Accordingly, Rackham requires doctoral students to complete 3 hours of graduate-level coursework with a grade of B- or better in a field other than their own. 

Beyond the required classes listed above, students work in close collaboration with their faculty advisor to develop a tailored set of courses that build competency in relevant theoretical and empirical areas. Additionally, students are required to complete training in the responsible conduct of research and scholarship.  

Program Milestones

  • Upon admission, you are assigned an advisor and faculty member(s) to serve on your Interim Guidance Committee.
  • In your first year, you prepare a "course of study" document that will guide your coursework and scholarly development.
  • By the end of your second year, you will complete your qualifying exam and advance to doctoral candidacy.
  • By the end of your fifth semester, you will submit your full dissertation proposal.
  • By the end of your fifth year, you will defend your dissertation.

Your PhD in Environment and Sustainability will be granted by the  Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies . 

It is strongly recommended that PhD applicants contact SEAS faculty members prior to applying.   It is important to establish a connection with faculty members to discuss mutual research areas. These interactions are helpful in determining fit with our faculty and SEAS community. Faculty research profiles and their contact information are found  here .  Applications are submitted  directly to the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies.  

The SEAS  Doctoral Handbook provides key information, such as a timeline and outline of expectations and requirements. For more information, contact [email protected] .

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phd course sustainability

Doctorate in Sustainability – PhD (Online)*

Career paths, residencies.

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Emerge as an innovative leader in the field of sustainability to address socio-ecological resilience, climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, environmental policy, economic justice, and more.

phd course sustainability

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Portugal, Tanzania

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

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Development & Inequality

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Program Cost

Why a phd in sustainability from sit.

Developed for professionals working to create a more sustainable future, PhD in Sustainability students will investigate the social, ecological, technical, and political dimensions of sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel and inclusive approaches to community-based problem solving and sustainable development.

This online program is complemented by two 10-day international residencies across four years of part-time study. During the first-year residency, students will immerse themselves in Lisbon, Portugal, a beacon of progress in renewable energy innovation, marine conservation, and sustainability. During the second-year residency, students transition from theory to hands-on exploration through unique case studies in Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives.

Students will develop skills in research, organizational leadership, policy development, and communication in order to contribute to climate change mitigation, advocate for social equity, and innovate sustainable business practices for economic prosperity. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead multi-stakeholder groups as they will be effective communicators in policy circles, academic and organizational contexts, and in popular science.  

SIT’s global faculty bring experience in both teaching and mentorship and applied work in many facets of sustainability, from integrative conservation, climate change, food security, environmental governance, and sustainable business and technology. With SIT’s global network and long history of experiential learning, students will gain a unique global perspective they can apply to their careers.

phd course sustainability

This program is ideal for professionals enthusiastic about producing evidence-based analysis to investigate the social and ecological dimensions of sustainable transformations, the relationship of science and society in advancing more sustainable futures, and novel and inclusive approaches to community-based problem solving and sustainable development. Career paths may include:

Climate and environment analyst

Lead sustainability designer or director

Energy policy advisor

Regenerative systems specialist

Green tech innovator

Sustainability curriculum designer

University faculty

Leadership and research roles in academic, government, NGO, and business

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

phd course sustainability

First-Year Residency: Lisbon, Portugal

A beacon of progress in renewable energy innovation, marine conservation, and sustainability, Portugal offers a vibrant environment of breathtaking coastlines and majestic mountainous regions that will serve as your classroom. During this 10-day residency, students will explore and contribute to areas such as marine conservation, renewable energy innovations, and sustainable agriculture practices.

The program base, Lisbon, received the 2020 European Green Capital Award. The city surpassed its 2030 target for carbon emissions reduction in 2016 and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Second-Year Residency: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Transition from theory to hands-on exploration through case studies in the Zanzibar Archipelago, which is at the forefront of blue economy initiatives. This 10-day residency serves as a cornerstone for grounding the program themes and tools in real-world applications, where your research becomes a powerful catalyst for positive change.

Go beyond the classroom to contribute to solutions for sustainability challenges, particularly related to food production and tourism in the face of climate change. Visit key sites and interact with stakeholders to gain valuable insights into local sustainability practices and challenges. Beyond the local context, this experience extends to a global perspective as participants compare their Zanzibar experiences against similar cases worldwide.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

phd course sustainability

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in Sustainability, students will be able to:

  • Conduct groundbreaking transdisciplinary research that cuts across systems thinking, sustainability studies, and social action.
  • Design effective and successful project solutions that lead to inclusive, tenable results for the flourishing of human livelihoods and ecosystems at different spatiotemporal scales.
  • Contribute to an emerging body of research and action that redefines mainstream environmental thought guided by contemporary, alternative conservation epistemologies.
  • Lead organizations and initiatives in the creation and implementation of sustainable and regenerative systems that satisfy human and ecosystem needs.
  • Design and carry out original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
  • Contribute to scholarship and practice of the field through publishable research findings.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study in small personalized cohorts. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework during admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

phd course sustainability

This is SIT

  • We value active togetherness, reciprocity, and respect as the essential ingredients for building a sustainable community .

phd course sustainability

  • With open minds, empathy, and courage, we facilitate intercultural understanding and respect for the commonalities and differences between people.
  • We champion social inclusion & justice in all that we are and all that we do, from ensuring our community and our programs amplify the voices, agency, and dignity of all people to deliberately instilling the principles and practices of inclusion in all of our work.
  • We are committed to human and environmental well-being through sustainability and contributing to a better world for all living and future generations.
  • Elective (3 credits; or 3 approved transfer credits)
  • Perspectives on Sustainability (3 credits)

In this course, students will delve into the foundational bodies of theory that underpin both research and practical applications of sustainability approaches. This course provides the theoretical background for the discussion and analysis of sustainability issues that range from energy and natural resources to biodiversity and global climate change. Core concepts of the course include social-ecological systems thinking, vulnerability, resilience, regenerative development, policy, and communication in the context of sustainability.

Central to the course is the interconnectedness of sustainability issues across different scales and systems. Students will gain insights into how communities, governments, organizations, social movements, private corporations, and individuals can collectively address the looming threats to sustainability. The exploration of sustainability topics spans a wide array of perspectives, fostering adaptability in addressing the complex task of reshaping human society and its relationship with nature and technology. The overarching goal is to guide individuals towards more sustainable patterns in ecological, social, political, and economic relations while preparing them to be effective communicators of hope throughout their graduate degree and beyond.

  • Social-Ecological-Technical-Political Systems and Integration (3 credits)

This course provides the theoretical background for the use and application of complex systems thinking and decision making for sustainability. The course content draws on diverse fields and spheres, including the social sciences, ecological systems, and technology, with a focus on how these spheres overlap, interact, and how we may further bring them together. Core concepts of the course include social-ecological systems thinking, supply-chain and networks analysis, and ethics and social justice in the context of sustainability. Students will examine interrelationships among natural, societal, economic, technological and political systems on multiple scales, and learn to identify problems and conceptualize solutions using systems thinking.

  • Integrative Biodiversity Conservation (3 credits)

In this course, students will examine past and current environmental conservation theories, paradigms, approaches, and practices that explore and weigh 1) the challenges and successes of resource conservation on multiple scales, 2) the role of carbon in current and future management of ecological systems, 3) the emergence of environmental governance, and 4) ecological restoration and its potential impacts on human flourishing. Holistic in its approach, the course focuses on the relationships, nuances, and sacrifices involved in balancing human use of natural resources and the maintenance and regeneration of ecological health. The course will also draw on theories and concepts from the pluriverse, environmental psychology, and notions of the inseparable duality of the human-nature mosaic.

  • Case studies in Climate Change and Sustainability (3 credits)

Societies in developing countries depend on ecosystem goods and services for their livelihoods. Climate change impacts have damaged the integrity of ecosystems and placed stresses on residents’ livelihoods, public institutions, and businesses. This Praxis course addresses climate change impacts and sustainable practices in the tropics and, furthermore, shows that sustainability is a key factor of the development process. The idea of sustainability emerged in response to growing concerns about the apparent failure of conventional, state-led “development” initiatives and about the extent and pace of socio-environmental degradation, including in African settings. In general, a practice is sustainable and resilient when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, while not further undermining the natural resource base and its multi-sectoral linkages.

This 10-day course takes place in the Zanzibar Archipelago, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania in East Africa. The course addresses three specific cases by experiencing examples and putting theory and skills into practice where Africa meets the Indian Ocean. During the stay in Zanzibar, we also visit key sites and meet with stakeholders about sustainability practices and challenges, for instance as linked to food production and tourism in an era of climate change. Experiences and applications in Zanzibar are compared against global cases. This course grounds doctoral program themes and tools with on-the-ground experiences and applications in the Global South.

  • Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal.

  • Analytical Tools and Methods in Sustainability Studies (3 credits)

Sustainability assessment balances environmental, social, and economic impacts while respecting contextual and long-term risks. This Research Methods course provides a critical and systematic review of qualitative and quantitative, but primarily mixed methods, approaches to sustainability. Previous comprehension of baseline qualitative and quantitative methods is expected of students. The course also introduces and applies diverse analytical tools essential to the assessment of sustainability cases and outcomes. A broad comprehension of disciplines, scales (space and time), data types, metrics, indicators, and the strengths and limitations of specific paradigms and approaches informs the course and its content. Sustainability evaluations can impact policy and decision-making in both natural/physical and social spheres. Enhanced livelihoods and environmental conservation and social development can result from improved scientific and technical applications that assess the synergies and tradeoffs of sustainability outcomes.

  • Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

  • Comprehensive Exam (0 credits)

Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research. Comprehensive exams confirm students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

  • Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

  • Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1 (1 credit)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations.  Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their degree chair to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

  • Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured, well-developed, and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: The student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: The proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

  • Dissertation (5 credits)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts two years.

  • Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 2 (1 credit)
  • Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 3 (1 credit)
  • Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 4 (1 credit)
  • Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course, students will complete their dissertation, prepare for their oral defense. working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

Students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s course offerings in the master’s or PhD programs.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in Sustainability, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
  • Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
  • Intercultural and professional experience
  • A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
  • Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
  • All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

  • graduate admission application and application fee
  • official transcripts
  • statement of purpose
  • three letters of recommendation
  • resume or curriculum vitae
  • proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 750 words and should demonstrates your interest in the PhD in Sustainability at SIT; describe how your prior academic and/or professional experience have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and proposes your research topic and guiding question(s) and their significance to the field. You will be prompted to provide contact information for three references who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least one should know you in an academic capacity.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program. 

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

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Sustainability – phd (online)*.

phd course sustainability

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phd course sustainability

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

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  • Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health

Offered By: Department of Environmental Health and Engineering

In-person | Full-Time | 5 years

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About the PhD Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health

The Environmental Sustainability, Resilience and Health (ESRH) track cultivates innovative public health scientists and engineers who address urgent challenges at the intersection of climate, sustainability, resilience, and equity.  ESRH students will be prepared for diverse careers, including work in academic institutions, government agencies, intergovernmental bodies, nongovernmental organizations, and private businesses.

Environmental Sustainability

Humans can safely co-exist within our planetary boundaries over a long time.

Environmental Resilience

Humans and their environment can quickly recover from negative shocks, such as extreme heat events or zoonotic pandemics.

Environmental Health

Humans shape their natural and built environments in ways that promote positive, equitable health outcomes for themselves and the planet.

The PhD Track in Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health is Unique

Have you seen any other doctoral programs with a name like ours? There aren’t any. Yes, you can find programs in “environmental sustainability” and programs in “environmental health,” but you won’t find a program that combines those two emphases and includes a focus on resilience. The nexus between sustainability, health, and resilience is a critical frontier for research and practice in the 21st century. Our students are going to be leaders at that frontier.

Public Health and Engineering

One distinctive feature of this program is its joint delivery by the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Whiting School of Engineering. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary cohort and the opportunity for coursework, mentorship, and research opportunities across both schools. There are slight differences in requirements at the two schools. Prospective students choose which school to apply through based on their primary interests. 

What you’ll study

The ESRH track trains students in systems thinking and the application of core public health and engineering tools. That training is supplemented with a deep understanding of the anthropogenic drivers of environmental change, and the consequences of that change for human health and well-being. Using methods and tools from public health and engineering, ESRH students design, implement and analyze research studies with relevance to both science and practice.

To provide a shared foundation in ESRH topics, all students take a sequence of core courses. Elective coursework is then customized to student interests. Each student identifies a primary focus area and a primary methodological area. Examples of focus areas include climate, food systems, energy, built environment, air, water, and equity. Examples of methodological areas include biostatistics, epidemiology, lifecycle assessment, engineering, economics, systems analysis, program evaluation, qualitative methods, risk policy and communication, and geography. 

Track Faculty

Meghan Davis, PhD, DVM  (BSPH) - Environmental microbiology, one health, asthma  Peter DeCarlo, PhD  (WSE) - Atmospheric aerosols (particulate matter), air quality, and climate Paul Ferraro, PhD  (WSE) - Behavioral science, causal inference, environmental policy Shima Hamidi , PhD  (BSPH) - Geospatial data, built environment, housing and transportation & health Ben Hobbs, PhD  (WSE) - Systems analysis, energy, water Ben Q. Huỳnh (BSPH) - AI, data science, environmental justice; planetary health Kirsten Koehler , PhD, MA  (BSPH) - Exposure assessment, aerosols, air quality Keeve Nachman , PhD, MHS  (BSPH) - Risk science, risk assessment, food systems Roni Neff , PhD, ScM  (BSPH) - Food system, wasted food, resilience, equity Scot Miller, PhD  (WSE) - Global change, greenhouse gases, air pollutants Carsten Prasse , PhD  (WSE) - Emerging contaminants, engineering processes, analytical detection methods Ana Rule, PhD  (BSPH) - Air pollution, bioaerosols, metal speciation Kellogg Schwab , PhD, MSPH  (BSPH) - Water, sanitation and hygiene, environmental microbiology, microbial fate and transport  Brian Schwartz , MD, MS  (BSPH) - Environmental epidemiology, sustainability, built environment, lead Genee Smith , PhD, MSPH  (BSPH) - Environmental epidemiology, health effects of climate change, infectious diseases

Browse an overview of this program's requirements in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  - See Track Requirements for Environmental Sustainability, Resilience, and Health , and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Tuition and Funding

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU   starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help. [email protected]

Program Directors Paul Ferraro, PhD Keeve Nachman, PhD  Roni Neff, PhD  

DISCOVER THE INNOVATIVE WORK WE ARE DOING ON:

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  • Energy & Technology
  • Environmental Justice
  • Law & Policy
  • Nature & Conservation
  • Sustainable Business

Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability

Our Environment and Sustainability Ph.D. equips students with diverse perspectives to develop profound new ideas, knowledge and answers to the most important concerns facing people and the planet. The program provides a deep understanding of how fundamental principles of environmental science and sustainability can be applied to research and address key environmental challenges that require skills in multiple disciplines—preparing students for a range of careers in academia, as well as public and private sectors.

ucla announces new ph.d. program in environment and sustainability

UCLA and IoES are uniquely positioned to offer a PhD program of this character. As a world-class public research university, UCLA provides access to a vast range of expertise across the physical and life sciences, humanities, fine arts, social sciences and major fields of professional training. Within UCLA, IoES provides a strong programmatic identity, multiple degree programs and issue-focused research centers, strengths that make it the campus-wide hub for teaching and research in environment and sustainability. IoES has the largest breadth of interdisciplinary collaboration of any peer institution, with 60+ participating faculty from more than 25 campus units and more than 10 faculty who hold joint appointments between IoES and other departments or schools.

Located in one of the world’s greatest and most diverse metropolitan areas, UCLA is uniquely situated to be a laboratory for engagement and partnership that puts knowledge into practice to advance concrete environment and sustainability solutions. As one prominent example, UCLA created the Sustainable LA Grand Challenge with the goal of achieving 100 percent renewable energy, 100 percent locally sourced water and enhanced ecosystem health for Los Angeles County by 2050.

Diversity and Accessibility

UCLA maintains a deep commitment to diversity and accessibility. We embrace the principles of diversity and inclusion to understand, appreciate and respect differences in cultures and customs, religious beliefs, gender identity, sexual preferences and political points of view. In May 2017, UCLA was ranked as having the most diverse hiring among tenure-track faculty out of the 60 Association of American Universities member schools.

To enhance accessibility, UCLA provides substantial financial support to recruit outstanding students and ensure their success. Entering and continuing students may receive fellowships, traineeships and employment-based opportunities to support their studies and enhance their academic, research and training portfolios.

la’s water resource future workshop series, part 1

Los Angeles and UCLA have the best of both worlds when it comes to studying the environment—lots of people and lots of nature, though you may not know it by reputation. When school is in session, UCLA effectively becomes a city of 80,000 people, nested in one of the world’s most diverse megacities. The population of greater L.A. is 18 million, and it’s growing. Yet there is a wealth of nature all around—25 percent of the county is dedicated parkland. From the Santa Monica Mountains to the beaches of Malibu, Los Angeles is a case study in how an urban humanity interacts with nature. Water, food supply, energy, pollution and environmental justice are all part of the picture.

why enroll

UCLA Bruins take advantage of these open spaces on their own or in groups such as the Hiking Club and the Bruin Naturalists Club. There’s plenty of green on campus, too. The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a place of beauty and biodiversity, learning and relaxation. Meanwhile, Sage Hill features native flora and fauna, with 50 higher plant species, seven mammals, 17 species of butterfly and 30 resident and migratory bird species. And drought-tolerant gardens are just steps from the front door of IoES.

