All core economics courses are taught in the Economics Department and are drawn from the Economics PhD syllabus. More information about these courses can be found from the Economics department Web site .
Code | Title | Points |
---|---|---|
Points | ||
- | MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS I and MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS II | 8 |
- | INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMETRICS I and INTRODUCTN TO ECONOMETRICS II | 8 |
A third course in Quantitative Analysis is also required |
Students must take at least 3 social science courses.
Students must also take 3 natural science electives drawn from the following departments:
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B)
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES)
Department of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) at the Mailman School of Public Health
Department of Earth and Environmental Engineerin g (DEEE) at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)
The master’s thesis should be completed by May 1 in the fourth semester and should address a problem in sustainable development using data and methodologies from the four natural science courses completed in the first two years of the program. The thesis consists of an article (around 30 pages long), which would be publishable in an appropriately refereed academic journal reflecting the disciplinary orientation of the project. Students should submit the Masters paper to their research advisor(s) with a copy to the DGS. The advisor later meets with the student and submits a pass/fail grade to the Assistant DGS for processing. For titles of MA thesis projects previously completed by students in the program please see here .
Requirements for the MPhil Degree
Completion of the MA requirements with a minimum of 60 credits and a B+ average.
Complete 4 out of 6 semesters of service requirements (Teaching Assistant, TA or Research Assistant, RA appointments) . Students with outside funding need to complete a minimum of 2 TA appointments.
Fulfillment of research tools requirement
Core courses in quantitative methods (Introduction to Econometrics I and II, and a third Quantitative Analysis course).
Either a two-course sequence in GIS or other analytic modeling systems or a proficiency examination in a non-English language, as selected with the approval of the academic adviser.
Submission of a final draft of the dissertation prospectus , approved by the adviser, to the MPhil Examining Committee three weeks prior to the MPhil examinations. The prospectus should:
be a single, 10-page document
be distinct from the Master’s thesis though it can build on similar research
cover the methods and objective of the research project
Two-hour long oral exam designed to examine the candidates’ formal learning and their capability to do independent research, including the presentation of a dissertation prospectus/proposal. The examination committee will consist of three faculty members, normally from the Sustainable Development core faculty, and will be chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), who will lead the discussion of the prospectus. Examinations are conducted as follows:
5 minutes: the candidate will give a formal presentation of the prospectus
30 minutes: all members of the examining committee, led by the DGS, will ask questions.
30 minutes: examination of proficiency in fields most relevant to the proposed research, from within the following subjects:
Natural Science
Sustainable Development
(Optional) An elective field, such as study of a region
Each component will be graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. If the average grade is 3.5 or above the student receives a clear pass. If the average grade is below 3.0 the student will be required to leave the program by the end of the current semester. If the average grade is between 3.0 and 3.5 or if any individual grade is below 3.0 the committee require the student to take further courses, revise their prospectus, or provide a revised research paper.
Phd dissertation.
The PhD dissertation will be on a social science topic in sustainable development. The social science research will be informed by an understanding of physical and natural science constraints and opportunities influencing economic development.
Students with a regional area of interest to their dissertation may wish to do research abroad, so as to conduct field studies, use archives, improve language skills, or confer with local experts. In order that students may complete the PhD program without delay, it is preferred that they make use of summers to conduct such research. Students who feel they require a longer period of field research or language training need the approval of their advisor, and of the DGS. Students may not receive extended residence credit for study or research away from Columbia before the completion of all course work requirements and comprehensive examinations.
Complete the GSAS deposit application and pay the $85 processing fee;
Submit the required Survey of Earned Doctorates online;
Upload and submit a PDF copy of your dissertation;
Obtain a signed Approval Card that certifies you have made all required revisions and that the dissertation has been approved for deposit by your sponsor and by your doctoral program.
If both the candidate for a defense and the Advisory Committee choose to have an “open” defense, the following will apply:
The candidate will have a maximum of 40 minutes to present major conclusions of the thesis research, with at least half of the time devoted to a description of new findings or insights in the field discussed that directly resulted from research by the student.
Any member of the University community or other interested parties can attend the first part of the thesis defense.
Questions following the initial presentation are permitted for a maximum of 10 minutes.
Following the oral presentation by the candidate and the brief period for general questions, the defense committee will question the candidate in closed session for a period of up to 90 minutes.
If either the candidate or the Advisory Committee prefer, the procedures for “closed defense” (i.e., 20-minute oral presentation followed by questions from the defense committee in closed session for a period of up to 90 minutes) will be followed.
Candidates must consult with their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies about scheduling the defense. Every Ph.D. student must submit the Intent to Distribute and Defend form directly to GSAS.
The final examination will not be scheduled until the Director of Graduate Studies has recommended the dissertation for defense. A five-person examining committee will be appointed by the department and must be approved by GSAS. The DGS will then officially invite the examiners.
The Application for Defense must be completed by the Candidate and the Director of Graduate Studies and submitted by the program’s office to the GSAS Dissertation office.
Members of the PhD examining committee must be given a minimum of three weeks to read the thesis, so the defense may comfortably be scheduled after submission of the thesis to the Advisory Committee. Before being recommended for defense, the candidate must submit to his/her Advisory Committee draft copies of the thesis, including figures, plates and tables and obtain the Advisory Committee’s written approval of the draft. (Written approval by the Advisory Committee indicates only that the thesis as it stands or with revisions suggested by them is in good enough form to justify scheduling the defense.)
