online phd programs in sustainability

2024 Best Online PhD in Sustainability [Doctorate Guide]

An online PhD in Sustainability is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares individuals to become innovative researchers in environmental sustainability and Earth sciences.

Countries and governments are putting the environment and climate change at the forefront.

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In a sustainability PhD program, you can develop advanced knowledge and skills that can be integrated in a way that influences policymaking regarding environmental issues.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Sustainability Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Antioch University

Antioch University offers a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies. To graduate, students must complete 69 semester hours, including a dissertation.

Those interested in the program must submit an online portfolio with an application, an essay, a resume, official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. Applicants must also complete an admissions interview. Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Prescott College

Prescott College offers a Ph.D. in Sustainability Education. Students must complete 72 credit hours through three different phases and a final dissertation to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit a list of references, a current resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement.

Prescott College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University offers a Sustainable Social Impact Doctor of Business Administration. Students must complete 51 credit hours to graduate. The program can be completed online and usually takes 3 years to complete. Those interested in the program may apply online through the school’s website. Admission counselors are available to help applicants.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online Doctor of Business Administration program that focuses on sustainability. Students must complete a dissertation to graduate. Those interested in the program must submit official transcripts, a resume, 2 professional references, and a personal statement. A writing sample is optional but encouraged by the program’s admissions department.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point offers a Doctorate in Education in Educational Sustainability. Students must complete 54 credit hours to graduate. The program can typically be completed in 3 years. Applicants may apply online with all post-secondary transcripts, a letter of intent, a resume, and 3 references.

UW-Stevens Point is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Sustainability Programs

When pursuing an online doctoral program in sustainability, there are a number of specializations within the sustainability scope you may encounter. Specializing your studies can allow you to develop more technical skills within your area of interest and may help you prepare for specific career goals.

Following a particular sustainability program involves research and in-depth comprehension of the topic on a global scale. Here are some sustainability PhD programs that you may want to pursue, depending on your personal interests and professional goals.

PhD in Sustainable Development

Sustainable development involves the advanced study of social, environmental, and economic sustainability and how critical policy can influence natural science issues. If you wish to be involved in challenging policies that concern and influence the future success of our planet, you might want to consider earning a PhD in Sustainable Development.

Studies in this specialization include economics, natural and social sciences, and sustainable development research. This specialization could be applicable to roles in academia, government, finance, or the private sector. Professionals in this area may work in logistics, in storage and distribution, or as sustainability managers.

PhD in Environmental Sustainability

A PhD in Environmental Sustainability trains you on how to develop, implement, and frequently assess policies related to sustainability.

You can learn how to properly address environmental challenges through applied research that looks across a variety of disciplines. Course topics can include environmental justice, urban systems, consumption, social cohesion and inequality, and sustainable enterprise and development.

This program often leads into a wide range of green careers in academia or in private or public sectors. Many professionals work with environmental science, environmental engineering, or policy management.

PhD in Sustainability Education

PhD candidates in sustainability education research the impact and benefits of educating people on sustainable practices.

You can learn how to encourage others to ask the fundamental questions that lead to addressing environmental and sustainability issues that concern our communities and our planet. This program encourages the development of global citizenship in students.

In a sustainability education program, you can study course topics related to educational administration, community development, advocacy, public relations, and politics. Professionals with this specialized training generally work in NGOs or charities. They may also work as environmental specialists, conservation scientists, or academic leaders.

Environmental Science and Sustainability Careers & Salaries

With environmental impact becoming an essential focus for both public and private organizations, jobs in sustainability have become ever more important as well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , rapid employment growth is expected for eco-friendly occupations over the next ten years. In addition, median averages for those working in sustainability occupations are also higher than the average for all occupations.

Sustainability roles are extremely diverse, and sustainability professionals can be found in nearly every sector. Your PhD program specialization can be defined around your specific career goals. Organizations are facing many sustainability issues today, and online doctorate programs in sustainability can train leaders to address the environmental responsibilities of individual companies.

Sustainability Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

A PhD in Sustainability is heavily research focused and often requires a dissertation. Depending on the specialization you choose to pursue, you may be enrolled in a variety of diverse courses in humanities, science, business, and engineering.

Here are some courses you may encounter:

• Fundamentals of Sustainability Science : You’ll learn how to conduct advanced, individual research on sustainable production, distribution, and consumption. Ecological economics is a primary focus in this course.
• Industrial Ecology : You’ll study the relationship between ecological and industrial systems and how they impact one another.
• Risk Analysis : This course helps you develop advanced skills in risk identification. You can also learn about the management of risk through a sustainability lens, including economic, social, and environmental impact.
• Economics of Sustainability : You’ll study the advanced micro and macroeconomics of sustainable systems and learn to use rigorous economic reasoning in your analysis and problem-solving of various topics.
• Sustainable Development : This course develops your knowledge of resource management, energy planning, and recycling for more efficient and sustainable community and cooperation development. This course develops your leadership skills for sustainable development roles.
• Policy Mechanisms : In this advanced course, you’ll learn how to properly address government and market failures that endanger sustainability. Using scientific evidence, you can learn to adjust and implement appropriate policy to help reduce global impact of problems.
• Professional Skills for Environmental Sustainability : Doctoral candidates develop advanced oral and written communication skills in this course, which prepares them for management, leadership, and lecture roles. They also learn how to compose and present professional reports.
• Research Design : In preparation for a dissertation, you’ll learn advanced research methods under the sustainability lens.
• Sustainable Water : Water purification and water preservation are essential for global environmental sustainability. You’ll use this focus and an engineering lens to present solutions for real-world case studies.
• International Development and Sustainability : You’ll learn about global development and industrial advancement that does not compromise the environment, and you’ll learn how to create innovative solutions to reach sustainability goals for development projects.

If your PhD requires a dissertation, the later years of your program would likely focus on your research development.