Which program is right for me?

Which program should I apply for, the Environmental Science and Engineering D. Env. or the Environment and Sustainability Ph.D.?

The UCLA Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IoES) has two doctoral programs, the professional doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering (D.Env.) and the Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability. Both programs are interdisciplinary, both equip students with diverse perspectives to tackle pressing environmental issues, and both provide opportunities to interact with students and faculty across all the programs and projects of IoES, and more broadly across UCLA.

Environmental Science and Engineering, D.Env.

  • A professionally oriented program – the only professional environmental doctorate in the nation.
  • Emphasizes interactions between science, engineering, public policy, economics, and law in the protection of the environment and public health.
  • Students spend two years on campus completing courses, including a major applied “Problems Course” completed in the second year.
  • The dissertation is completed off campus, typically in two years, while the student is in professional residence at an environmentally focused organization – a business, public agency, consulting firm, environmental group, or non-profit organization.
  • Of the program’s 250 alumni, about 90 percent are in non-academic careers in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.  

Environment and Sustainability, Ph.D.

  • A research oriented program
  • Newly established, with the inaugural class starting in Fall 2018
  • Emphasizes interdisciplinarity and innovation in research to understand paramount environment and sustainability challenges
  • Students have two advisors, from distinct disciplinary backgrounds
  • Students develop an individualized program of courses in consultation with their advisors, including a small number of core courses plus additional courses that develop the foundation of knowledge and skills to support the student’s research aims, in their dissertation and their subsequent career.
  • Students are typically in residence through the entire program. 
  • The program will prepare students for a wide range of academic and research careers, as well as careers in environment and sustainability in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

If you are unsure which program is right for you, we are happy to discuss it with you – or to help you transfer your application between programs.

How to Apply

  • Ph.D. Fellowships and Support
  • Ph.D. How to Apply

Sustainability Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

Two researchers working with a scanning electron microscope.

Request Info about graduate study Visit Apply

The Ph.D. in sustainability fosters innovation and creativity in solving real-world challenges within social, economic, technological, and business realms. In this inherently interdisciplinary program, you’ll become part of a network of academics from across RIT who are working to optimize sustainable systems and practices in engineering, manufacturing, energy, education, and more.

Overview for Sustainability Ph.D.

Our approach to sustainability means working in the broader context of environmental assessment, economics, and policy. Each faculty member in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability sponsors a select number of students for specific research projects, with the scope varying from fundamental science to applied engineering to corporate sustainability applications. On acceptance into a sponsored research project, you will receive a fully-funded education, a stipend to help with living expenses, your own office space, and the time to develop your technical expertise in sub-areas dependent on your research.

In the sustainability Ph.D. program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from areas across the entire university to develop your own innovative approach to the field, building off of methodologies such as life cycle assessment, environmental risk and impact assessment, design for the environment, pollution prevention, closed-loop supply chain management, and product life assessment. Moreover, you’ll work side-by-side with our world-renowned faculty who are avid researchers in diverse areas including biofuels, transportation, energy policy, resource recovery, smart products and systems, and more.

The sustainability Ph.D. helps you think innovatively about how sustainability can positively impact systems all over the world through big-picture solutions, from training future business leaders to maximizing natural resources. You don’t need a background in sustainability to apply to this program; you just need a desire to create positive change in the world. We bring in students of all ages, from all backgrounds—from biotechnology to business—and from all over the world. You’ll also find a wide range of experience—many of the program’s students have more than 10 years of career experience and/or education.

The faculty are well-known scholars and active researchers who not only bring their knowledge into the classroom but also directly involve students in their scholarship. This work includes a wealth of hands-on experience in our impressive research facilities , including a 75,000-sq.-ft., LEED Platinum certified research building with over nine labs and six technology testbeds. With this level of experience, you’ll be prepared for diverse academic and industry jobs where you can make an impact on the way the world views and utilizes sustainable practices, from the macro to the micro.

RIT's Sustainability Ph.D.

With the sustainability Ph.D.'s integrative curriculum, you will develop a deep foundation in sustainability science, sustainable systems, risk analysis, and more. You can also choose several electives from across RIT's colleges—from Computational Modeling and Simulation to Principles of Statistical Data Mining—to tailor your degree and create interdisciplinary relationships throughout the university.

Through your sponsored research project, you’ll have the opportunity to make novel and impactful contributions to the development and understanding of sustainable technologies. Recent dissertation examples include:

  • Implications of Consumer Lifestyle Changes and Behavioral Heterogeneity on U.S. Energy Consumption and Policy
  • Criticality of Byproduct Materials: Assessing Supply Risk, Environmental Impact, and Strategic Policy Response for Tellurium
  • Development of an Integrated Reformer and Fuel Cell System for Portable Power Applications

Sustainability Research

Sustainable energy.

  • Photovoltaics
  • Energy supply/demand models
  • Energy policy

Circular Economy

  • Life cycle assessment
  • Electronic waste and battery recycling
  • Waste-to-energy processes
  • Food waste management
  • Remanufacturing

Sustainable Urban Systems

  • Smart Cities
  • Transportation systems analysis
  • Food Waste Management
  • Food-Energy-Water Nexus

Sustainability Resources: RIT Advances Global Sustainability

Partnering locally and internationally with the communities in which we are engaged, RIT is continuing to advance sustainability efforts and build resiliency at home and around the world. Rochester, NY, is a hub for sustainability professionals and home to rich natural resources, such as fertile farmland and the nearby Finger Lakes. Many of our students share their passion for sustainability with the local community by volunteering on projects connected to K-12 education, community gardens, farmer’s markets, and more. In addition, you will connect with the global sustainability community by attending and presenting at professional conferences all over the world.

Graduate Study Exploration Series.

Join us virtually and on-campus

Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.

Learn more and register for a graduate open house

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Eric Williams

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Callie Babbitt

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Featured Work and Profiles

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Does energy storage make the U.S. electric grid cleaner?

Dr. Eric Williams

In brief: Project: “How much wind and solar are needed to realize emissions benefits from storage?”

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Can paper waste be used to make black ink?

Dr. Thomas A. Trabold

In brief: Project: “Waste Paper Derived Biochar for Sustainable Printing Products”

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Nanomaterials: To use or not to use

Dr. Elizabeth Moore ’19

The following learning module was created by Dr. Elizabeth Moore '19 as a student for public teaching use.

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How can forecasting changes in electronic waste inform circular-economy planning?

Dr. Callie Babbitt

In brief: Project: “Forecasting electronic waste flows for effective circular economy planning”

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How to Cut Food Waste at Home: Researching food waste collection services in Rochester, NY

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The following content was created by Jessica Peterson in November 2018 as an educational sustainability blog post.

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The following content was created by Alexandra Leader in November 2018 as an educational sustainability blog post.

Related News

April 4, 2024

an image of the 2023 REMADE conference with Nabil Nasr appearing on stage.

REMADE to host conference in D.C.   

The Rochester Beacon talks to Nabil Nasr, associate provost and director of Golisano Institute for Sustainability, about the conference.

March 21, 2024

Nabil Nasr is pictured standing at a podium giving a speech.

REMADE Institute to lead 2024 circular economy tech summit in D.C. next month

A national institute, led in part by RIT, next month is hosting the 2024 REMADE Circular Economy Technology Summit & Conference in Washington, D.C., highlighting emerging strategies and technologies to accelerate the adoption of a circular economy.

March 8, 2024

an illustration showing a city skyline in the background and a round recycle arrow image over it

Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT accepting Community Grants Program applications

The program, founded in 2008, is part of the NYSP2I’s ongoing efforts to make the state more sustainable for workers, the public, the environment, and the economy through pollution prevention.

Woman in goggles and lab coat, squeezing a liquid in a bottle.

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Sustainability Ph.D.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Sustainability, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
ISUS-702 3
ISUS-704 3
ISUS-706 3
ISUS-806 3
ISUS-808 3
  3
Complete8creditsfromthefollowing:
   ISUS-807  
   ISUS-890  
PUBL-810 3
  9
ISUS-890 8
  6
ISUS-890 8

Students are also interested in

  • Sustainable Systems MS

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full‑time Fall January 15 priority deadline Yes

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Sustainability Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Learn tips to apply for a doctoral program and then complete a graduate application .
  • Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
  • A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
  • Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
  • Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation .
  • Entrance exam requirements: None
  • Submit one writing sample .
  • Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver .

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
100 7.0 70

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply   Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).

Additional Information

Prerequisites.

The Sustainability Ph.D. program requires that students gain mastery of key sustainability concepts and methods, several of which are quantitative in nature. Due to this, we require incoming students to have taken university-level calculus, statistics, and two courses in physical sciences (such as chemistry or physics).

Sustainability Graduate

Programs & Courses

Develop a Wide Range of Skills in the Field of Sustainability

Join a community of change agents committed to building a more environmentally sustainable future through our courses and programs in sustainability and global development. Equip yourself with the technical fluency, leadership skills, and robust systems thinking needed to drive effective change in policy, innovation, community outreach — and beyond.

The Harvard Extension Advantage

Faculty with deep expertise in cutting-edge issues like sustainable development, decarbonization, and climate adaptation

Practical, hands-on learning featuring interdisciplinary collaboration and global perspectives

Flexible formats, including online courses and short on-campus experiences

Explore Your Options

Master’s degrees, certificates, master’s degrees.

In our graduate degree programs, you’ll engage with global issues and perspectives and build the skills to lead sustainability and global development initiatives at NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies. Our students and alumni work in such roles as international climate researcher, senior manager of corporate sustainability, renewable energy business developer, and project engineer.

Sustainability

Learn to evaluate and design viable solutions to help build a more sustainable future.

Global Development Practice

Gain knowledge, practical skills, and an interdisciplinary perspective on global development issues.

Explore our two-course microcertificates and four-course graduate certificate programs. You’ll learn the sustainability strategies and tools to excel in a variety of industries. Gain the knowledge to increase your impact in roles like sustainability manager, business manufacturing and operations manager, NGO program manager, sustainable finance analyst, or life cycle analyst.  

Microcertificates (2 Courses)

Circular economics.

Incorporate circular systems for environmental health and business profits.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Accounting

Learn to advise organizations on ways to measure, mitigate, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Life Cycle Assessment  

Explore the important role that life cycle assessment plays in a sustainable supply chain.

Sustainable Finance

Build expertise in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards for sound financial decision-making.

Graduate Certificates (4 Courses)

Corporate sustainability and innovation.

Gain the skills you need to help your organization adopt sustainable business practices.

Environmental Policy and International Development

Deepen your knowledge of pressing global issues like climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth.

Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems

Learn to evaluate and design practices, technologies, and systems that bring sustainable solutions to communities and organizations.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Learn to design, develop, and maintain more sustainable practices and systems within the built environment and urban communities.

Sustainable Food Systems

Acquire the tools to address the challenges of food sustainability.

Courses in Sustainability and Global Development

Explore nearly 60 open-enrollment courses in sustainability offered in the fall, January, and spring terms this 2024–25 academic year.

Featured Courses

  • Environmental Entrepreneurship: Start-up Essentials for Success
  • Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for a Sustainable Future
  • Just Transitions to Net-Zero: Navigating the Complexities of Decarbonizing Energy Systems
  • A One Health Approach to Global Sustainable Development
  • Principles and Practice of Climate Change Negotiations
  • Food and Greed: Implications for Human Health and Sustainability
  • Winning the Race To Zero: Opportunities and Challenges for Negative Emissions Technologies

Getting Started

Going back to school as an adult student can be overwhelming. These tips will help you navigate your next steps.

Design a Stackable Pathway in Sustainability

At Harvard Extension School, we offer flexible pathways to fit your schedule, budget, and career goals. You can design the path that works best for you. Start by taking a single course to build knowledge in a semester. Want to continue? Stack your course toward a certificate — and perhaps ultimately a master’s degree, choosing the courses that best fit your goals.

Explore the various opportunities to dive deep into sustainability — and design a flexible path through courses, certificates, and degrees.

Learn more about stackable pathways .

Sustainable development is ultimately about systems — natural, social, technical, and political — and how they operate and interact with one another. Fortuitously, our students are inherently interdisciplinary, coming from a wide range of professional sectors, academic backgrounds, and even countries. The very acts of them engaging with their peer students, their faculty, and with our diverse coursework all but guarantee that they will be exposed to interdisciplinary thinking during their time with us.”

Dr. Michael Mortimer

Director, Sustainability & Global Development Practice Programs

Sustainability FAQs

How do i move to a career in sustainability.

You can prepare for a successful career pivot to sustainability with educational and experiential opportunities, enabling you to build new knowledge and skills. Part-time master’s degree programs and certificates in areas like corporate sustainability, sustainable development, and lifecycle assessment can also help you fill gaps.

More than 42 percent of students in the Sustainability Master’s Degree Program at Harvard Extension School have switched careers. HES students complete courses in the areas of climate change, sustainable business, innovation, and just transitions. They also complete thesis or capstone projects focused on developing actionable solutions — projects that have real-world implications.  

What degree do you need to work in sustainability?

Sustainability professionals come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Common degrees include environmental science, sustainable development, and ecology. The field of sustainability is interdisciplinary and ever-evolving, and specialized courses, certificates, and master’s degrees like the ones offered at Harvard Extension School enable professionals to build the skills to adapt and thrive. 

“Environmental sustainability and sustainable development are changing in real time,” says Michael Mortimer, sustainability program director, “and our students should expect us to be out ahead of what they will face in their careers.”

Which sustainability career skills are most in demand?

A career in sustainability requires a diverse skill set that includes technical expertise, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and collaboration. In addition, interdisciplinary knowledge is essential. “Sustainable development is ultimately about systems — natural, social, technical, and political — and how they operate and interact with one another,” says Dr. Mortimer. “Our students are inherently interdisciplinary, coming from a wide range of professional sectors, academic backgrounds, and even countries. The very acts of them engaging with their peer students, their faculty, and with our diverse coursework all but guarantees that they will be exposed to interdisciplinary thinking during their time with us.”

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

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Arizona State University

Sustainability, PhD

  • Program description
  • At a glance
  • Degree requirements
  • Admission requirements
  • Tuition information
  • Application deadlines
  • Global opportunities
  • Career opportunities
  • Contact information

Climate, Economy, Energy, Environment, Food, Future, Global Warming, Justice, Pollution, Society, Supply Chain, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ethics, sustain, urban

Research and develop solutions to sustainability challenges that bridge disciplines. Learn from leading scientists and scholars in this customizable, interdisciplinary program.

The PhD program in sustainability prepares students to become scientists and leaders in research who investigate the urgent sustainability challenges of this century. The flexible, transdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to focus on problems of interest to them, drawing upon relevant knowledge from sustainability science and a variety of disciplines. This full-time program includes a high degree of faculty interaction and collaboration.

All sustainability doctoral students gain a better understanding of the need for a transdisciplinary approach to solving sustainability challenges as well as the ability to communicate their research effectively to academic and non-academic audiences alike.

In addition to the common learning outcomes, students are able to conduct research on particular sustainability challenges using theoretical lenses and methods from sustainability science and a range of complementary disciplines. Students learn to translate sustainability challenges to tractable research questions; develop a portfolio of quantitative and qualitative research methods to address these research questions; formulate and test hypotheses; utilize rigorous elicitation methods to gather qualitative and quantitative datasets; learn to engage with stakeholders to co-produce knowledge; use statistical and other analytic techniques to analyze data; and build and apply models of social-ecological systems.

They develop expertise in the analysis of institutional policies and regulations, as well as the design of the built environment and technologies, to support sustainable development. They also develop the foundational knowledge of concepts and methods required to conduct interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and effectively communicate their findings across academic disciplines, as well as to policymakers and the general public.

Graduates possess an advanced understanding of the dynamics of coupled social-ecological systems and use this knowledge to conduct original research to inform robust solutions to specific sustainability challenges. They are equipped to lead others in the development of sustainable strategies at the local, national and global levels.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

  • College/school: College of Global Futures
  • Location: Tempe
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

86 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (11 credit hours) SOS 510 Perspectives on Sustainability (3) SOS 520 Research Design and Methods for Sustainability (3) SOS 525 Social-Ecological-Technical Systems (SETS): Domains and Interfaces (3) SOS 589 Community of Graduate Student Scholars (2)

Solutions Workshop Electives (6 credit hours)

Open Electives (45 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours) SOS 792 Research (12)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SOS 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students take SOS 589 twice for one credit hour. For electives, students should see the academic unit for the approved course list. Other coursework may be used with the approval of the academic unit. Only six credit hours of 400-level coursework can be included in the plan of study.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this program. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the remaining coursework is to be made up of appropriate electives.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the 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. The school encourages applicants with diverse educational backgrounds and experiences that are relevant to the school's core objectives.