After the Advisory Committee has given its preliminary approval in writing, and the candidate has made any revisions suggested by them, he/she must distribute copies of the dissertation to the external readers. Instructions for the correct form for preparing the manuscript and information on publication options may be obtained via the Graduate School’s website ( http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/ )
The candidate must see that outstanding fees or loans to the University are paid and make sure that he/she has fulfilled all other Departmental requirements. When these requirements have been fulfilled and the examining committee has been appointed by the DGS, the candidate is notified of the examination date, usually about two weeks in advance.
After passing the final examination, the candidate must see to any minor revisions and their approval by the examining committee before final deposit. If major revisions were called for (a defense-vote of “incomplete”), these must be made and submitted within a stated period (usually no fewer than three months and no longer than one year from the date of the defense) to the supervising committee, whose approval will have to be certified in writing before the candidate can be recorded as having passed the final examination. From the time of the “pass” vote, the student has a maximum of six months to deposit the thesis. There are four steps to completing your deposit -- the steps can be done in any order, but your deposit is only considered complete when all four steps are done.
Doctorate degrees are awarded in October, February, and May. Check the academic calendar for specific deadlines for the final deposit of the dissertation. (You may, however, call yourself “Dr.” as of the day of your deposit, since that date will appear on your official transcript.)
SDEV U6240 Environmental Science for Sustainable Development. 3.00 Points.
This course provides a rigorous survey of the key areas of natural science that are critical to understanding sustainable development. The course will provide the theories, methodological techniques and applications associated with each natural science unit presented. The teaching is designed to ensure that students have the natural science basis to properly appreciate the co-dependencies of natural and human systems, which are central to understanding sustainable development. Students will learn the complexities of the interaction between the natural and human environment. After completing the course, students should be able to incorporate scholarly scientific work into their research or policy decisions and be able to use scientific methods of data analysis. This is a modular course that will cover core thematic areas specifically, climate, natural hazards, water management, public health/epidemiology, and ecology/biodiversity. To achieve coherence across lectures this course will emphasize how each topic is critical to studies of sustainable development and place-based case studies in recitation will integrate various topics covered. In the lectures and particularly the recitation sections this course will emphasize key scientific concepts such as uncertainty, experimental versus observational approaches, prediction and predictability, the use of models and other essential methodological aspects.
Term | Section | Call Number | Instructor | Times/Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2024 | 001 | 16318 | John Mutter | T 11:00am - 12:50pm 501a International Affairs Bldg |
Fall 2024 | R01 | 16319 | Th 4:10pm - 6:00pm 418 International Affairs Bldg |
SDEV U9200 Sustainable Development Seminar I. 1.50 Point.
This course is restricted to PhD in Sustainable Development
Term | Section | Call Number | Instructor | Times/Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2024 | 001 | 16323 | Douglas Almond | M 4:10pm - 6:00pm 801 International Affairs Bldg |
Fall 2024 | R01 | 16324 | F 10:00am - 11:30am 1102 International Affairs Bldg |
SDEV U9201 Sustainable Development Seminar II. 1.50 Point.
Term | Section | Call Number | Instructor | Times/Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2025 | 001 | 10509 | Douglas Almond | M 4:10pm - 6:00pm Room TBA |
Spring 2025 | R01 | 10510 | F 10:00am - 11:30am Room TBA |
SDEV U9240 Human Ecology & Sustainable Development. 4.00 Points.
This course has two primary objectives: first, to provide a structured way to think about—and conduct research in—the field of sustainable development. Second, to introduce formal models of dynamic, coupled human and environmental systems.
Term | Section | Call Number | Instructor | Times/Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 2025 | 001 | 10511 | Jeffrey Shrader | M 2:10pm - 4:00pm Room TBA |
Spring 2025 | R01 | 10512 | F 1:00pm - 3:00pm Room TBA |
SDEV U9245 Environment & Resource Economics. 3.00 Points.
This course aims to introduce you to the basic concepts of environmental economics
SDEV U9248 Collective Action for Global Sustainable Development. 3.00 Points.
When externalities go uncorrected, and public goods go undersupplied, the reason is not that the market fails; the reason is that governments are unable or unwilling to intervene effectively. The biggest problem is with transnational externalities and regional and global public goods. This is partly because of the scale of these problems, but it is also because the institutional arrangements at this level make effective intervention difficult. There is no World Government. Instead, there are around 200 sovereign states. To support sustainable development globally, states must cooperate, and yet states' self-interests often conflict with their collective interests. This is why all countries agree that collective action must be taken to limit climate change, and yet, though they try and try again, countries seem unable to muster the individual action needed to meet their own collective goal. The aim of this course is to develop an apparatus for understanding international collective action for sustainable development. By an apparatus, I mean a theory, a structured way of looking at and understanding the world. Rather than just present the theory, my aim is to show you why theory is needed, how it has been constructed, and what its strengths and weaknesses are. Basically, in addition to teaching you principles and tools, I want you to come to see how this field has developed, what it has achieved, and where it has fallen short. Throughout the course, we shall also be looking at tests and applications of the theory-empirical and experimental papers in addition to case studies. The course draws from a number of disciplines, especially economics, game theory (analytical and experimental), and international relations-but also international law, philosophy, history, the natural and physical sciences, and engineering. The focus will be on institutions, and the way that they restructure the relations among states to cause states to behave differently-that is, to cause them to undertake collective action. In terms of applications, the course will address not only climate change but also depletion of the ozone layer, trans-boundary air pollution, pollution of the oceans, over-fishing, biodiversity loss, and the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.