Sustainability PhD Admissions Requirements

When applying for a PhD program, there are often strict guidelines and requirements that accompany the application packet. It’s beneficial to thoroughly research the particular admission requirements of the school you are interested in.

Here are some admission requirements you may encounter:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
• Minimum GPA of 3.0, on average
• Letters of professional recommendation
• Writing sample that includes your educational objectives

Some schools also recommend that you include a CV that demonstrates your work or research experience in sustainability.

Doctoral Degrees in Sustainability Accreditation

Accreditation for your doctoral degree is essential. Not only is it often necessary for employment after graduation, but it’s also vital when it comes to receiving financial aid or being able to transfer your credits to change programs or schools.

Online programs are especially at risk of being falsely accredited by fraudulent institutions. You can visit the website for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to verify the registered status of your program or school of interest.

Regional accreditation ensures you are attending a school with high academic standards, and it can also protect you when it comes to any employment requests for accreditation.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Doctorate programs can be an expensive venture, but there are many financial assistance opportunities that you may have the chance to qualify for.

You may find funding through scholarships, research councils, charities or foundations related to sustainability, or even grants given to you by your employer. Some schools even fully fund doctoral studies through their research budget.

You can begin your search for government aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Federal loans for doctorate students can be immense, and FAFSA simplifies the process, enabling you to see how much aid you qualify for.

What Is a PhD in Sustainability?

A PhD in Sustainability is a doctoral program that helps you develop an advanced understanding of sustainability practices and your global citizenship responsibilities. It also allows you to find an area of focus related to your environmental education passions.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sustainability is a research-based program that uses scientific evidence to develop sustainability solutions on a nationwide and global scale. This doctoral degree can help prepare you for leadership and sustainability management roles in the green sector of various industries.

What Can I Do with a PhD in Sustainability?

A doctorate degree in sustainability can help you develop advanced qualifications for leadership and management roles in the green sector.

Sustainability is necessary in nearly every industry. Many sustainability experts work as natural sciences managers, environmental engineers, postsecondary teachers, environmental scientists, and conservation scientists, among other roles.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that wages related to environmental protection are well above the average wage for all occupations. Holding a doctorate can often increase your earning potential as well.

Can You Get a PhD in Sustainability Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Sustainability online. Online sustainability degree programs allow for flexible enrollment and can minimize the financial burden of residency or commuting.

Online programming can also offer more convenient scheduling for working professionals. So, completing your doctoral degree online may enable you to pursue your degree while continuing your employment. Credible online degrees, such as an online masters in sustainability or an online PhD in Sustainability, can be earned at accredited universities and institutions.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctoral Degree in Sustainability Online?

In general, a PhD often takes 3 to 5 years to complete. This timeframe can vary depending on the number of credit hours required and how long it takes you to complete your dissertation.

If there is no dissertation requirement, a doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Attending part-time can lengthen the amount of time it takes to obtain your PhD.

Is a Doctorate in Sustainability Worth It?

Yes, a doctorate in sustainability is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment in the environmental protection sector is seeing significant growth as sustainability becomes a concern across nearly every industry.

For instance, both natural science managers and conversation scientists are projected to see 6% job growth over the next ten years. Environmental scientists and specialists are expected to experience 8% job growth (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Employment for postsecondary teachers is projected to increase 12% over the same time period. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that individuals with a doctorate see the lowest unemployment rate.

Getting Your PhD in Sustainability Online

Sustainability practices and strategies have become a central focus across nearly every industry. Getting your PhD in Sustainability online can help you develop advanced skills and expertise in the field, and doctoral qualifications can help you pursue leadership roles in the green sector.

Pursuing your doctorate online through an accredited university allows you the flexibility to further your educational career alongside your personal and professional obligations. You can begin exploring online doctoral degrees today to find the sustainability program and specialization that best align with your professional goals.

Sustainability Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

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The Ph.D. in sustainability fosters innovation and creativity in solving real-world challenges within social, economic, technological, and business realms. In this inherently interdisciplinary program, you’ll become part of a network of academics from across RIT who are working to optimize sustainable systems and practices in engineering, manufacturing, energy, education, and more.

STEM-OPT Visa Eligible

Overview for Sustainability Ph.D.

Our approach to sustainability means working in the broader context of environmental assessment, economics, and policy. Each faculty member in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability sponsors a select number of students for specific research projects, with the scope varying from fundamental science to applied engineering to corporate sustainability applications. On acceptance into a sponsored research project, you will receive a fully-funded education, a stipend to help with living expenses, your own office space, and the time to develop your technical expertise in sub-areas dependent on your research.

In the sustainability Ph.D. program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from areas across the entire university to develop your own innovative approach to the field, building off of methodologies such as life cycle assessment, environmental risk and impact assessment, design for the environment, pollution prevention, closed-loop supply chain management, and product life assessment. Moreover, you’ll work side-by-side with our world-renowned faculty who are avid researchers in diverse areas including biofuels, transportation, energy policy, resource recovery, smart products and systems, and more.

The sustainability Ph.D. helps you think innovatively about how sustainability can positively impact systems all over the world through big-picture solutions, from training future business leaders to maximizing natural resources. You don’t need a background in sustainability to apply to this program; you just need a desire to create positive change in the world. We bring in students of all ages, from all backgrounds—from biotechnology to business—and from all over the world. You’ll also find a wide range of experience—many of the program’s students have more than 10 years of career experience and/or education.

The faculty are well-known scholars and active researchers who not only bring their knowledge into the classroom but also directly involve students in their scholarship. This work includes a wealth of hands-on experience in our impressive research facilities , including a 75,000-sq.-ft., LEED Platinum certified research building with over nine labs and six technology testbeds. With this level of experience, you’ll be prepared for diverse academic and industry jobs where you can make an impact on the way the world views and utilizes sustainable practices, from the macro to the micro.