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 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  • graduate admission application and application fee
  • official transcripts
  • statement of intent
  • three letters of recommendation
  • resume or curriculum vitae
  • 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 statement of intent should not exceed 600 words and should describe how the applicant's background will contribute to success in the program; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals; elaborate on key research questions the applicant wishes to address or problems to solve as part of the plan of study; and identify potential faculty advisors.

Letters of recommendation must be from three people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements. At least one letter should be academic in nature.

SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/15Final

Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.

Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.

Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures Study Abroad webpage , and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website . These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.

Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement .

Professionals with expertise in sustainability frameworks and interdisciplinary research are in high demand across industries, including business, academia and government. Skills in critical thinking, teamwork, sustainability problem solving and research are valuable to businesses and institutions, many of which are in need of expertise to solve critical sustainability problems and introduce sustainability principles into their business models.

From the School of Sustainability's 2022 alumni employment survey, 100% of doctoral program respondents are employed. Of those respondents employed, 100% have jobs directly related to sustainability. Students can learn more about careers in sustainability and where graduates of sustainability doctoral programs are now employed by visiting the School of Sustainability's alumni employment data website .

Career possibilities for program graduates include:

  • chief sustainability officer
  • data analyst
  • environmental scientist
  • geographic information systems coordinator
  • program manager or director
  • research scientist
  • sustainability consultant
  • sustainability policy advisor
  • sustainability specialist

School of Sustainability | WCPH 3rd floor [email protected] 480-727-6963 Admission deadlines

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PhD in Sustainability Science

A three-year programme with an innovative approach to sustainability issues and a global change perspective.

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Applications for September 2024 entry are now closed.  

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science Programme is a three-year programme that takes an innovative approach to sustainability, seeking to promote a better understanding of the issues by incorporating global change perspectives.

This programme will equip graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems, and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. Students undertake problem-oriented research by playing an active role in UNU-IAS research projects, and acquire the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to understand the underlying principles of various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates.

Students can select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, while also enjoying the opportunity to take courses at other leading universities in Japan such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.

Programme Structure & Language

Admission requirements, how to apply, diploma programme for specialization on the paris agreement (spa), joint diploma programmes, japan foundation for unu (jfunu) scholarship.

The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The academic year starts in September. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 36 months or six academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. By July of their third-year students are expected to complete all of the course requirements, obtaining at least 14 credits and completing a doctoral dissertation.

The language of instruction is  English . [ Top ]

Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

1. A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability and a minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);

Two completed master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2024 may also apply);

2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned; and

3. English language proficiency.

The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:

  • 600 on TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT) OR
  • 100 on TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT) OR
  • 7.0 on IELTS – Academic format

*   Please note that TOEFL and ILTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted.   UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).

  • TOEFL: Please order an official score report using the institution code 6991. For more information on TOEFL, please visit  http://www.ets.org/toefl/
  • IELTS: Please request that an official report be sent directly to UNU-IAS. For more information on IELTS, please visit  http://www.ielts.org/  [ Top ]

Applicants who have studied for at least two consecutive years in a degree-granting university programme taught entirely in English may submit a substitute document for the English language proficiency score. [ Top ]

Please refer to the PhD Application Guidelines  for detailed instructions on how to apply. [ Top ]

  • 3 March 2024: Deadline for applications
  • Mid-April 2024 : Invitation to an interview and requests for submitting supporting documents by email (shortlisted applicants only)
  • Mid to late April 2024 : Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
  • Late May 2024 onwards : Announcement of application results (successful applicants only)

Dates are subject to change . [ Top ]

  • Application Processing Fee:  None
  • Tuition Fee:  USD 12,000 per year*

To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year ( USD 6,000 *,  non-refundable ) by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment. Students who choose to pay annually must pay a full one-year tuition payment before the commencement of the academic year. Successful applicants are required to submit all documents and pay the tuition fee by the deadline.**

The estimated total expenses for living and studying in Tokyo for three years are approximately  USD 84,000 , including tuition fees. Applicants must ensure adequate financial resources to meet the full costs of educational and living expenses.

* The fee is subject to change .

**  UNU holida ys  are listed in the  UNU-IAS Academic Calendar .  [ Top ]

The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis and the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.

Overview Courses (Compulsory)

  • Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II
  • Sustainability Science Research Seminar

Elective Courses

  • The United Nations System and Sustainable Development*
  • Global Change and Planetary Boundaries*
  • Principles of International Development Project*
  • Water Resources Systems
  • Education for Sustainable Development: From Global Agendas to Local Actions
  • Understanding the mechanism to implement the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC
  • Frontier of Sustainability Science
  • Law and Practice of the United Nations
  • Climate Justice and the Right to Education
  • Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application
  • Environmental Statistics and Research Methods
  • Studies of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes
  • From SDGs to Climate Change: Implementation Strategies for its Adaptation and Mitigation

Courses marked with * are held over a short period as part of the UNU Intensive Core (IC) Courses.

Other elective courses may also be offered. A wide range of elective courses offered by partner universities are also available to UNU-IAS students through credit exchange arrangements. [ Top ]

UNU-IAS offers the SPA Diploma Programme focusing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement mechanisms, such as the enhanced transparency framework, nationally determined contributions, national adaptation planning process, global stocktake and market mechanisms. By strengthening national capacity in these areas, it aims to become an essential means of implementation of the agreement and develop future leaders who will be at the forefront of these vital efforts. The diploma will be granted upon satisfactory completion of the designated courses. [ Top ]

Students of the UNU-IAS PhD programme are also encouraged to pursue one of two joint diplomas in sustainability science, which are offered in partnership with the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS) and with Sophia University. These diploma programmes require students to gain 18 credits, eight of which must be from courses specified by UNU-IAS and the partner university under the respective joint diploma programme. A joint diploma can only be awarded to students who successfully complete the three-year UNU-IAS PhD degree programme. [ Top ]

The scholarship is competitive and may be awarded to eligible students who have been accepted for enrolment in the PhD programme. There is no separate application form for the scholarship as it is part of the main online application form for admission. Interested applicants must provide the necessary information and documents for the scholarship when applying to the PhD programme.

I. Coverage

The jfUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY as a support package for a maximum of 36 months. The tuition fees may be waived for the scholarship recipients.

II. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
  • Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
  • Applicants who are already enrolled in other PhD programmes are not eligible. This includes those who have already obtained a PhD degree at an institution other than UNU-IAS.

*Developing countries included in the latest  OECD DAC list .

III. Additional Requirements

  • Recipients of the jfUNU Scholarship are required to write a short essay on their learning and experiences at UNU, which is submitted to the donor organisation. Before graduation, each recipient is requested to submit a note of appreciation to the donors with reflections on their future plans.
  • Recipients agree to foster collaboration with jfUNU through participating in jfUNU activities, events, and other opportunities offered to the student body. [ Top ]

Before contacting the Admissions Office, please read through the  Frequently Asked Questions  to see if your question has been answered. For any unanswered questions, please use the  Inquiry Form . [ Top ]

PhD in Sustainability Management

Scholarship in applied sustainable development

The PhD in Sustainability Management (SUSM) prepares future sustainability innovators with interdisciplinary research skills, management approaches, strategies and processes to realize sustainable outcomes with business, government and third sector organizations.

Students contribute to the creation of academic knowledge by developing methods, systems, concepts, and tools for sustainability management. Data and analysis consider environmental, social and governance areas in sustainable development.

Graduates prepare for career paths both inside and outside academia, including employment in government, business and third sector organizations. Through professional development seminars, students gain skills to mobilize their knowledge and develop skills for careers outside of academia.

Contact: Anastasiya Saparaliyeva Graduate Program Coordinator PhD in Sustainability Management

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in sustainability.

26 degrees at 22 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Sustainability

Sustainability is an extremely relevant and versatile degree choice, which outlines the way we can mitigate our impact on the environment by adopting regenerative and sustainable practices to support ecological and economic health. It is a future-focussed field and studying it at PhD level offers a highly interdisciplinary learning experience with the option to specialise in a huge variety of professional environments.

To gain admission onto one of the 25 UK-based PhD degree programmes, you’ll first need to hold a strong postgraduate degree in a relevant subject area, and typically will need to demonstrate a significant amount of professional experience. Additionally, a clear research project proposal is usually required as part of the application process, and this will determine the work you do for a large part of your studies.

What to expect

You can expect to engage in advanced training in research methodologies, critical analysis, and the development of solutions for sustainable practices. You will study the environmental and human impact of mass industry and energy systems; the effect of sustainable practices of different types of communities; the life cycle of products and the technologies which can be integrated into our lives to find a more sustainable way of living.

As a doctoral candidate, you’ll conduct original research, contributing new insights to the field. The programme serves as excellent preparation for careers in academia, research institutions, policy development or leadership roles in organisations dedicated to advancing sustainability goals. Graduates are currently in high demand, and this demand is likely to only increase in the future as sustainability is one of the fastest-growing global employment sectors.