ECON GR6211 MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS I. 4.00 points .
Prerequisites: the director of graduate studies' permission. Corequisites: ECON G6410. Consumer and producer behavior; general competitive equilibrium, welfare and efficiency, behavior under uncertainty, intertemporal allocation and capital theory, imperfect competition, elements of game theory, problems of information, economies with price rigidities
Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECON 6211 | 001/10855 | T Th 2:40pm - 3:55pm 333 Uris Hall | Bernard Salanie, Mark Dean | 4.00 | 27/50 |
ECON GR6212 MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS II. 4.00 points .
Prerequisites: the director of graduate studies permission. Corequisites: ECON G6410. Consumer and producer behavior; general competitive equilibrium, welfare and efficiency, behavior under uncertainty, intertemporal allocation and capital theory, imperfect competition, elements of game theory, problems of information, economies with price rigidities
Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECON 6212 | 001/12002 | M W 10:10am - 11:25am 520 Mathematics Building | Qingmin Liu, Yeon-Koo Che | 4.00 | 37/45 |
ECON GR6411 INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMETRICS I. 4.00 points .
Corequisites: ECON G6410 and the director of graduate studies' permission. Introduction to probability theory and statistical inference
Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECON 6411 | 001/10858 | M W 1:10pm - 2:25pm 520 Mathematics Building | Serena Ng, Jushan Bai | 4.00 | 29/45 |
ECON GR6412 INTRODUCTN TO ECONOMETRICS II. 4.00 points .
Corequisites: ECON G6410 and the director of graduate studies permission. Introduction to the general linear model and its use in econometrics, including the consequences of departures from the standard assumptions
Course Number | Section/Call Number | Times/Location | Instructor | Points | Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ECON 6412 | 001/12009 | T Th 8:40am - 9:55am 627 Seeley W. Mudd Building | Jushan Bai, Simon Lee | 4.00 | 37/45 |
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Career paths, residencies.
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.
For the program beginning summer 2025
Portugal, Tanzania
November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions
January 31, 2025
Climate & Environment
Development & Inequality
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upon completion of the PhD in Sustainability, students will be able to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
All applicants must submit:
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.
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.
Sustainability – phd (online)*.
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.
DISCOVER THE INNOVATIVE WORK WE ARE DOING ON:
Our Environment and Sustainability Ph.D. equips students with diverse perspectives to develop profound new ideas, knowledge and approaches to the most important concerns facing people and the planet. The program provides training to develop deep understandings of the structures of current environment and sustainability issues today and to develop analytical research to address them. This requires learning in multiple disciplines and how they, together, can better provide greater knowledge to bear to the social, environmental, political, scientific and economic factors creating the situation we face today. Our goal is to prepare students for a range of careers in academia, as well as public and private sectors.
Talking solutions with Marilyn Raphael, director of UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
“as a passionate environmentalist and social justice organizer, students with diverse views helped me value mainstream and economically-framed solutions”.
Cassie Gardener-Manjikian
How to Apply Learn more
Enhance professional practice through research and generate new, actionable knowledge to implement in the workplace, discover the program, a predominantly professionally-oriented education that addresses today’s sustainability challenges..
The Main Focus of Research is on the innovative integration of business knowledge with sustainable development issues. Specifically, economic growth, environmental management and social fairness are integral parts of all DBA projects.
The theoretical philosophy of this DBA program hinges upon a holistic approach to problem-solving and stresses the development of leadership skills in times of changing organizational settings due to crisis and scarcity of resources.
It places emphasis on the application of sound theory and rigorous research into real and complex issues in business and management. The students are expected to undertake an independent and systematic investigation selecting the appropriate methodology of research, methods and techniques. The aim is to address topics relevant to organizations and management, particularly with an emphasis on sustainability.
Dr. Elisa Matola, DBA in Sustainability Management, 2017
Academic year 1.
Module LS: Leadership & Sustainability
Module RM: Research Methodology
Module R1: Choosing Own Methodological Tools
Module R2: Final Phase of Research
Module 5: Final Revision of Doctoral Dissertation with Careful Guidance of the Supervisor
Module 6: Public Defence: Viva Voce Oral Examination
Our university welcomes applications from students who have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree. Once you have applied, our admissions team will be in contact with you for any further requirements.
First Year | CHF 16,000 |
Second Year | CHF 13,000 |
Third Year | CHF 11,000 |
Please note that the non-refundable application fee (CHF 150) is not included in these fees.
Kindly note that scholarships or financial aid are not offered for our DBA programs.
“ Dr. Ivana Modena is the founder and President of Sustainability Management School (SUMAS), the first business school in the world to launch a BBA and MBA in Sustainability Management. Dr. Modena brings over thirty years of academic teaching and research experience and has led SUMAS to achieve reputable international recognition. Ivana Modena, Ph.D.