RIT's Sustainability Ph.D.

With the sustainability Ph.D.'s integrative curriculum, you will develop a deep foundation in sustainability science, sustainable systems, risk analysis, and more. You can also choose several electives from across RIT's colleges—from Computational Modeling and Simulation to Principles of Statistical Data Mining—to tailor your degree and create interdisciplinary relationships throughout the university.

Through your sponsored research project, you’ll have the opportunity to make novel and impactful contributions to the development and understanding of sustainable technologies. Recent dissertation examples include:

• Implications of Consumer Lifestyle Changes and Behavioral Heterogeneity on U.S. Energy Consumption and Policy
• Criticality of Byproduct Materials: Assessing Supply Risk, Environmental Impact, and Strategic Policy Response for Tellurium
• Development of an Integrated Reformer and Fuel Cell System for Portable Power Applications

Sustainability Research

Sustainable energy.

• Photovoltaics
• Energy supply/demand models
• Energy policy

Circular Economy

• Life cycle assessment
• Electronic waste and battery recycling
• Waste-to-energy processes
• Food waste management
• Remanufacturing

Sustainable Urban Systems

• Smart Cities
• Transportation systems analysis
• Food Waste Management
• Food-Energy-Water Nexus

Sustainability Resources: RIT Advances Global Sustainability

Partnering locally and internationally with the communities in which we are engaged, RIT is continuing to advance sustainability efforts and build resiliency at home and around the world. Rochester, NY, is a hub for sustainability professionals and home to rich natural resources, such as fertile farmland and the nearby Finger Lakes. Many of our students share their passion for sustainability with the local community by volunteering on projects connected to K-12 education, community gardens, farmer’s markets, and more. In addition, you will connect with the global sustainability community by attending and presenting at professional conferences all over the world.

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Latest News

April 4, 2024

REMADE to host conference in D.C.   

The Rochester Beacon talks to Nabil Nasr, associate provost and director of Golisano Institute for Sustainability, about the conference.

March 21, 2024

REMADE Institute to lead 2024 circular economy tech summit in D.C. next month

A national institute, led in part by RIT, next month is hosting the 2024 REMADE Circular Economy Technology Summit & Conference in Washington, D.C., highlighting emerging strategies and technologies to accelerate the adoption of a circular economy.

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Pollution Prevention Institute at RIT accepting Community Grants Program applications

The program, founded in 2008, is part of the NYSP2I’s ongoing efforts to make the state more sustainable for workers, the public, the environment, and the economy through pollution prevention.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Sustainability Ph.D.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Sustainability, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence

Admissions and financial aid.

This program is available on-campus only.

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Sustainability Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application .
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
• Submit two letters of recommendation .
• Entrance exam requirements: None
• Submit one writing sample .
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver .

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply   Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).

Additional Information

Prerequisites.

The Sustainability Ph.D. program requires that students gain mastery of key sustainability concepts and methods, several of which are quantitative in nature. Due to this, we require incoming students to have taken university-level calculus, statistics, and two courses in physical sciences (such as chemistry or physics).

5 Best Grad Schools with Online Doctorate in Sustainability

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 13, 2024 , Reading time: 7 minutes

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Students choosing an online doctorate in sustainability program want to make a positive and powerful impact on current issues in sustainability. While sustainability cannot be considered a relatively new discussion – the initial ideas for sustainable development were first developed in the early 1970s – sustainability studies are even more urgent now with climate change.

Sustainability’s importance in society cannot be overemphasized – after all, there’s only one Earth that we can live on! Doctoral degree programs in sustainability usually require prospective students to possess a master’s degree in a relevant field, among other admission requirements.

Most, if not all, students are working professionals who benefit from the convenience, affordability, and flexibility of online education, with time to completion varying between three and five years. 

Graduates of sustainability programs possess an advanced understanding of sustainability and its challenges and concerns, as well as the research knowledge and skills to contribute to its advancement.

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Methodology

We selected these online programs in sustainability studies based on the following aspects: 

• Delivered via distance learning or online learning with low to little residency requirements but with the same academic quality as their on-campus counterparts; 
• Students are provided with the opportunity to choose a theoretical research specialization and successfully complete research projects for the advancement of sustainability studies; 
• Students develop technical and transferable skills that contribute to their success as sustainability professionals; 
• Students access their learning materials and activities via an effective learning management system; 
• Students benefit from the expertise of credentialed professors and 
• Programs are offered by accredited and/or recognized institutions of higher education.

Check out our Methodology section for more information.

Best Online Doctorate in Sustainability Programs

Capitol technology university.

Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability

CTU’s Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability program emphasizes the use of science and technology to provide solutions for resource scarcity. The 60-credit online Ph.D. program features research-centric courses like Sustainability Research Background, Sustainability Research Methodologies, and Sustainability Research Proposal. Students in the Ph.D. program also study Sustainability for Future Demands and Strategies for Sustainability. 

The Ph.D. program allows students to choose from two options – the publication option and the dissertation option. 

University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Doctor of Education in Educational Sustainability

Students in UWSP’s Doctor of Education in Educational Sustainability program learn the knowledge and skills to build sustainable communities and transform leadership and learning.

Students complete 54 credits and can complete the online program in three years (i.e., six credits per semester). Their courses cover the philosophical, historical and theoretical foundations of educational sustainability, systems thinking, and diversity and social justice. 

This is a cohort-based program with rigorous coursework and a yearly four-day mandatory residency. Graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in the higher education, business, government and nonprofit sectors. 

EUCLID University

Doctor of Philosophy in Climate Change and Sustainability

Euclid University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Climate Change and Sustainability program designed for working professionals looking for an affordable and flexible option. The fully online Ph.D. program focuses on international development in relation to climate-related issues based on a policymaker’s viewpoint.

