Catalog Index Course Descriptions Search the 1997-1998 Catalog:

Environmental Science and Public Policy

• Faculty
• Course Work
• Environmental Science and Public Policy, Ph.D.
  • Admission Requirements
  • Degree Requirements
  • Dissertation

Faculty

Course Work

Environmental Science and Public Policy, Ph.D.

This program provides students with the training necessary to contribute to the solution of complex environmental problems. This goal requires development of knowledge and skills in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of scientific data as well as the integration of scientific understanding into the public policy process.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must submit:

1. Scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination (this may be waived if the applicant has a master's degree in an appropriate field);

2. Three letters of recommendation (at least two of these should be from individuals with Ph.D.'s);

3. Official transcripts from each college or university attended;

4. A recent resume;

5. A substantial statement of interest in the program including potential area of specialization and an explanation of career goals.

In addition, it is recommended that each applicant schedule an interview with the program director or environmental faculty member in their area of specialization. Admission decisions are based on the student's qualifications and the availability of a faculty adviser.

Degree Requirements

Category 1. Natural Sciences. Natural Sciences. A minimum of 12 credits in areas of natural science such as biology, chemistry, geology, geography, or environmental engineering.

Category 2. Public Policy. A minimum of 12 credits in areas related to public policy such as public affairs, economics, sociology, and business. A course in environmental law is required as part of this category requirement.

Category 3. Methods and Technology. A minimum of six credits in research skills such as statistics, remote sensing, geographic information systems, analytical chemistry, modeling, or information technology.

Category 4. Doctoral Seminar. Must be taken twice.

Beyond these basic requirements students should indicate whether they intend to specialize in either Environmental Science or Environmental Public Policy. Those specializing in Environmental Science should expect to take a total of 24 credits in natural science, whereas those specializing in Environmental Policy should take 24 hours of public policy course work. A specific set of recommended courses is provided for students in the Environmental Policy specialization.

In keeping with the general philosophy inherent in a Ph.D. degree, students will adopt an individual program focus that is concentrated on a specific area of research. The student's course work must provide the knowledge base from which an original research project in their specific area of interest can be successfully completed.

Upon admission to the program each student is assigned an adviser from the Environmental faculty. The adviser will guide the student through course selection. An adviser may be changed by mutual consent of student and adviser or by petitioning the program director. Each student is required to complete a course work proposal, by the end of the second semester of courses, which must be approved by the adviser and the program director.

By the end of the fourth semester of course work, the student should assemble a dissertation committee of at least four graduate faculty members with representation from at least two academic departments. After reviewing the student's course work proposal, progress to date, and area of research specialization, the committee will make final recommendations concerning course work that will be codified in the program of study to be signed by all committee members.

Upon completion of all (or nearly all) course work, the student may request to take the qualifying or candidacy exam. The qualifying exam will have both oral and written parts. The written portion will consist of questions submitted by each member of the dissertation committee. Successful completion of the written exam should be followed by the oral portion within one month. The qualifying exam may be repeated once at the discretion of the student's committee. Upon completion of all course work and passage of the qualifying exam, and submission of the program of study, the student is recommended for advancement to candidacy by the program director. Students must advance to candidacy within five years of admission to the program.

Dissertation

Before the student may enroll in dissertation research, the student must have advanced to candidacy and have a dissertation proposal approved by the dissertation committee, program director, and dean of the college. Guidelines for preparing the dissertation proposal and dissertation are available from the program director. In preparation for the dissertation the student may enroll in the doctoral dissertation proposal course for credit.

The student must present the completed dissertation in a public seminar and defend the work before the dissertation committee. Awarding of the degree is contingent on approval of the dissertation by the dissertation committee, program director, and dean. The dissertation and defense must be completed within five years of advancement to candidacy.

Lack of enrollment for two consecutive semesters will result in inactive status. Reactivation of program enrollment is by application to the Doctoral Program Director and is contingent upon availability of program resources and past performance.