” Mr. Kumar is investigating possible transition pathways for decarbonisation of steel production. Ashok Kumar DBA in Sustainability Management
” Sneha is investigating the impact of industrial production on climate change and how industrial distribution is contributing to climate change. Sneha Chauhan DBA in Sustainability Management
We operate a rolling admissions system for our DBA programs. Please submit your application using our online platform.
With the knowledge of sustainability, your opportunities are endless.
Accredited by the accreditation council for Business Schools and Programs
First university to offer BBA & MBA programs in Sustainability Management
5 star awarded for excellence in teaching, facilities and student quality by QS Stars
We are proud to count more than 82% of international students
Complete the form below to download our brochure and learn more about our dba in sustainability management..
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Switzerland Campus
Headquarters - Rue Mauverney, 28 Campus - Route de Suisse, 35 1196 Gland, Switzerland
+41 22 919 10 99 [email protected]
Italy Campus
BASE Milano - SUMAS Campus - Via Tortona, 56 BASE Milano - Reception - Via Bergognone, 34 20144 Milan, Italy
About SUMAS
© SUMAS Sustainability Management School 2022
Weatherhead School of Management's PhD in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems program currently offers an extension to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, formerly known as the Doctor of Management (DM), at Case Western Reserve University, to our DBA students who have completed two years of our DBA program.
Once again at the forefront of innovation for doctoral education in management, Weatherhead's PhD in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems offers the first residency-based program intended to create an area for promoting evidence-based management and preparing experienced executives for careers in research universities.
Research in our program incorporates perspectives from new thinking about design and sustainability and complex systems as they relate to management in a global environment compared to DBA research which puts a strong emphasis on integrative knowledge and methodologies that synthesize concepts, research and experience.
Similar to the DBA, the PhD in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems program places a premium on:
At Case Western Reserve, you’ll study at one of the nation’s leading research universities—in one of the country’s most culturally robust neighborhoods. You’ll live and learn in a city known for industry and healthcare innovation, where nearly 40% of Fortune 500 companies are represented. You’ll learn breakthrough business concepts from the people who wrote the book on them.
Plus, you’ll:
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Our curriculum incorporates perspectives from new thinking about design, sustainability and complex systems as they relate to management in a global environment.
Once accepted into the program, you’ll remain with your cohort and continue the residency schedule of classes, which occur four times during the fall and spring semesters, as well as a summer seminar session.
Ready to design a better world through smart, sustainable business solutions? That’s the Weatherhead way. Get started today and meet our faculty .
I'M READY TO APPLY I WANT TO LEARN MORE
The 2023 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
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] .
Programs & Courses › Specializations
Schulich’s new PhD in Sustainability is research-oriented and at the cutting edge of topics relating to responsible and sustainable business. Students will develop the theoretical and methodological skills to conduct leading edge research at the intersection of sustainable business and society and have the opportunity to pursue research on such topics as corporate social responsibility, environmental accounting/standards, social change/innovation, stakeholder ethics, and sustainable real estate. Working alongside Schulich’s globally renowned faculty, graduates will learn to generate innovative insights as a member of the global community of scholars.
Study options.
Student admission is restricted to full-time study exclusively for the first four years. It is not recommended to be working outside of the PhD program during your studies. Students must be able to participate in the PhD program in Toronto.
Choose a study option to view its details and requirements
The requirements to successfully complete the program are outlined below in “Curriculum Overview.”
The Sustainability field within the doctoral program in Administration offers outstanding students the opportunity to develop the theoretical and methodological skills that will enable them to conduct leading edge research at the intersection of sustainable business and society. Students have the opportunity to pursue research on such topics that include corporate social responsibility, environmental accounting/standards, social change/innovation, stakeholder ethics, and sustainable real estate.
The doctorate is an individualized program of study that is composed of the four tightly linked phases of study. Students first take a series of core courses and electives to acquire in-depth knowledge of theories and methods used in conducting research related to Sustainability. These courses also help students develop the skills necessary to conduct research and to teach Sustainability. Second, candidates complete a comprehensive examination to test mastery of theoretical methodological foundations of the field. The third phase of the PhD program consists of the preparation of the formal research proposal, which must be defended. Then students conduct the research that is reported in their dissertation, the culmination of the PhD degree.
Students are required to take 12 courses during the first two years of the program. The foundation courses are designed to provide the prerequisite disciplinary knowledge relevant to sustainability and methodological expertise required to conduct research in sustainability. The elective courses enable students to gain depth in sustainability related topics and/or broaden your topical knowledge.
The scholarly discourse on responsible business draws on a myriad of legacy fields of study including, but not limited to, strategic management, organizational behavior, political economy, philosophy, history, economics, etc. While this broad approach matches the complexity of the activities and structures endemic to responsible business, recent decades have witnessed the emergence of novel, integrative, theoretical approaches indigenous to the study of business’s role in broader society. This seminar examines these novel approaches to responsible business at depth. Students will examine key legacy works that are the foundation of these novel approaches as well as more recent scholarly advances. During the seminar, students will develop a deep appreciation for these works as well a critical basis for making their own contributions to these deepening conversations.
Specifically, by the end of this course you should be able to: • Understand, recall, and explain core texts in the field of responsible business; • Evaluate and critique research in the field; • Recognize and contribute to leading edge theory and research in the field.