This is the only doctoral degree program offered by an intergovernmental organization for civil servants and diplomats across four continents.  This is also offered as a USA Gambia online program.

Students in the nonresident study program develop their knowledge and skills in the educational and professional aspects of sustainability studies. These include academic and grant writing, research methodologies, and communication technologies, among others. Students can choose from several suggested focus areas, including sustainable development and climate change diplomacy. 

University of North Dakota

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Engineering program at UND requires students to submit an approved doctoral thesis on their chosen topic. Ph.D. students can tackle topics like urban sustainability, sustainable agriculture, and engineering and farm management. Depending on the thesis topic and other relevant factors, the entire program can be completed online or in a hybrid model. 

Students must complete asynchronous engineering courses and take proctored exams. UND provides excellent student support services, including tech support, a digital library, and online tutoring. 

Auream Phoenix University for Women

Doctor of Philosophy by Research in Sustainable Agriculture

We featured Auream Phoenix University for Women’s online PhD program because of its excellent academic quality, multilingual availability – it has an Italian PhD – and choice between full-time and part-time study. The online PhD in Sustainable Agriculture program has a research step that covers alternative production systems, plant sciences, engineering and farm management, and agricultural technology. The research results are useful in finding solutions for issues in the developed and undeveloped world. 

Students in the 65-credit PhD program can choose from three dissertation defense options – written, oral, and in-person. 

APUW is known as Selinus University of Science and Literature in Panama. There’s also a Selinus University of Science and Literature London location.   (To browse thousands of doctorate degree programs, try the Keystone Education Group Family website).

Common Courses and Learning Experiences

Students in doctoral degree programs tackle several courses that strengthen their hard and soft skills in sustainability, including: 

• Theoretical foundations of sustainability 
• Research literature and methodologies 
• Sustainability strategies 

Students usually complete a doctoral thesis to earn a doctoral degree. 

Popular Career Paths

Graduates of these online doctorate programs can look forward to a wide range of careers in sustainability, from business managers to sustainability scientists, researchers, and even engineers. Regardless of their specific occupations, sustainability professionals are passionate about environmental protection, conservation, and justice. 

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

These sustainability professionals possess advanced knowledge of interrelated disciplines including natural sciences, social sciences, and even human and population health. 

Natural Sciences Managers 

These sustainability professionals are known for their managerial and scientific skills in providing solutions for sustainability issues. 

Environmental Engineers 

These sustainability professionals use their interdisciplinary knowledge in chemistry, biology and engineering to develop solutions for ecological issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there differences between online and on-campus doctorate in sustainability programs .

Except for the distance learning aspect, there are little to no differences in the curriculum, academic quality, and student learning outcomes between online and on-campus doctoral degrees in sustainability programs. 

Is there a specific career path for Sustainability professionals? 

No, there’s no one-size-fits-all career path for professionals with a doctoral degree in sustainability. Many even have unrelated bachelor’s and master’s degrees, such as in business administration, before venturing into sustainability studies. 

What are the best reasons to pursue a Doctorate degree in Sustainability? 

Being a sustainability professional is an incredibly rewarding endeavor because you have meaningful opportunities to transform organizations, promote environmental and social development, and enjoy a lucrative career. 

Key Takeaways

• Pursuing a Ph.D. online degree in sustainability is a stepping stone toward career advancement as a sustainability professional. 
• Being a sustainability professional means promoting a good balance between environmental protection, social development, and profitable operations.

Additional Resources:

• Best Online Doctor of Architecture Degrees
• Best Grad Schools with Online Doctorate in Entrepreneurship
• Best Online Doctor of Marketing Degrees

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sustainability

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Earn a doctorate degree in Sustainability, help lead innovation in a growing industry

Tremendous career opportunities exist in multiple government agencies and industries who are reporting significant workforce shortages of technical management personnel with a doctoral degree and experience in sustainability and how to efficiently manage resources. Moreover, the shortage is growing each year. This program is in response to that need. The Ph.D. in Sustainability degree is for new doctoral graduates and non-traditional students (i.e., experienced personnel) who desire to advance in their careers by gaining senior level skills in government and industry related directly and indirectly to sustainability technologies.

Capitol Technology University’s online PhD in Sustainability degree is a unique program designed to meet the long-standing needs of managing our resources efficiently, effectively and with sustainability. This degree is not an environmental science degree or environmental in focus. The focus is technology in using science and technology is reducing resource demand, the reliability of what we use and the engineering to deliver on real improvements. Currently wind turbine blades only are usable for 10 years, then buried until a solution of how to recycle material is not able to be used with current knowledge. Sustainable means designing turbine blades to last considerably longer, using materials that can be recycled and supporting a net zero carbon environment.

Why Capitol?

Learn around your busy schedule

Program is 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts.

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field. 

Key Faculty

Associate Chair, Director of Engineering Labs

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The PhD program offers 2 degree completion requirement options.

• Dissertation Option: the student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.
• Publication Option: the student will produce, present, and defend doctoral research that is published as articles (3 required) in peer reviewed journals identified by the university and the student’s Committee. Students must receive the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Board prior to publication.

Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted

PhD in Sustainability Courses - 60 credits

Upon graduation, graduates will be able to:

• Execute a plan to complete a significant piece scholarly work in sustainability
• Utilize their knowledge and skills in Sustainability to create and implementation solutions to a wide range of  global situations
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies needed for the future in sustainable problems
• Evaluate the need for the applications of Sustainability
• Recognize areas that needs sustainable adaptations

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

Need more info, or ready to apply?

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Ph.D. in Environment and Sustainability

Our Environment and Sustainability Ph.D. equips students with diverse perspectives to develop profound new ideas, knowledge and approaches to the most important concerns facing people and the planet. The program provides training to develop deep understandings of the structures of current environment and sustainability issues today and to develop analytical research to address them. This requires learning in multiple disciplines and how they, together, can better provide greater knowledge to bear to the social, environmental, political, scientific and economic factors creating the situation we face today. Our goal is to prepare students for a range of careers in academia, as well as public and private sectors.

