Program Overview
The Human Ecology Ph.D. program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers four specializations: Civil Society and Community Research, Consumer Behavior and Family Economics, Design Studies, and Human Development and Family Studies. Graduates are equipped with advanced knowledge, research skills, and the ability to apply human ecological principles to real-world problems, preparing them for careers in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Human ecology is the study of the complex relationships between human beings and their environments. The School of Human Ecology (SoHE) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) within four named options/specializations:
- Civil Society and Community Research (CSCR)
- Consumer Behavior and Family Economics (CBFE)
- Design Studies (DS)
- Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Each named option has its own faculty, curriculum, requirements, and includes a challenging array of coursework along with exciting opportunities for research, outreach, and service tailored to each student’s scholarly interests and career aspirations. The program's goal is to prepare scholars and practitioners to address complex issues at the interface of human well-being and the environment.
Careers:
Graduates of the Human Ecology, Ph.D. program can pursue various career paths in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Potential job titles may include:
- University professor or researcher
- Government researcher or policy analyst
- Non-profit program director or evaluator
- Corporate sustainability manager or consultant
- Human factors engineer
- User experience designer
- Social worker or counselor