This course introduces students to leading paradigms and current topics in organization theory. Students obtain an intensive overview of "macro" theories in organizational behaviour and develop an ability to assess organization theory and research critically and comprehensively. Class discussions focus on the strengths, weaknesses and contributions of leading-edge theories and topics; and students are encouraged to think creatively about future directions that various topics and theories might take to advance the field's understanding of organizations. By the conclusion of the course, students: (a) are familiar with important sources and references on prevailing issues in organization theory; (b) have a solid grasp of advanced theory and research on a breadth of topics in macro organizational behaviour; (c) have a better understanding of the process of writing theoretical articles; and (d) possess the ability to evaluate critically the contributions of various research streams to the field of organization theory.
The course offers students the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the rich scholarly research in business and society, with a particular emphasis on its relationship to global governance. Students will develop insights into how one can make a theoretical, methodological, and practical contribution to the management literature through business, society and global governance research.
This course focuses on the use of univariate and multivariate statistics as applied to social and behavioural research within the fields of organizational, management, and consumer studies. It covers descriptive statistics, mean difference testing, analysis of variance and covariance, linear and logistic regression, and a priori sample size calculations, as well as power and effect size calculations.
* This colloquium is a mandatory course held once a month over both the fall and winter s emesters in years 1 (DCAD 7600) and 2 (DCAD 7610).
** It is highly recommended that these two courses be taken concurrently.
Four elective courses (12 credits), chosen from SUST courses and other Schulich and York courses.
Students are expected to write their comprehensive exam at some point between their 22nd and 26th month of the program. This examination is designed for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the sustainability field, bodies of theory that are relevant to your specific research interests, and research methodologies. Students must have successfully completed all coursework to write their comprehensive exam. Students should schedule their exam with the Sustainability PhD Coordinator at least six weeks in advance, and should also specify their research area of interest at that time. Students are expected to coordinate their schedule with other students at the same stage in the program.
After completion of their comprehensive exams, students are expected to focus on developing their dissertation proposal. Students are required to appoint a Supervisory Committee consisting of three faculty members, of whom one is identified as the supervisor, and who is a member of the Sustainability area within the School. Before initiating dissertation research, students are required to submit a formal written proposal that outlines their topic and research plan. Each proposal will then be defended in the form of a formal presentation before the Supervisory Committee. Normally, students are expected to defend their dissertation proposal within one year after the completion of their comprehensive exams. There may be available a monetary bonus from Faculty of Graduate Studies for completion of the proposal by September 15th of the 4th year.
The dissertation is produced under the guidance of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee, and examined by the Dissertation Examining Committee, under guidelines established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. For details on the composition of the Dissertation Examining Committee and the procedure to be followed for the examination of a dissertation students are referred to the “Guidelines for the Preparation and Examinations of Theses and Dissertations” published and updated periodically by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, York University.
Professor of Sustainability and Organization
Professor of Sustainability Accounting; Erivan K. Haub Chair in Business & Sustainability
Associate Professor, Real Estate Finance and Sustainability; Brookfield Centre in Real Estate & Infrastructure
Professor of Public Policy and Sustainability; Director, BBA/iBBA Programs
Professor; RBC Chair in Social Innovation & Impact; Area Coordinator, Sustainability
Professor of Sustainability; Hewlett-Packard Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility
Professor of Sustainability; George R. Gardiner Professor in Business Ethics; Director, Centre of Excellence in Responsible Business
Associate Professor of Business and Sustainability; Director, MBA Program
Sustainability is an increasingly salient concern to managers and policymakers. The goal of the PhD program in Sustainability is to equip students with the skills to provide management education and policy advice focused on sustainability or pursue careers in scholarly research.
Current phd students in the sustainability area:.
as of Fall 2023
Students and faculty in the Sustainability subgroup recognize that the role of business is to create and distribute wealth equitably, both within and across generations. They subscribe to the principles of sustainable development, which is development that ‘meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. A core assumption of researchers in this group is that the broader social and environmental contexts matter to business and that sustainability is core to effective management of risks and opportunities in today’s world. Researchers in this group are also interested in research with the potential to address broad global challenges and to make the world a better place.
The Sustainability group therefore looks to push the boundaries of current theories and methods. We are excited by new ideas and new approaches, as current theories have not adequately addressed some of the significant macro challenges confronting us. We are also excited by research that has practical implications and engages with real-world problems and phenomena.
The faculty members comprising this group include Diane-Laure Arjaliès, Pratima (Tima) Bansal, Oana Branzei, Jury Gualandris, Patricia Hein, Rob Klassen, Sergio Lazzarini, Deishin Lee, and Wren Montgomery. They have published cutting-edge sustainability research in top journals across disciplines, including Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Journal of Business Venturing, Journal of Operations Management, Management Accounting Research, Management Science, Organization Science, and Strategic Management Journal. PhD students in the Sustainability area have also received several awards including the Governor General's Gold Medal (Mark DesJardine, Natalie Slawinski), conference best paper prizes, and have placed at top schools (Tuck School of Business, McGill, etc.).
Ivey's sustainability community is large and active, providing a thriving environment for our Sustainability PhD students. Approximately one third of faculty members across Ivey engage in sustainability research, reflecting its true cross-disciplinary nature (e.g. Janice Byrne, Nadine de Gannes, Alison Konrad, Kirk Kristofferson, Nouri Najjar and Brandon Schaufele, among others). As well, Ivey’s Sustainability group attracts a large number of high-quality doctoral students, post-doctoral students, and international faculty and student visitors. This rich support at Ivey across disciplines and methodological perspectives means the sustainability community at Ivey is vibrant, active and highly generative. Importantly, this structure also offers students the unique opportunity to explore sustainability questions and challenges that cross traditional academic boundaries and ways of seeing the world.
