Degree Requirements & Course Offerings

The ESR PhD program serves students and advisors from a range of disciplines. There are three categories of course requirements for this degree.  

1. At the time of admission, the School's admission committee may require the student to take up to three courses that they feel will help the student be successful in our program.  
2. All students in the program are required to take the core courses (see below).  
3. Your advisory committee and you will select the remaining courses that best serve your PhD educational goals.  

Degree requirements:

At least 81 credits past the bachelor's degree, including the following specific courses:

Course Descriptions:

Speakers Seminars (1 credit each)

Met by taking two terms of 500-level Speakers Series, two terms of a research group seminar at the 500 level, and two terms of journal club at the 500 level. See what seminars satisfy this requirement.

ESR 630 An introduction to transdisciplinary modes of critical inquiry and science in environmental research (3 credits)

This course draws on representatives from research groups in the School to present the many ways to formulate questions and different forms of science that are being actively used to address environmental problems. We will explore curiosity-­‐ and problem-­‐based approaches from social, physical and biological sciences. Prerequisites: PhD student or MS with permission of instructor.

ESR 632 Topics in Professional Transdisciplinary Writing and Communication Skills (3 credits)

Crucial skill development for advanced graduate students in writing, communicating through multiple forms of media and public messaging. Students will work on projects derived from their own scholarship. Cross sector exposure from science, management, business or non-­‐profit partners. Students must take three different sections of this course as approved by their advisor. This course requirement will be met by taking three 1-­‐credit courses:

ESM 555 Science Communication (1 credit)

Students will outline the objectives involved in presenting scientific information to different audiences, including the role of the speaker, visual presentation of data, written and mixed media.

ESM 556 Advanced Communication Skills for Doctoral Students (1 credit)

Students will explore more advanced topics on presentation and proposal preparation. All students will prepare a mocked up poster based on cognitive and graphic design principles. They will create an extended outline for a research proposal. Peers in class will critique posters and proposals. Prereq: G610 Writing Skills or ESM 555

ESM 557 Science, Media and the Public : Working with the Media to create effective scientific messages (1 credit)

Scientists need to explain their studies to the public through mass media. Topics include; audience, different media, the reporters’ process, editor's view of science stories, and how inaccuracies get perpetuated. Students will evaluate a wide variety of mass media materials, interview practice, and guests' description of various media.

SOC 694 Social Practices & Ecosystems (4 credits)

Examination of social forces and institutions that influence use and guide policy for management of ecosystem services. Investigation of inter-jurisdictional governance of natural systems to establish law and policy that promote investment in ecosystems to create sustainable cities.

2012-2013 Course Schedule (Subject to change)

Other Resources: 

•  See the complete PhD guidelines or the Office of Graduate Studies summary of the PhD process.
• You should plan to attend as many School and Departmental seminars, research symposia and meetings as possible.
• Please discuss with your advisor and the Director of the School of the Environment your plans for presenting and publishing your work.