Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Science

Total Credits: 30-36 credits (excluding dissertation)

Core Courses

1. ENVS 7101 - Advanced Environmental Theory

• - Credits: 3

• - Prerequisites: Master’s degree in environmental science or related field; foundational coursework in environmental science or policy

• - Description: In-depth exploration of theoretical frameworks underpinning environmental systems, sustainability, and societal impacts.

2. ENVS 7201 - Climate Systems Modeling

• - Credits: 3

• - Prerequisites: ENVS 5201 (Climate Adaptation & Resilience) or equivalent background in climate science or modeling

• - Description: Techniques for simulating climate processes, understanding climate variability, and predicting future climate scenarios.

3. ENVS 7301 - Environmental Health Research

• - Credits: 3

• - Prerequisites: ENVS 5301 (Environmental Toxicology) or equivalent background in health or toxicology

• - Description: Approaches to studying environmental determinants of health, exposure assessment, and epidemiological methods.

4. ENVS 7401 - Sustainable Systems Engineering

• - Credits: 3

• - Prerequisites: ENVS 5401 (Sustainability Science) or related engineering/systems background

• - Description: Design and analysis of sustainable infrastructure, resource management, and engineering solutions for environmental challenges.

5. ENVS 7501 - Policy, Governance & Justice

• - Credits: 3

• - Prerequisites: ENVS 2601 (Environmental Policy & Law) or equivalent policy background

• - Description: Examination of environmental governance, justice issues, policy development, and stakeholder engagement.

6. ENVS 7601 - Doctoral Research Methods

• - Credits: 3

• - Prerequisites: Graduate standing; prior research experience recommended

• - Description: Advanced research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, and academic integrity.

7. ENVS 7701 - Doctoral Seminar

• - Credits: 2

• - Prerequisites: Graduate standing

• - Description: Presentation of current research, critical review of literature, and scholarly discussion on emerging environmental issues.

8. ENVS 7901 - Dissertation Research

• - Credits: 12

• - Prerequisites: Successful proposal approval, coursework completion, and qualifying exams

• - Description: Independent, original research culminating in a dissertation, including data collection, analysis, writing, and defense.

Prerequisites & Electives

Prerequisites Overview:

1. - Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental science, policy, engineering, or related fields.

2. - Successful completion of core coursework, research proposal approval, and qualifying exams.

Elective Courses (Examples):

1. - Advanced Environmental Policy & Governance

2. - Ecosystem Modeling & Remote Sensing

3. - Environmental Economics & Valuation

4. - Resilience & Adaptation Strategies

5. - Environmental Justice & Social Dimensions

6. - Climate Change Mitigation Technologies

7. - Urban Sustainability and Planning

8. - Environmental Data Analytics

Electives can be tailored to support the student’s research focus or specialization area.

Program Structure & Timeline

1. - Years 1-2: Complete coursework, develop a research proposal, and pass qualifying exams.

2. - Years 3-4: Conduct independent research, analyze data, and write the dissertation.

3. - Final Step: Dissertation defense and graduation.