Ivey has gained an international reputation for its sustainability activities. We host the Sustainability PhD Academy that brings together 15 students and 5 faculty from around the world annually in this highly competitive program. Ivey’s annual Sustainability Conference also brings top global sustainability thinkers to Ivey for 2 days of deep conversation with Ivey PhD students and faculty, and aims to build a local community of sustainability scholars that crosses university boundaries. Sustainability doctoral students are also able to access conference and research funding through Ivey’s well recognized Centre for Building Sustainable Value . In addition, the Network for Business Sustainability (NBS) was founded at Ivey. NBS aims to bridge research and practice in order to advance business sustainability. Over 35,000 managers and researchers follow NBS. Finally, Innovation North is located at Ivey, which is taking companies on a journey towards sustainable innovation.
*Please note that Sustainability is a stream under General Management
The Sustainability group at Ivey is always happy to hear from superb applicants who are passionate about researching environmental and social sustainability issues. We have one of the largest, most proficient, and most exciting groups of faculty studying business and sustainability in the world. We are always looking to push new boundaries to find solutions to grand challenges, and we are looking for students who are motivated to do that hard but rewarding, timely, and vital work with us!
If that is you, and you are interested in working with one of our faculty members, please begin by familiarizing yourself with their specific research interests, papers, and methods. Then, please reach out to them with a detailed email on why you think you might be a fit with their research program and expertise. You will need a faculty mentor to support your application in order to have the best chance for a successful admission. While not all faculty members have a specific opening posted many will be able to find a spot for an exceptional candidate, so be very prepared and specific when you connect with them to show them you are a candidate worth considering. Please feel free to connect with more than one faculty member, but be sure to tailor your communications rather than sending a general email that is not likely to stand out or receive a positive response.
Note that many of our members are also cross-appointed in other faculty groups, so please check the various PhD discipline pages for recruiting opportunities that align with your research interests. It may be possible for you to find a fit and apply through one or both disciplines (Business Economics & Public Policy, Entrepreneurship, Operations Management, Strategy etc.). This will still allow you to engage closely with our Sustainability faculty, students, reading group, and programming.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Sergio Lazzarini with any questions once you have read both this page and the general Ivey admissions and FAQ pages which cover deadlines, admissions packages, standardized testing, etc.
Thank you for your interest in Sustainability at Ivey, we look forward to hearing from you, and we wish you the best of luck in your academic adventures!
Professor Diane-Laure Arjalies is interested in supervising students willing to push the boundaries of knowledge and practice by doing qualitative and field-based work. Topics include sustainable finance (e.g., impact bonds, conservation finance), non-financial practices and reporting (e.g., impact assessment, accountability in safe and ethical spaces) and issues linked to life on land (e.g., biodiversity, regenerative farming). Interdisciplinary (e.g., political ecology, accounting), Indigenous and decolonizing approaches are welcome.
Professor Bissan Ghaddar's interests lie at the intersection of mathematical optimization and machine learning models and their application to practical problems related to sustainable and smart cities , particularly in the domains of energy, telecom, and transportation systems. In order for smart cities to become a reality, complex optimization problems in the modeling, design, and operation of these future telecom, energy, and transportation systems need to be solved. The developed models can potentially lead to improved policies that will maximize the environmental, social, and financial benefits of these critical sectors.
Professors Diane-Laure Arjaliès, Jury Gualandris and Sergio Lazzarini are interested in students to examine how multiple actors address collective action issues and promote systemic transformation in complex systems. There is a current project on how farmers and actors of the food chain interact with each other and develop communities of practices to define rules of interaction, agree on common principles, and promote sustainable change. This research involves a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including field experiments.
The doctoral program in Sustainability is designed for those interested in pursuing academic careers in sustainability at top business schools.
Dr. mark desjardine (2016 phd).
Assistant Professor, Pennsylvania State University
The Causes and Consequences of Corporate Short-termism
Corporate short-termism is one of the most significant concerns facing companies and society today. It demands that companies maximize profits in the short term regardless of the long-term consequences. Corporate short-termism can destroy long-run wealth generation, fuel job lay-offs, impede innovation, and neglect society’s social and environmental interests. Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, declares that short-termism, “lies at the heart of many of today’s problems.”... Read more about this thesis
Associate Professor, Memorial University
Short on Time: The Role of Organizational Time Orientation in Business
Our research explores the role of time in explaining firm responses to social and environmental issues. We draw on time perspective and other related individual level constructs from the psychology literature, along with research on time from the organizational and sociology literatures, to develop time orientation as a multi-dimensional firm-level construct.... Read more about this thesis
Sergio G. Lazzarini (PhD, 2002, Washington University in St. Louis) is a Professor at Ivey Business School, Western University, and Chafi Haddad Senior Research Fellow at Insper (Brazil). He does research on how public and private actors interact and organize their activities to improve economic and social performance. He is a former Professor at Insper and founder of Insper Metricis, a center for the study of impact measurement and investing. Sergio has held visiting positions at Harvard University (2010, 2012), University of St Gallen (2009), HEC Paris (2014), Insead (2015), Brandeis (2016), Imperial College (2017), the University of Utah (2019), and the University of Toronto (2021-22).
