Program Overview

Environmental Sciences and Policy

Program aims and objectives:

The environment is a quintessentially interdisciplinary issue that requires an integrated understanding of complex natural histories; ecological processes; scientific evidence; social and cultural contexts; contemporary political debates; legal and policy frameworks; modeling, technical, and management options; and social justice implications for surrounding inhabitants.

The CEU Environmental Sciences and Policy PhD program is led by faculty from various disciplines with research experience in diverse thematic and geographic contexts, which fosters an environment conducive to interdisciplinary research. The PhD program aims to combine breadth and depth of interdisciplinary learning about the environment with professional development skills. The program begins with an introduction to a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches, which allows students to choose the most appropriate combination for their research, and continues with custom-tailored theory and methods classes to facilitate in-depth research skills for their empirical projects. Teaching and research practicum facilitate opportunities to develop teaching, presentation, and publication skills.

Doctoral Program Learning Outcomes:

Graduates from CEU's PhD program in Environmental Sciences and Policy will:

Possess the knowledge to

  • Engage the epistemological diversity of natural and social science disciplines in environment-related debates;

  • Understand the complex interdisciplinary connections among scientific, ethical, economic, social, cultural, and political aspects of environmental issues at both global and local levels and create new knowledge in their chosen field of in-depth research;

  • Learn and apply state-of-the art pedagogical theories to their own teaching and communication.

Apply skills to:

  • Think critically and analytically to understand environmental issues; identify and formulate a research problem; and design, implement, and manage sophisticated theoretical, policy and field research and data analysis, both as an independent researcher and a team member;

  • Communicate scientific results professionally both in writing and orally, and participate in professional networks;

  • Practice student-centered teaching and learning approaches.

Uphold values that:

  • Advance a sustainable and open society, self-reflective critical inquiry, research ethics, and environmental and social care.