Climate Strategies

Talking solutions with Marilyn Raphael, director of UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability

Dangerous combination of extreme heat and smoke affected 16.5 million Californians

“as a passionate environmentalist and social justice organizer, students with diverse views helped me value mainstream and economically-framed solutions”.

​​Cassie Gardener-Manjikian

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PhD in Sustainable Development

Ph.d. curriculum.

The distinctive and innovative nature of this program requires a core set of courses that provide an interdisciplinary grounding. Each of these courses is taught at the level expected of first- or second-year Ph.D. students in the affiliated departments. The course structure is designed to provide students with PhD-level training in economics and a natural science field, complemented by integrative courses in sustainable development designed specifically for this program and courses in social sciences. The course structure combines flexibility to pursue an individual field of study with broad-based skills and knowledge development. The core curriculum consists of around ten core courses, listed below. Students must also complete two social science electives and a coherent sequence of four natural science courses for a minimum total of 60 credits and should maintain an overall B+ average with no lower than a B- in any of the core classes. In addition to course work, students participate in integrative seminars  Sustainable Development Seminar I ( SDEV U9200 ) / Sustainable Development Seminar II ( SDEV U9201 ) throughout the first three years of the program, and complete the MA thesis and take an Orals Exam (leading to the MPhil Degree), in addition to presenting and defending a Ph.D. dissertation.

Due to the unique interdisciplinary content of the program, students entering with a master’s degree earned at Columbia University or elsewhere are still required to complete all MA and MPhil course requirements and examinations.

Advanced Standing for previously held degrees may occasionally be accorded at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) after successfully completing the first year.

Students must select an advisory committee before the end of the fourth semester, ideally earlier, with the help and approval of the DGS and Program Faculty. The committee ideally comprises 2 to 3 members, one of whom is the academic advisor and must be a member of the SIPA faculty. The remaining advisors can be from other Columbia University schools and departments or from other universities. An advisor from a different university cannot be the main academic advisor. The advisory committee should include faculty whose expertise covers both the social and natural sciences.

For the first year or (at most) two academic years, the DGS will have the role of academic advisor. The role of the advisor is to guide and monitor research progress, including reporting to GSAS on the progress of the student, sitting in on Orals and Defense committees, and other associated duties .

Service Requirements

In addition to completing the requirements for the MA and the MPhil, students have to fulfill a teaching and research requirement. This entails six semesters of work as a teaching fellow (TF) or a graduate research fellow (GRF), as assigned by the director of the program. Students typically serve as TFs in SIPA master-level courses as well as a few undergraduate courses. Students who secure external fellowship funding may reduce this requirement with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. Still, in all cases, every student must TA at least two semesters .

The Ph.D. in sustainable development is designed and supported as a five-year program. It is recognized that some students may need to extend their studies for all or part of a sixth year. While this can be accommodated administratively, students cannot assume that funds will be available to support the sixth year of study, and they are urged to make efforts to secure fellowship support or obtain funds through their advisors or from outside sources. Sixth-year extensions may be granted as exceptions and must not be assumed.

John Mutter , Professor  Director of the Ph.D. in Sustainable Development [email protected]

Tomara Aldrich Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. in Sustainable Development  [email protected]

John Mutter , Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and of International and Public Affairs; Director of the PhD in Sustainable Development program

Douglas Almond , Professor of International and Public Affairs and of Economics

Scott Barrett , Lenfest-Earth Institute Professor of Natural Resource Economics

Geoffrey Heal , Donald C. Waite III Professor of Social Enterprise in the Faculty of Business and Professor of International and Public Affairs

Cristian Pop-Eleches , Professor of International and Public Affairs

Jeffrey Sachs , Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development; Professor of Health Policy and Management; Director of the Earth Institute

Wolfram Schlenker , Professor of International and Public Affairs

Jeffrey Shrader , Assistant Professor of International and Public Affairs

Rodrigo Soares , Lemann Professor of Brazilian Public Policy and International and Public Affairs

Joseph Stiglitz , University Professor

Requirements for the MA Degree

Sustainable development courses.

These courses are designed and taught specifically for the PhD students in Sustainable Development, although they may be open to students from other programs.

Core Economics Courses

All core economics courses are taught in the Economics Department and are drawn from the Economics PhD syllabus. More information about these courses can be found from the Economics department Web site .

Social Science Courses

Students must take at least 3 social science courses. 

Natural Sciences Courses

Students must also take 3 natural science electives drawn from the following departments:

Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B)

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES)

Department of Environmental Health Sciences (EHS) at the Mailman School of Public Health

Department of Earth and Environmental Engineerin g (DEEE) at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)

The master’s thesis should be completed by May 1 in the fourth semester and should address a problem in sustainable development using data and methodologies from the four natural science courses completed in the first two years of the program. The thesis consists of an article (around 30 pages long), which would be publishable in an appropriately refereed academic journal reflecting the disciplinary orientation of the project.  Students should submit the Masters paper to their research advisor(s) with a copy to the DGS. The advisor later meets with the student and submits a pass/fail grade to the Assistant DGS for processing. For titles of MA thesis projects previously completed by students in the program please see here .

Requirements for the MPhil Degree

Completion of the MA requirements with a minimum of 60 credits and a B+ average.

Complete 4 out of 6 semesters of service requirements (Teaching Assistant, TA or Research Assistant, RA appointments) . Students with outside funding need to complete a minimum of 2 TA appointments.

Fulfillment of research tools requirement

Core courses in quantitative methods (Introduction to Econometrics I and II, and a third Quantitative Analysis course).

Either a two-course sequence in GIS or other analytic modeling systems or a proficiency examination in a non-English language, as selected with the approval of the academic adviser.