He has published a trilogy of books on public-private interactions: Capitalismo de Laços (Elsevier, 2011; revised edition by Bei Editora, 2018), Reinventing State Capitalism: Leviathan in Business, Brazil and Beyond (Harvard University Press, 2014, with Aldo Musacchio), and The Right Privatization: Why Private Firms in Public Initiatives Need Capable Governments (Cambridge University Press, 2022). His research has also appeared in several journals such as Strategic Management Journal , Academy of Management Journal, Organization Science, Academy of Management Review, Academy of Management Perspectives, Journal of Management Studies, and Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal , among others. His work has received several prizes including the Glueck Best Paper Award of the Strategic Management Division of the Academy of Management (2003), Best Paper Prize of the Iberoamerican Academy of Management Conference (2003), Best Paper Prize of the Strategy Division of the Brazilian Academy of Management (ANPAD, 2005), Best Presentation Prize of the Strategic Management Society Special Conference in Rio (2011), Distinguished Paper Award of the Strategy Division (Cooperative Strategy Track) of the Academy of Management (2020) and the Jabuti Prize for the book Capitalism of Ties (2010). Sergio has been a consultant to several firms and multilateral organizations such as OECD, IDB, and the World Bank, and his research was cited or interviewed by news sources such as The Economist , New York Times , Financial Times , Forbes , BBC , and Bloomberg .
He also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Strategy Division of the Academy of Management (2008-2010) and as a board member of the International Society for the New Institutional Economics (2009-2011), and is currently the Associate Editor of the Academy of Management Review.
Read full profile »
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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
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 |
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
International Student Admissions
Funding Opportunities
Meet the Students
Request 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:
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Qualification, university name, phd degrees in sustainability.
26 degrees at 22 universities in the UK.
Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study
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.
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.
Anglia ruskin university.
PhD Pursue your research degree with an internationally known institute that works with influential partners, including government and Read more...
University of hertfordshire.
Our research expertise in Renewable Energy Technologies specialises in areas including renewable energy, smart grids, novel wind energy Read more...
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...
University of glasgow.
Based at Dumfries Campus, our staff are experts in many areas of environmental sustainability, including sustainable tourism, environmental Read more...
University of nottingham.
Sustainable Hydrogen provides low-carbon solutions as an energy store, supporting the rapid deployment of renewable energy generation, and Read more...
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...
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...
University of bath.
Explore environmental change and the diverse responses needed to foster behaviours, practices and policies which promote Read more...
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...
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...
Why choose this programme The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 30 Read more...
Faced with a growing global population and increased demand and competition for natural resources our mission is to generate knowledge in Read more...
Why choose this programme Champion our ‘One Health, One Medicine’ approach which brings together expertise from a broad range of Read more...
The Universities of Exeter, Bristol, Bath, Plymouth and UWE Bristol have created the South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) which Read more...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
1-20 of 26 courses
Universities:.
A three-year programme with an innovative approach to sustainability issues and a global change perspective.
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.
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:
* 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).
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 ]
Dates are subject to change . [ Top ]
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)
Elective Courses
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.
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.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
*Developing countries included in the latest OECD DAC list .
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 ]
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Students pursue an intensely focused, highly energized academic experience in their chosen discipline
Recognized experts in their fields, our faculty continually publish groundbreaking research
Our collaborative culture enables students to support one another, and most students live on campus
Learn more about our application materials and what we look for in a candidate
Our graduates pursue tenure-track academic placements at top institutions around the world
Discover a focus and intensity greater than you may have thought possible. As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to explore novel ideas and complex questions.
Fall 2025 applications are now open. The application deadline is December 1, 2024 at 5:00 PM PST.
Our PhD Program is designed to develop outstanding scholars for careers in research and teaching at leading academic institutions throughout the world. You will embark on a challenging and meaningful experience, focusing your academic study in one of seven distinct fields within the PhD degree program.
Strong PhD candidates are full of ideas and curiosity, with a passion and aptitude for research. If you’re prepared to embark on a rigorous career in research and develop your full potential, we invite you to explore the possibilities of a PhD in business. Admitted students receive full fellowships for their doctoral studies.
Monetary tightening and u.s. bank fragility in 2023: mark-to-market losses and uninsured depositor runs, organizational culture archetypes and firm performance, recommending for a multi-sided marketplace: a multi-objective hierarchical approach, phd student voices.
School news, stanford economist guido imbens wins nobel in economic sciences, susan athey named president of american economic association, teaching through a pandemic: students recognize two faculty members for their efforts, diversifying the pool of phd students will require systemic change.
Gain valuable research experience and training in a two-year, pre-doctoral opportunity at Stanford University.
Join a global network of leaders, the world's top sustainability programs, m.s. in sustainability management.
Study with the top minds in the field at the world’s leading sustainability institution, with more sustainability experts and course options than at any other school. The Master of Science in Sustainability Management program is designed for current and aspiring leaders who wish to pursue a career in management at the intersection of business and the environment. Graduates transform organizations by formulating and implementing the sustainability strategies necessary to compete and win in the 21st century. The coursework combines the study of management with classes in state-of-the-art sustainability practice and science, with full-time and part-time options for those with current professional obligations. Join a global alumni network of leaders at top organizations like Google, Patagonia, Nike, the National Resources Defense Council, and many others.