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Related subjects:

  • PhD Sustainability
  • PhD Conservation and Protection of Specific Environments
  • PhD Energy Economics, Management and Conservation
  • PhD Environmental Analysis
  • PhD Environmental Biology
  • PhD Environmental Conservation and Policies
  • PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
  • PhD Environmental Management
  • PhD Environmental Monitoring
  • PhD Environmental Policy
  • PhD Environmental Protection and Conservation
  • PhD Environmental Science
  • PhD Environmental Studies
  • PhD Forensic Science
  • PhD General Environmental Health
  • PhD Marine and Coastal Conservation and Protection
  • PhD Nature Conservation and Protection
  • PhD Police Services
  • PhD Pollution and Pollution Control
  • PhD Renewable Energy Resources
  • PhD Security, Police and the Armed Forces
  • PhD Wildlife Conservation and Protection

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  • Course title (A-Z)
  • Course title (Z-A)
  • Price: high - low
  • Price: low - high

Chemistry PhD/MPhil - Sustainable Synthesis and Catalysis

University of leicester.

The School of Chemistry offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and part-time Master of Philosophy Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

PhD Sustainable Energy Technologies

University of hertfordshire.

Our research expertise in Renewable Energy Technologies specialises in areas including renewable energy, smart grids, novel wind energy Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £5,925 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,960 per year (UK)

MPhil PhD Sustainability, Development, and the Environment

University of east london.

Studying for a PhD with UEL's Sustainability Research Institute will push you to new levels of innovation - and our world-class academic Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £5,740 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,870 per year (UK)

Environmental Sustainability PhD

University of glasgow.

Based at Dumfries Campus, our staff are experts in many areas of environmental sustainability, including sustainable tourism, environmental Read more...

  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Sustainable Hydrogen CDT PhD

University of nottingham.

Sustainable Hydrogen provides low-carbon solutions as an energy store, supporting the rapid deployment of renewable energy generation, and Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)

Environment and Sustainability PhD

University of surrey.

Why choose this programme The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 25 Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Resource Efficient Future Cities PhD

Brunel university london.

Research profile The Resource Efficient Future Cities has current strengths in two streams of research energy use efficiency focuses on Read more...

PhD Sustainable Futures

University of bath.

Explore environmental change and the diverse responses needed to foster behaviours, practices and policies which promote Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,400 per year (UK)

Sustainable Heritage MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

Research is at the core of ISH. Through it, we've successfully put sustainable heritage on the map of museums, galleries, libraries, Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £3,015 per year (UK)

Sustainability PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

PhD Pursue your research degree with an internationally known institute that works with influential partners, including government and Read more...

  • 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
  • 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)
  • 3.5 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD in Strategy, Enterprise and Sustainability

Manchester metropolitan university.

Discover your research degree study options, including areas of expertise for our academic supervisors. Our research degrees will help you Read more...

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree
  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree
  • 3 years Full time degree
  • 6 years Part time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability PhD

Why choose this programme The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 30 Read more...

  • 36 months Full time degree
  • 72 months Part time degree

Sustainable Resources MPhil/PhD

Faced with a growing global population and increased demand and competition for natural resources our mission is to generate knowledge in Read more...

Sustainable Energy PhD

Why choose this programme Champion our ‘One Health, One Medicine’ approach which brings together expertise from a broad range of Read more...

University of Exeter

The Universities of Exeter, Bristol, Bath, Plymouth and UWE Bristol have created the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) which Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree
  • 8 years Part time degree

PhD Sustainable Industrial Systems

University of manchester.

Programme description The main aim of our research is to help identify sustainable solutions for industrial systems on a life cycle basis, Read more...

DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development

University of oxford.

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Sustainable Urban Development is a part-time doctoral programme that provides outstanding students an Read more...

  • 4 years Part time degree: £14,535 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development

University of warwick.

Find out more about our MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development. Our MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development (GSD) offers you the Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
  • 7 years Part time degree

MPhil/PhD (Sustainable Environment)

University of south wales.

A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,716 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,358 per year (UK)

Sustainable Futures PhD

University of bristol.

The interdisciplinary pathway in sustainable futures seeks to produce a new generation of researchers who can address the pressing social Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,758 per year (UK)
  • 8 years Part time degree: £2,379 per year (UK)

1-20 of 26 courses

Course type:

  • Distance learning PhD
  • Full time PhD
  • Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

  • University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education
  • University of Suffolk
  • University of St Andrews
  • Keele University
  • Abertay University

Related Subjects:

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phd course sustainability

The Sustainable Development Policy, Economics and Governance (SDPEG) Ph.D. program offers a transdisciplinary doctoral education in the policies, practices and theories of sustainable development. By offering a core curriculum that includes applied policy and economic analysis, governance and process design, social science methods, and professional skills development, the program produces graduates capable of conducting original, applied research that is designed to support sustainability and resiliency across social, ecological, and technical systems. 

This degree will prepare students to assume positions as policy leaders in government, higher education, public and private sector organizations, non-governmental organizations, and research institutes with the expertise and vision to inform local, state, national, and international policy.  

Asim Zia, Director and Professor of Public Policy and Computer Science

Travis Reynolds, Associate Professor

Dan Tobin, Associate Professor

Trisha Shrum, Assistant Professor

David Conner, Professor

Josh Farley, Professor

Sarah Heiss, Associate Professor

Qingbin Wang, Professor

Anaka Aiyar, Assistant Professor

Joe Ament, Assistant Professor

Kate Mays, Assistant Professor

Benjamin Dangl, Lecturer

Edward McMahon, Adjunct Associate Professor

Pablo Bose, Professor

Stephanie Seguino, Professor Emerita

Gregory Rowangould, Associate Professor

Donna Ramirez-Harrington, Associate Professor

Brian Beckage, Professor

Elizabeth Doran, Research Assistant Professor

Jane Kolodinsky, Professor Emerita

Christopher Koliba, Professor Emeritus

Kelsey Gleason, Assistant Professor

Dana Rowangould, Assistant Professor

Degree Requirements

Milestones, guidelines and timeline to degree completion.

Minimum Degree Requirements

The degree requires a total of 75 credits. A minimum of 51 credits must be completed in residence. The residency requirement is completed by courses that:

1. are taken for graduate credit through the University of Vermont, and

2. are taken after the student has been admitted to the Graduate College.

The program’s course of study includes: 

1. 15-credit core 2. Up to 24 transfer credits from prior master’s degree (12 out of 24 transferable credits must meet pre-requisite requirements in statistical methods, research methodology, economics, and policy process theory) 3. 15 credits of a pre-approved Certificate of Graduate Study or a customized sequence of advisor-approved graduate level elective courses 4. 21 dissertation research credits

15 credit core includes:

CDAE 7710

Sustainable Development Policy & Governance

3

CDAE 7700

Political Economy of Sustainable Development

3

PA 6080 or PA 6110 or EDRM 6310

Decision Making Models or Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation or Qualitative Methods or equivalent

3

CDAE 7991

Internship

3

CDAE 7000

Doctoral Seminars (3, 1-credit offerings)

3

Total Credits

15

phd course sustainability

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Students will advance to candidacy following completion of the core curriculum, passage of a written and oral comprehensive exam, passage of the written dissertation and oral dissertation defense exam, and acquisition of teaching experience in the field of sustainable development policy, economics and governance. A GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

Tuition Information

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Admissions Information

Applications for fall 2025 are due January 15, 2025 and will be reviewed after that date.

Admission will be contingent upon funding and alignment of research interests with faculty that are accepting students.

Application can be accessed here .

Admissions Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, natural resources, engineering, ecology, food systems, political science or a closely related field, including social sciences, professional fields, and STEM
  • Completion of graduate level course in statistical methods (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
  • Completion of graduate level course in research methodology (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
  • Completion of graduate level course in economics (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
  • Completion of graduate level course in policy process theory (can be completed as part of Ph.D.)
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
  • In the application Statement of Purpose, please identify 1 to 2 potential advisers from the SDPEG faculty list.
  • Applicants must submit evidence of experience and success in the research process such as writing sample(s), and/or evidence of research experience(s) (e.g., theses, term papers, class projects, research reports and/or other descriptions of past research experience from academic or professional lives).
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional.
  • For international students whose native language is not English or who have not completed undergraduate or master’s degrees in English, scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo must be submitted.
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Department of Environmental Studies at NYU Arts & Science Announces New PhD Program

NYU's green space with purple flowers, overlooking the skyline

The Department of Environmental Studies at NYU Arts & Science is launching a new Environmental Studies PhD , with classes to begin for a highly selective cohort of five students in fall 2025. Three research tracks based around food and land use systems, ecological systems, and governance systems will equip students with the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental and societal problems ranging from climate change to biodiversity loss from a variety of angles. The interdisciplinary program is intended for applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and a common commitment to environmental engagement.