Submission of a final draft of the dissertation prospectus , approved by the adviser, to the MPhil Examining Committee three weeks prior to the MPhil examinations. The prospectus should:

be a single, 10-page document

be distinct from the Master’s thesis though it can build on similar research

cover the methods and objective of the research project

Two-hour long oral exam designed to examine the candidates’ formal learning and their capability to do independent research, including the presentation of a dissertation prospectus/proposal. The examination committee will consist of three faculty members, normally from the Sustainable Development core faculty, and will be chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), who will lead the discussion of the prospectus. Examinations are conducted as follows:

5 minutes: the candidate will give a formal presentation of the prospectus

30 minutes: all members of the examining committee, led by the DGS, will ask questions.

30 minutes: examination of proficiency in fields most relevant to the proposed research, from within the following subjects:

Natural Science

Sustainable Development

(Optional) An elective field, such as study of a region

Each component will be graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest. If the average grade is 3.5 or above the student receives a clear pass. If the average grade is below 3.0 the student will be required to leave the program by the end of the current semester. If the average grade is between 3.0 and 3.5 or if any individual grade is below 3.0 the committee require the student to take further courses, revise their prospectus, or provide a revised research paper.

Requirements for the PhD Degree

Phd dissertation.

The PhD dissertation will be on a social science topic in sustainable development. The social science research will be informed by an understanding of physical and natural science constraints and opportunities influencing economic development.

Students with a regional area of interest to their dissertation may wish to do research abroad, so as to conduct field studies, use archives, improve language skills, or confer with local experts. In order that students may complete the PhD program without delay, it is preferred that they make use of summers to conduct such research. Students who feel they require a longer period of field research or language training need the approval of their advisor, and of the DGS. Students may not receive extended residence credit for study or research away from Columbia before the completion of all course work requirements and comprehensive examinations.

PhD Defense

Complete the GSAS deposit application and pay the $85 processing fee;

Submit the required Survey of Earned Doctorates online;

Upload and submit a PDF copy of your dissertation;

Obtain a signed Approval Card that certifies you have made all required revisions and that the dissertation has been approved for deposit by your sponsor and by your doctoral program.

Open defenses (optional)

If both the candidate for a defense and the Advisory Committee choose to have an “open” defense, the following will apply:

The candidate will have a maximum of 40 minutes to present major conclusions of the thesis research, with at least half of the time devoted to a description of new findings or insights in the field discussed that directly resulted from research by the student.

 Any member of the University community or other interested parties can attend the first part of the thesis defense.

Questions following the initial presentation are permitted for a maximum of 10 minutes.

Following the oral presentation by the candidate and the brief period for general questions, the defense committee will question the candidate in closed session for a period of up to 90 minutes.

If either the candidate or the Advisory Committee prefer, the procedures for “closed defense” (i.e., 20-minute oral presentation followed by questions from the defense committee in closed session for a period of up to 90 minutes) will be followed.

Candidates must consult with their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies about scheduling the defense. Every Ph.D. student must submit the Intent to Distribute and Defend form directly to GSAS.

The final examination will not be scheduled until the Director of Graduate Studies has recommended the dissertation for defense. A five-person examining committee will be appointed by the department and must be approved by GSAS. The DGS will then officially invite the examiners.

The Application for Defense must be completed by the Candidate and the Director of Graduate Studies and submitted by the program’s office to the GSAS Dissertation office.

Members of the PhD examining committee must be given a minimum of three weeks to read the thesis, so the defense may comfortably be scheduled after submission of the thesis to the Advisory Committee. Before being recommended for defense, the candidate must submit to his/her Advisory Committee draft copies of the thesis, including figures, plates and tables and obtain the Advisory Committee’s written approval of the draft. (Written approval by the Advisory Committee indicates only that the thesis as it stands or with revisions suggested by them is in good enough form to justify scheduling the defense.)

After the Advisory Committee has given its preliminary approval in writing, and the candidate has made any revisions suggested by them, he/she must distribute copies of the dissertation to the external readers. Instructions for the correct form for preparing the manuscript and information on publication options may be obtained via the Graduate School’s website ( http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gsas/ )

The candidate must see that outstanding fees or loans to the University are paid and make sure that he/she has fulfilled all other Departmental requirements. When these requirements have been fulfilled and the examining committee has been appointed by the DGS, the candidate is notified of the examination date, usually about two weeks in advance.

After passing the final examination, the candidate must see to any minor revisions and their approval by the examining committee before final deposit. If major revisions were called for (a defense-vote of “incomplete”), these must be made and submitted within a stated period (usually no fewer than three months and no longer than one year from the date of the defense) to the supervising committee, whose approval will have to be certified in writing before the candidate can be recorded as having passed the final examination. From the time of the “pass” vote, the student has a maximum of six months to deposit the thesis. There are four steps to completing your deposit -- the steps can be done in any order, but your deposit is only considered complete when all four steps are done.

Doctorate degrees are awarded in October, February, and May. Check the academic calendar for specific deadlines for the final deposit of the dissertation. (You may, however, call yourself “Dr.” as of the day of your deposit, since that date will appear on your official transcript.)

PhD in Sustainable Development Courses

SDEV U6240 Environmental Science for Sustainable Development. 3.00 Points.

Category: EE, EPD:Sustainable

This course provides a rigorous survey of the key areas of natural science that are critical to understanding sustainable development. The course will provide the theories, methodological techniques and applications associated with each natural science unit presented. The teaching is designed to ensure that students have the natural science basis to properly appreciate the co-dependencies of natural and human systems, which are central to understanding sustainable development. Students will learn the complexities of the interaction between the natural and human environment. After completing the course, students should be able to incorporate scholarly scientific work into their research or policy decisions and be able to use scientific methods of data analysis. This is a modular course that will cover core thematic areas specifically, climate, natural hazards, water management, public health/epidemiology, and ecology/biodiversity. To achieve coherence across lectures this course will emphasize how each topic is critical to studies of sustainable development and place-based case studies in recitation will integrate various topics covered. In the lectures and particularly the recitation sections this course will emphasize key scientific concepts such as uncertainty, experimental versus observational approaches, prediction and predictability, the use of models and other essential methodological aspects

SDEV U9200 Sustainable Development Seminar I. 1.50 Point.