*Those with an undergraduate STEM degree may also be interested in the M.S. in Sustainability Science .
Columbia's excellence and reputation in sustainability education, globally recognized for strength in Earth Science by the National Research Council
Over 200 classes taught by the world’s best practitioners and researchers, more than any other university
Flexible curriculum, part-time option, and evening classes to personalize your experience
Global alumni network of over 2,000 sustainability professionals working at many of the world’s most influential organizations
Hear environmental leader Dr. Cohen address pragmatic approaches to environmentally sustainable growth from his newest book.
Upcoming events & information sessions, learn about columbia university's sustainable finance certification.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
11:00 am - 1:00 pm suny esf, gateway center, in case you missed it....
What's the state of the planet.
State of the Planet is the official news site of the Columbia Climate School.
The M.S. in Sustainability Management program is offered by Columbia’s School of Professional Studies in partnership with The Columbia Climate School, which includes Columbia’s Earth Institute and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and all their affiliated research centers and educational programs. The climate crisis is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, presenting challenges that are immense and urgent. In response, Columbia has created the Climate School to develop innovative education, support groundbreaking research, and foster essential solutions, from local to planetary in scale.
Prospective student interest form.
Please click the “Go” button below to complete a brief student interest form after which we’ll provide you with more detailed information about the program including an email to contact us directly. You may also use the form to ask any quick questions you may have.
If you have a quick question or would like to receive more information about the M.S. in Sustainability Management program, please contact us via the prospective student interest form above or click here .
IMAGES
COMMENTS
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.
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.
The PhD in Sustainable Development at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is a unique and innovative program that combines rigorous interdisciplinary training with practical application. This program provides a comprehensive education in both the social and natural sciences, preparing students to address complex sustainable development challenges.
The PhD program in Sustainable Development is for those looking to pursue rigorous scholarship and research at the boundary between social and natural sciences. Students should have an interest in pursuing academic careers in interdisciplinary graduate and undergraduate programs with a focus on policy and the environment as well as in the more ...
The decisions that leaders make today will have a profound impact on future generations. Stanford GSB and Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability created the Stanford Initiative on Business and Environmental Sustainability to advance the field of sustainability management with new knowledge and new solutions to address these challenges.
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 ...
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 ...
Overview. Our Environment and Sustainability Ph.D. equips students with diverse perspectives to develop profound new ideas, knowledge and approaches to the most important concerns facing people and the planet. The program provides training to develop deep understandings of the structures of current environment and sustainability issues today ...
The students are expected to undertake an independent and systematic investigation selecting the appropriate methodology of research, methods and techniques. The aim is to address topics relevant to organizations and management, particularly with an emphasis on sustainability. Dr. Elisa Matola, DBA in Sustainability Management, 2017.
About the Program. Expand your knowledge and become the type of expert employers are looking for with a PhD in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Our program is designed for Doctor of Business Administration students who want to build on their research and reorient ...
Weatherhead School of Management's PhD in Management: Designing Sustainable Systems program currently offers an extension to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program, formerly known as the Doctor of Management (DM), at Case Western Reserve University, to our DBA students who have completed two years of our DBA program.
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 ...
Sustainability. Schulich's new PhD in Sustainability is research-oriented and at the cutting edge of topics relating to responsible and sustainable business. Students will develop the theoretical and methodological skills to conduct leading edge research at the intersection of sustainable business and society and have the opportunity to ...
We host the Sustainability PhD Academy that brings together 15 students and 5 faculty from around the world annually in this highly competitive program. Ivey's annual Sustainability Conference also brings top global sustainability thinkers to Ivey for 2 days of deep conversation with Ivey PhD students and faculty, and aims to build a local ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Stanford GSB PhD Program. Discover a focus and intensity greater than you may have thought possible. As a PhD student at Stanford Graduate School of Business, you will be inspired and challenged to explore novel ideas and complex questions. Applications for Fall 2025 will be available in September 2024. Fields of Study.
Full- and part-time options are available for those with current professional obligations. If you would like to receive more information about the M.S. in Sustainability Science program, please contact Samantha Ostrowski, Associate Director, at [email protected]. Admissions Counselor +1 (212) 854-9666.
Developing sustainable competitive advantage of a firm through human resource management practices: a competence-based approach, Global Business and Economics Review, 21(1), 96-119. Latukha M. 2018. Talent development and its role in shaping absorptive capacity in emerging market firms: The case of Russia.
Sustainable Careers. Our online Sustainability Management B.A.S. Degree helps you understand the broad concepts and systems involved in developing and managing sustainability business practices. We give you knowledge and management skills in technology, people, economics, natural and energy resources to prepare you for "green-collar" jobs.
Effective management system is one of the key factors of business success nowadays. Construction companies usually have a portfolio of independent projects running at the same time.
Graduate School of Management Master in Management Program TRANSFORMATION OF BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES OF FMCG COMPANIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY ON THE EXAMPLES OF UNILEVER AND L¶ORÉAL Masters Thesis by the 2nd year student Concentration ± Management Ksenia Koreneva Research Advisor: Blagov Yuri, Director of the PwC Center