Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences, Studies, and Policy
The Environmental Studies Program offers graduate study leading to the degrees of master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS) in environmental studies, and an interdisciplinary doctor of philosophy (PhD) degree in environmental sciences, studies, and policy.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Environmental Sciences, Studies, and Policy
The interdisciplinary PhD degree is offered by the Environmental Studies Program under the umbrella of the Joint-Campus Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, Studies, and Policy, established by Oregon State University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon.
The environmental sciences, studies, and policy program takes four or more years of study after earning the master’s degree.
Admissions Procedure
Admission to the PhD program must be granted by the Environmental Studies Program and approved by the focal department—another University of Oregon academic unit, chosen by the applicant, that offers a PhD degree. Applications are reviewed independently by the admissions committee in the Environmental Studies Program and in the focal department. Both committees must approve the application before the applicant can be accepted into the program. The online application must be completed and submitted by December 1 for the following fall admission.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Focal department course work 1 | ||
| Environmental studies course work 2 | 32 | |
| Focal department assessment of competence 3 | ||
| Interdisciplinary assessment of competence 3 | ||
| Dissertation: | 18 | |
| Dissertation | ||
| 1 | Completion of graduate course work as established by the focal department, which includes basic graduate-level proficiency in research methods appropriate to the designated focal discipline. |
| 2 | Courses taken in departments or programs outside the focal department. First-year students participate in a sequence of courses required of all incoming environmental studies graduate students. |
| 3 | The term "assessment of competence" is used in lieu of "comprehensive examination" in recognition of the different ways in which departments engage in such assessments. |
PhD students must satisfy breadth and concentration requirements established by the Environmental Studies Program and the focal department. Working with an advisory committee, each student customizes a plan of action for completion of the degree.
Requirements may vary depending on the chosen focal department. In addition to the course work, candidates are required to complete and defend a written dissertation and receive approval of the dissertation by a committee chosen in accordance with Division of Graduate Studies regulations. The committee must have at least five members. The chair and two additional members must be from the focal department. At least three members of the committee must be participants in the Environmental Studies Program.
Graduate Courses
Graduate students typically choose courses that contribute to their individual environmental focus from the Departments of Anthropology; Architecture; Biology; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Earth Sciences; Economics; English; Geography; History; Landscape Architecture; Philosophy; Physics; Planning, Public Policy and Management; Political Science; Psychology; and Sociology; from the International Studies Program; from the School of Law; and others. Consult the individual department listings in this catalog for course descriptions.