This course is restricted to PhD in Sustainable Development

SDEV U9201 Sustainable Development Seminar II. 1.50 Point.

SDEV U9240 Human Ecology ＆ Sustainable Development. 4.00 Points.

Category: EPD:Sustainable, PhD in Sustainable Development Open to PhD Students Only

This course has two primary objectives: first, to provide a structured way to think about—and conduct research in—the field of sustainable development. Second, to introduce formal models of dynamic, coupled human and environmental systems

SDEV U9245 Environment ＆ Resource Economics. 3.00 Points.

This course aims to introduce you to the basic concepts of environmental economics

SDEV U9248 Collective Action for Global Sustainable Development. 3.00 Points.

Category: PhD in Sustainable Development Registration restricted to PhD Students

When externalities go uncorrected, and public goods go undersupplied, the reason is not that the market fails; the reason is that governments are unable or unwilling to intervene effectively. The biggest problem is with transnational externalities and regional and global public goods. This is partly because of the scale of these problems, but it is also because the institutional arrangements at this level make effective intervention difficult. There is no World Government. Instead, there are around 200 sovereign states. To support sustainable development globally, states must cooperate, and yet states' self-interests often conflict with their collective interests. This is why all countries agree that collective action must be taken to limit climate change, and yet, though they try and try again, countries seem unable to muster the individual action needed to meet their own collective goal. The aim of this course is to develop an apparatus for understanding international collective action for sustainable development. By an apparatus, I mean a theory, a structured way of looking at and understanding the world. Rather than just present the theory, my aim is to show you why theory is needed, how it has been constructed, and what its strengths and weaknesses are. Basically, in addition to teaching you principles and tools, I want you to come to see how this field has developed, what it has achieved, and where it has fallen short. Throughout the course, we shall also be looking at tests and applications of the theory-empirical and experimental papers in addition to case studies. The course draws from a number of disciplines, especially economics, game theory (analytical and experimental), and international relations-but also international law, philosophy, history, the natural and physical sciences, and engineering. The focus will be on institutions, and the way that they restructure the relations among states to cause states to behave differently-that is, to cause them to undertake collective action. In terms of applications, the course will address not only climate change but also depletion of the ozone layer, trans-boundary air pollution, pollution of the oceans, over-fishing, biodiversity loss, and the emergence and spread of infectious diseases

ECON GR6211 MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS I. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: the director of graduate studies' permission. Corequisites: ECON G6410. Consumer and producer behavior; general competitive equilibrium, welfare and efficiency, behavior under uncertainty, intertemporal allocation and capital theory, imperfect competition, elements of game theory, problems of information, economies with price rigidities

ECON GR6212 MICROECONOMIC ANALYSIS II. 4.00 points .

Prerequisites: the director of graduate studies permission. Corequisites: ECON G6410. Consumer and producer behavior; general competitive equilibrium, welfare and efficiency, behavior under uncertainty, intertemporal allocation and capital theory, imperfect competition, elements of game theory, problems of information, economies with price rigidities

ECON GR6411 INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMETRICS I. 4.00 points .

Corequisites: ECON G6410 and the director of graduate studies' permission. Introduction to probability theory and statistical inference

ECON GR6412 INTRODUCTN TO ECONOMETRICS II. 4.00 points .

Corequisites: ECON G6410 and the director of graduate studies permission. Introduction to the general linear model and its use in econometrics, including the consequences of departures from the standard assumptions

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Doctoral (PhD)

I'M READY TO APPLY I WANT TO LEARN MORE    

The 2023 PhD cohort next to Douglas Lake at the University of Michigan Biological Station.

Through the research-based doctoral program in Environment and Sustainability, students may choose between a highly specialized course of study or one that broadly addresses complex, interdisciplinary issues.

It is strongly recommended that Ph.D. applicants contact SEAS faculty members prior to submitting an application.  It is important to establish a connection with faculty members to discuss mutual research areas. These interactions are helpful in determining fit with our faculty and SEAS community. Faculty research profiles and their contact information can be found here . 

Each student's course of study is tailored to their scholarly interests and guided by their faculty chair and committee. Broad areas of specialization reflect the expertise and research interests of faculty.

The doctoral program's goal is to develop the creative abilities of exceptional students, thereby training them for independent work that contributes to original research and scholarship at the forefront of their chosen fields. Students will become leaders in research, teaching and training others, and developing the scientific knowledge base needed to formulate policies and practices that help sustain natural resources.

Program Milestones

• Upon admission, you are assigned an advisor and faculty member(s) to serve on your interim Guidance Committee.
• In your first year, you prepare a "course of study" document that will guide your coursework and scholarly development.
• By the end of your second year, you will complete your qualifying exam and advance to doctoral candidacy.
• By the end of your fifth semester, you will submit your full dissertation proposal.
• By the end of your fifth year, you will defend your dissertation.

Your PhD will be granted by the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies . The school's Doctoral Handbook provides key information, such as a timeline and outline of expectations and requirements. For more information, contact [email protected] .

DOCTORAL FORMS AND MATERIALS

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PhD in Sustainability Science

A three-year programme with an innovative approach to sustainability issues and a global change perspective.

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Applications for September 2024 entry are now closed.  

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science Programme is a three-year programme that takes an innovative approach to sustainability, seeking to promote a better understanding of the issues by incorporating global change perspectives.