Environmental Studies PhD candidates will be required to take seven core courses and at least five specialized electives supporting their independent research, culminating in the defense of a unique dissertation. Through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium, students will also be eligible to take select courses at other universities. Environmental Studies PhD candidates will receive full tuition funding and a stipend.

The Department of Environmental Studies has grown in size and scope in recent years, offering the new PhD candidates—and all students—enhanced opportunities for research avenues and mentorship with distinguished faculty whose expertise draw from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The department offers a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate minor in Environmental Studies; a BA-MA, master’s degree, and undergraduate minor in Animal Studies; and an undergraduate minor in Environmental Humanities.

In 2025, the department will move into a spacious new home on Washington Square East, at the heart of NYU’s campus. Nearly 18k square feet on two floors of Goddard Hall will house dedicated office and classroom spaces, and bring all the department’s programs together for the first time.

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies David Kanter will direct the new PhD program. “We are very excited to launch this path breaking PhD program which will prepare the next generation of environmental experts to take on the world’s biggest problems with rigor, passion and a transdisciplinary toolkit. We can’t wait to welcome the first cohort of students in fall 2025.”

Applications for the fall 2025 PhD cohort will be accepted September 18 through December 15, 2024. For questions about the program, contact [email protected] .

Degree Programs and Curricula Relating to Sustainability

Students seeking a degree or academic programs related to environmental sustainability may be interested in the following programs offered at Georgetown. This list will be updated as curricula evolve and new programs develop.

Undergraduate Sustainability Programs

    the college of arts and sciences.

The  BS in Environment & Sustainability  from Georgetown’s  College of Arts & Sciences  and  the Earth Commons Institute  equips students for a lifetime of environmental changemaking through hands-on learning, interdisciplinary perspectives, immersive experiences, personal development, and a diverse and hopeful community invested in wider transformation.

The  Biology Department  offers Bachelor of Science degrees in  Environmental Biology  and  Biology of Global Health , and a  minor in Environmental Studies .

Science students in The College who wish to broaden their understanding of the impact of science and technology on society, and the mutual influence of economics, politics and culture on science and technology and vice versa, are eligible for a  minor in Science, Technology, and International Affairs .

    The Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service

The  Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) offers a  major in Science, Technology and International Affairs, with a concentration in Environment and Energy .

    The McDonough School of Business

The  McDonough School of Business (MSB)  offers a  Sustainable Business Fellows  program to  both MSB and non-MSB undergraduate students , equipping students with knowledge and practical experience to lead and manage successful businesses with a deep understanding of the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges of the 21st century. 

Graduate Sustainability Programs

    the graduate school of arts and sciences.

The  Earth Commons Institute along   with the  McDonough School of Business  and the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  offers the  MS in Environment and Sustainability Management  that blends scientific knowledge with business principles.

Master of Science in Environmental Metrology & Policy .

The Department of History offers its M.A. and Ph. D. candidates a thematic strength in environmental history, and annually awards a  full fellowship in Environmental History  to an incoming doctoral student.

The  MS in Environment & International Affairs  is an   interdisciplinary degree from  the Earth Commons   and  the Walsh School of Foreign Service’s Science, Technology, and International Affairs  program that meets the growing demand for environmental science and policy expertise to address the most pressing global environmental issues of our time.

MBA certificate in Sustainable Business .

    The McCourt School of Public Policy

The  McCourt School of Public Policy   offers a  Master of Public Policy with a track in Environmental and Regulatory Policy .

    Georgetown Law

Georgetown Law   offers a focused   curriculum in Environmental Law .

For information about a specific program listed here, please contact the School or Department directly. For even more information about academic opportunities in sustainability and the environment at GU, visit the  Earth Commons . If you know of an academic program that should be added to this list, please contact  [email protected] .

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fernando Alvarado and the first cohort of sustainability scholars

Sustainability scholars program is a win-win for graduate and undergraduate engineers

Departments:, focus areas:.

Professor Emeritus Fernando Alvarado spent 30 years in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying renewable energy, power systems pricing and computer applications in power systems. In retirement, he wanted to give back to the department—not just financially, but through a program that would directly serve students and the power engineering industry, while also advancing sustainability in the energy industry.

Finding the right project was difficult. Alvarado and his wife, Carla, kicked around a few ideas, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they shelved the project for a few years. When Alvarado started discussions again, Associate Professor Line Roald suggested an idea that hit the mark. Roald said, “Why don’t we support undergraduate research and expose undergraduates to power engineering and teach them how it can help in sustainability?” and Alvarado replied, “It sounds like a great idea!”

The result is the Alvarado Sustainability Scholars , a program hosted by the Wisconsin Power Systems research group and organized by Roald. Principal investigators and graduate students participating in the program come up with well-defined research projects in energy and sustainability, that also often blend in skills from optimization, control and data science. Interested undergraduates apply for the projects and conduct their research with the guidance of graduate student mentors. In spring 2024, an inaugural class of six undergraduates participated in mentored research projects.

phd course sustainability

While the basic idea of the program doesn’t seem too radical, Roald says it actually flips the traditional path to undergraduate research. In most cases, interested undergraduates must reach out to a professor to inquire about doing research. By instead offering a well-defined program with a clear application process, the program demystifies the pathway to undergraduate research for students and allows them to get up and running on a meaningful research project more quickly.

“The program helps us manage undergraduate research in a more formal way,” says Roald. “And during our first round, we got a whole bunch of applications from students who indicated that they might not have done direct outreach to researchers. We wanted to lower the barriers to getting involved in research.”

The program also gives graduate students valuable experience as mentors. Joe Gorka, a fourth-year PhD student, mentored Reema Ibrahim, a rising junior, on a project to calculate carbon emissions. “It was my first time mentoring an undergrad, and it was very helpful in developing the skills necessary to properly define the project,” he says. “The undergraduates in the program are very capable, but also very busy. So we have to think about what is realistic, and satisfying, for someone to learn in a semester. I learned a lot about setting the pace of the project as well—choosing a next step that wouldn’t just take 5 minutes, but also wouldn’t take 18 hours.”

Gorka and the other mentors seem to have found a good middle ground. The program’s first semester concluded with a poster session in which the six undergrads presented their research to Alvarado and other researchers. Alvarado says he was impressed by the work, and hopes the program continues to generate enthusiasm. “Everyone in ECE really got behind the idea. I was fascinated by the amount of interest generated among students. We’re going to have some really good power engineers coming out of this, and some people who would have never considered power engineering, which is really what we need,” he says.

Roald says that they have successfully recruited a new cohort of undergraduates to participate in fall 2025. This time around, instead of applying to tightly defined research projects, the students applied for research areas and will collaboratively develop their research interests with their mentors.

“I’m very happy how it turned out, and we had a really good semester,” says Roald. “In particular, I like how we are able to bring in students from across ECE—even those studying data science and computing and other fields. We want them to see how they can leverage the skills they have for energy and sustainability.”

Featured Image: Fernando Alvarado (third from left) and the first cohort of sustainability scholars: Caroline Murphy, Aayushi Singh, Eric Haag, James Towler and Sukriti Somvanshi. Submitted photo.

Green Matters

These Are Some of the Best Master's Programs in the U.S. to Study Sustainability

Online and in-person options for sustainability programs abound.

Jamie Bichelman - Author

Published Sept. 16 2024, 2:57 p.m. ET

A strong educational background can be influential in becoming a prominent voice in the fight for greater sustainability initiatives in industries throughout the U.S.

Luckily, there is no lack of environmental education college programs that provide students with a proper education in sustainability .

We've collated several master's programs in the U.S. in no particular order for you to check out as you consider advancing your education in sustainability matters. Here's a brief look at some of the nationally recognized programs in sustainability education.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a top university in Best College Reviews , with excellent educational merits and greater affordability than similarly ranked institutions. What's so enticing about ASU's bevy of sustainability master's programs is the mix of options for those seeking in-person degrees at their Tempe, Ariz. campus or online, as well as doctorate programs for those who desire further educational opportunities

ASU's collection of sustainability programs includes:

  • Master of Arts in Sustainability
  • Master of Science in Sustainability
  • Master of Sustainability Solutions
  • Master of Sustainability Leadership (fully online)
  • Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership (online)
  • Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems (online)

Harvard University

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sustainable Harvard (@greenharvard)

With a perfect score, Harvard's Extension School earns praise from Best College Reviews thanks in part to the Sustainability Master's Degree Program's flexible coursework and ability to position graduates with notable employers. Tuition costs $3,340 per course and 11 of the 12 required courses are completed online.

