Environmental Social Science ( - Arizona State U

The Environmental Social Science PhD at ASU is a unique program that explores the interconnectedness of human and environmental challenges. It emphasizes critical social science perspectives, enabling students to analyze complex systems, investigate human impacts on the environment, and develop sustainable solutions. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, government, NGOs, consulting firms, and industry sectors, where they can integrate sustainability into decision-making and promote social and environmental change.

Program Outline

Environmental Social Science (Complex Adaptive Systems Science), PhD

Degree Overview:

This is one of the few doctoral-level programs in the U.S. aimed at understanding the intertwined nature of human and environmental challenges. It emphasizes critical social science perspectives to explore the social dynamics behind environmental issues and facilitates the development of sustainable practices.

Objectives

Analyze dynamic and complex systems like urban growth, agricultural practices, natural disasters, and water rights.
Investigate the impact of human behavior on the environment.
Develop sustainable solutions and effective policies through research-based knowledge.

Outline

This program is organized based on theoretical domains including:

Cultural and Environmental Studies.
Environmental Justice, Hazards, and Vulnerability.
Political Ecology.
Science and Technology Studies.
Urban Environments.
Institutions.
Health and Environment.
Landscape Studies.
Technology and its Consequences.

Content Structure

Core courses (9 credit hours) delve deeply into the chosen concentration.
Electives or Research (51 hours) offer flexibility to personalize the learning path.
Concentration courses (12 hours) provide in-depth exploration of complex adaptive systems science.
Culminating Experience (12 hours) focuses on the dissertation research and defense.

Modules

While specific course titles are unavailable, the curriculum likely covers topics in:

Complex systems and their dynamics.
Social-ecological interactions.
Data analysis and modeling in environmental contexts.
Research design and methodologies.
Sustainability principles and policy frameworks.

Assessment

Evaluation methods could encompass:

Comprehensive exams to measure knowledge acquisition.
Research papers and projects demonstrating analytical skills and application of concepts.
Presentations and thesis defense for assessing communication abilities and research depth.

Teaching

Faculty expertise spans across various areas including archaeology, public affairs, anthropology, human-environment interactions, geography, and technology-related studies. Teaching methodologies might involve interactive lectures, group discussions, seminars, and independent research guidance.

Careers

This program prepares graduates for leadership roles in:

Academia: conducting research and pursuing teaching careers.
Government: shaping and implementing policy solutions.
NGOs & Advocacy groups: working towards social and environmental change.
Consulting firms: offering expertise to private and public entities.
Industry sectors: integrating sustainability into corporate practices.

Other

STEM-OPT extension of three years may be available for qualified individuals on F-1 visas.
This program requires 84 credit hours, completion of a research portfolio presentation, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
Admission requirements for the program
Program location
Application deadlines