Environmental PhD Programs

State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• The doctoral program in environmental and natural resources policy at the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry trains researchers who are interested in "the stewardship of ecosystems," according to its website. Ph.D. students complete 60 credits of graduate-level courses, 12 of which must be thesis research credits. Degree candidates must display competency in four core areas: biophysical science, social science, natural resource and environmental policy and research methods; they are also required to take two seminar courses.

  After passing a preliminary examination, students begin work on the dissertation, which must be presented before a committee of at least five faculty members. Graduates of the program go on to careers as researchers, teachers and consultants.

  State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  1 Forestry Drive
  Syracuse, NY 13210
  315-470-6500
  esf.edu

University of Colorado at Boulder

• Students in the 42-credit Ph.D. program in environmental studies at the University of Colorado Boulder learn how to address science problems and understand how governmental policies affect environmental issues. Students complete a primary core consisting of courses in science, philosophy and policy, supplemented by a secondary core that provides expertise in a selected specialization area, such as water resources, policy science or energy science.

  After passing a comprehensive exam, students are formally admitted to Ph.D. candidacy and select a defense committee of five faculty members who will determine if a student has successfully passed his dissertation defense and examination.

  University of Colorado Boulder
  Department of Environmental Studies
  397 UCB
  Boulder, CO 80309-0397
  303-492-1411
  envs.colorado.edu

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Graduates of the doctoral program in environmental policy and planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology are prepared for careers in academia and research. The first two years of the four-year program consist of advanced course work and seminars in preparation for two general examinations. Passing the exams and submitting a qualifying paper are prerequisites for beginning work on the dissertation. PhD students select courses covering topics such as pollution prevention, urban design, energy efficiency and environmental justice; independent research or an internship can be carried out at area environmental planning agencies.

  MIT
  Department of Urban Studies and Planning
  Room 9-334
  77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA 02139
  617-253-1509
  web.mit.edu