Students can pursue the thesis track or a capstone project. Additionally, enrollees can choose from several concentrations, including corporate sustainability, environmental policy, sustainable food systems, and more.

Tufts University

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Staying in Massachusetts, the Master of Science in Sustainability program at Tufts is ranked second by Sustainability Magazine . The program requires 36 credits to complete as well as an internship or capstone, and students must maintain a B-minus grade or higher for course credit.

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

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Michigan isn't just a beautiful place for outdoor enthusiasts . According to Sustainability Magazine , the School for Environment and Sustainability offers a terrific Master of Science program.

Per the program website , students can double major and customize their master's degree path by choosing from seven focuses, including:

  • Behavior, Education, and Communication
  • Environmental Justice
  • Environmental Policy and Planning
  • Ecosystem Science and Management - Conservation Ecology
  • Geospatial Data Sciences - Environmental Informatics
  • Sustainability and Development
  • Sustainable Systems

Indiana University Bloomington

View this post on Instagram A post shared by IU Bloomington Office of Sustainability (@iubsustain)

Boasting the top-ranked Environmental Policy Program in the country, per U.S. News & World Report , Indiana University Bloomington's School of Public and Environmental Affairs houses a one-year Master of Environmental Sustainability program that requires 36 credits. This program is a great choice for an accelerated master's program.

University of Washington

View this post on Instagram A post shared by UW Sustainability (@sustainableuw)

The University of Washington (UW) is another well-regarded institution by U.S. News & World Report , and the online Master of Sustainable Transportation program offers flexibility to complete the program part-time over three years.

Whereas other programs within UW's College of the Environment offer sustainability-minded courses, the transportation program explores a unique career among sustainability career options .

Johns Hopkins

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If you're in the midst of a career crossroads and need the credentials to catapult into a leadership position, Johns Hopkins' Master of Science in Climate, Energy, and Environmental Sustainability provides that push. What makes this program attractive is the fully online nature, no GRE is required, and the program can be completed within two or three years.

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phd course sustainability

Ph.D. Graduate Program in Psychological Sciences and Human Development

Introduction.

The Graduate Field of Psychological Sciences and Human Development (PSYHD)  includes faculty members from departments across the university including Psychology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Communication, and Philosophy.  See below for more on the Cornell Field System. The dominant strengths of the PSYHD Field lie in four broadly defined areas: Cognition , Development ,  Neuroscience , and Social and Personality . The goal of the Field is to educate students to become researchers, scholars, and teachers who will contribute to the future of psychology as a scientific discipline in academic or other research-oriented settings.

Our program prepares students for research and teaching careers in academic life, work in government agencies, and careers in industry or other public and private sectors.  We encourage you to explore the history of our M.A. and Ph.D. theses through the  Cornell University Theses/Dissertations guide .

Please note that we do not offer training in clinical psychology, counseling, school psychology, community psychology, industrial psychology, or clinical neuropsychology.  Applicants with primary interests in these subjects are not admitted.

To enter the PSYHD Doctoral (Ph.D.) program, you must  apply directly  to the Cornell University Graduate School. You may also want to investigate the  Cornell Graduate School  site for additional information about applying.

Application portal opens on September 1   Application portal closes on December 1 (11:59 pm)

Ph.D. Program

We offer three Ph.D. Degrees:

•Ph.D. in Psychology  •Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology  •Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies

The Ph.D. Graduate Student Handbook (Quick Guide) can be found here.

The Ph.D. program in PSYHD is a research focused, apprentice-styled (mentor-mentee) graduate program.  The curriculum and requirements are designed for a 5 year program; the median time to complete the Ph.D. is 5.5 years.

Student progress is supervised by a Primary Advisor who serves as the Chair of a Special Committee comprised of two faculty members, typically within the Psychological Sciences and Human Development graduate field . Prospective students should investigate the faculty members within the PSYHD field, and particularly within the Department of Psychology, whose research interests are compatible with the students' interests.  Prospective students for the Ph.D. program should then contact those faculty directly before applying.

Application requirements

  • Unofficial transcript of the undergraduate record
  • Three letters of recommendation , with a fourth letter optional, which your recommenders will upload to the application.

Academic Statement of Purpose

Describe (within 1000 words) the substantive research questions you are interested in pursuing during your graduate studies, and explain how our program would help you achieve your intellectual goals. Additionally, detail your academic background, intellectual interests and any training or research experience you have received that you believe has prepared you for our program. Within your statement, please also identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own interests.

Personal statement of interest

Please describe (within 1000 words) how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, provide insight on your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. We also encourage you to include information on any of the following areas:

  • How your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient especially when navigating challenging circumstances.
  • How you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive teams.
  • How you have experienced or come to understand the barriers faced by others whose experiences and backgrounds may differ from your own.
  • If relevant, how your research interests focus on issues related to diversity, inclusion, access, inequality, and/or equity.
  • Your service and/or leadership in efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, access, and equity especially by those from backgrounds historically underrepresented and/or marginalized.
  • Additional context around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic record (including, but not limited to, personal and family struggles with unemployment and health as a result of the pandemic, systemic discrimination and the fight for civil rights, and any other situational factors that may have impacted achievements throughout your life).

Applicants are not required to submit scores on the GRE; the GRE subject test in psychology, or to have had an undergraduate major in psychology. 

Prior research experience is highly desirable; applicants may submit research reports or work.

Additional requirements for International applicants:

  • English Language Proficiency requirement (TOEFL or IELTS)
  • International Degree Equivalencies

The Field Structure

At Cornell, graduate study is organized using a field structure.   Fields are composed of faculty members from a number of departments who come together around a shared intellectual interest, and may draw from different campuses or colleges.  Graduate students are admitted to fields of study.  Within each field, they select major and minor subjects, which are research interests or concentrations.

Fields span departments and even disciplines.  It’s possible for a student in the field of economics to include faculty on his or her special committee from industrial labor and economics, civil and environmental engineering, and sociology, along with the more traditional economics and management.

Click here for the complete "Fields of Study, Subjects, and Concentrations" in PDF form .

Student Life

Alexander G. Ophir, Director of Graduate Studies Uris Hall, Room 218 E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-3714

Pamela A. Cunningham, Graduate Field Assistant   •  Psychology Ph.D. Uris Hall, Room 211A E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-3834 Fax: 607-255-8433

Marianne Arcangeli, Graduate Field Assistant   •  Developmental Psychology Ph.D.   •  Human Development and Family Studies Ph.D. Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Room G201B E-mail:  [email protected] Phone:  607-255-4661

phd course sustainability

Sustainability Energy, PhD

  • MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

College of Science and Engineering

New program will train next generation to use AI for improving energy security, sustainability, and human health

Outside of Amundson Hall on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

Training will bring together experts in chemical engineering, biological engineering, chemistry, materials science, and data science

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (09/17/2024) — The University of Minnesota will receive $3 million over the next five years from the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program to fund a new program that will train scientists and engineers to use artificial intelligence (AI) for improving energy security, environmental sustainability, and human health. 

The goal of the program, named Data-Driven Discovery and Engineering from Atoms to Processes (3DEAP), is to bridge chemical, biological, and materials engineering with data science and systems engineering through convergent education and research activities and industry-university collaborations. The project anticipates training 150 masters and doctoral students including 25 funded trainees across disciplines.

Prodromos Daoutidis, a Distinguished Professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) and Director of the Master of Science program in Data Science for CEMS, will serve as the director of the new training program. The team of core faculty participants are from CEMS, the Department of Chemistry, Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. 

"Data science is increasingly shaping the design of new materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. However, the current lack of adequate data and efficient methods for screening all possible materials for a given application is a major challenge. In addition, the discovery of a new material and the engineering of the process to produce it are now typically addressed separately in what ends up being a very inefficient approach,” Daoutidis said.

“3DEAP, our new training program, will bring together experts in materials, data science, and systems engineering to collaboratively tackle these challenges, and maximize our ability to discover and produce novel materials that make an impact on our everyday life. It will also train a new generation of scientists and engineers who can realize this vision," Daoutidis added.

The center will train graduate students to work across common disciplinary boundaries by integrating data-driven methods into more traditional education programs. It will develop innovative curricula and collaboratively tackle multi-faceted research problems in energy, sustainability, and health.

The program will also include industry-university collaborations through short courses and forums and an outreach and recruiting program that will focus on students from socio-economically disadvantaged and/or low-level educational populations attending undergraduate programs in the Twin Cities metro area.

Rhonda Zurn, College of Science and Engineering,  [email protected]

University Public Relations,  [email protected]

Read more stories:

Find more news and feature stories on the  CSE news page .

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IMAGES

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