This programme will equip graduates with comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems, and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change, specifically those related to climate change and biodiversity. Students undertake problem-oriented research by playing an active role in UNU-IAS research projects, and acquire the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to understand the underlying principles of various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates.

Students can select courses from those offered by UNU-IAS, while also enjoying the opportunity to take courses at other leading universities in Japan such as the University of Tokyo, Sophia University, and International Christian University.

Programme Structure & Language

Admission requirements, how to apply, diploma programme for specialization on the paris agreement (spa), joint diploma programmes, japan foundation for unu (jfunu) scholarship.

The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The academic year starts in September. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 36 months or six academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. By July of their third-year students are expected to complete all of the course requirements, obtaining at least 14 credits and completing a doctoral dissertation.

The language of instruction is  English . [ Top ]

Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

1. A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability and a minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full time equivalent);

Two completed master’s degrees, at least one of which must be in a discipline related to sustainability studies (those who expect to receive a second master’s degree before the entrance period of September 2024 may also apply);

2. A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned; and

3. English language proficiency.

The minimum score requirements for English language qualifications required by UNU-IAS are:

• 600 on TOEFL – Paper-Based Testing (PBT) OR
• 100 on TOEFL – Internet-Based Testing (IBT) OR
• 7.0 on IELTS – Academic format

*   Please note that TOEFL and ILTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted.   UNU-IAS requires original TOEFL/IELTS score reports (no photocopies accepted).

• TOEFL: Please order an official score report using the institution code 6991. For more information on TOEFL, please visit  http://www.ets.org/toefl/
• IELTS: Please request that an official report be sent directly to UNU-IAS. For more information on IELTS, please visit  http://www.ielts.org/  [ Top ]

Applicants who have studied for at least two consecutive years in a degree-granting university programme taught entirely in English may submit a substitute document for the English language proficiency score. [ Top ]

Please refer to the PhD Application Guidelines  for detailed instructions on how to apply. [ Top ]

• 3 March 2024 : Deadline for applications
• Mid-April 2024 : Invitation to an interview and requests for submitting supporting documents by email (shortlisted applicants only)
• Mid to late April 2024 : Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
• Late May 2024 onwards : Announcement of application results (successful applicants only)

Dates are subject to change . [ Top ]

• Application Processing Fee:  None
• Tuition Fee:  USD 12,000 per year*

To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year ( USD 6,000 *,  non-refundable ) by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment. Students who choose to pay annually must pay a full one-year tuition payment before the commencement of the academic year. Successful applicants are required to submit all documents and pay the tuition fee by the deadline.**

The estimated total expenses for living and studying in Tokyo for three years are approximately  USD 84,000 , including tuition fees. Applicants must ensure adequate financial resources to meet the full costs of educational and living expenses.

* The fee is subject to change .

**  UNU holida ys  are listed in the  UNU-IAS Academic Calendar .  [ Top ]

The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis and the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.

Overview Courses (Compulsory)

• Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II
• Sustainability Science Research Seminar

Elective Courses

• The United Nations System and Sustainable Development*
• Global Change and Planetary Boundaries*
• Principles of International Development Project*
• Water Resources Systems
• Education for Sustainable Development: From Global Agendas to Local Actions
• Understanding the mechanism to implement the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC
• Frontier of Sustainability Science
• Law and Practice of the United Nations
• Climate Justice and the Right to Education
• Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application
• Environmental Statistics and Research Methods
• Studies of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes
• From SDGs to Climate Change: Implementation Strategies for its Adaptation and Mitigation

Courses marked with * are held over a short period as part of the UNU Intensive Core (IC) Courses.

Other elective courses may also be offered. A wide range of elective courses offered by partner universities are also available to UNU-IAS students through credit exchange arrangements. [ Top ]

UNU-IAS offers the SPA Diploma Programme focusing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement mechanisms, such as the enhanced transparency framework, nationally determined contributions, national adaptation planning process, global stocktake and market mechanisms. By strengthening national capacity in these areas, it aims to become an essential means of implementation of the agreement and develop future leaders who will be at the forefront of these vital efforts. The diploma will be granted upon satisfactory completion of the designated courses. [ Top ]

Students of the UNU-IAS PhD programme are also encouraged to pursue one of two joint diplomas in sustainability science, which are offered in partnership with the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS) and with Sophia University. These diploma programmes require students to gain 18 credits, eight of which must be from courses specified by UNU-IAS and the partner university under the respective joint diploma programme. A joint diploma can only be awarded to students who successfully complete the three-year UNU-IAS PhD degree programme. [ Top ]

The scholarship is competitive and may be awarded to eligible students who have been accepted for enrolment in the PhD programme. There is no separate application form for the scholarship as it is part of the main online application form for admission. Interested applicants must provide the necessary information and documents for the scholarship when applying to the PhD programme.

I. Coverage

The jfUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY as a support package for a maximum of 36 months. The tuition fees may be waived for the scholarship recipients.

II. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be from developing countries* who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
• Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
• Applicants who are already enrolled in other PhD programmes are not eligible. This includes those who have already obtained a PhD degree at an institution other than UNU-IAS.

*Developing countries included in the latest  OECD DAC list .

III. Additional Requirements

• Recipients of the jfUNU Scholarship are required to write a short essay on their learning and experiences at UNU, which is submitted to the donor organisation. Before graduation, each recipient is requested to submit a note of appreciation to the donors with reflections on their future plans.
• Recipients agree to foster collaboration with jfUNU through participating in jfUNU activities, events, and other opportunities offered to the student body. [ Top ]

Before contacting the Admissions Office, please read through the  Frequently Asked Questions  to see if your question has been answered. For any unanswered questions, please use the  Inquiry Form . [ Top ]

Sustainability Graduate

Courses & Programs

Build the Skills to Impact the World

Are you ready to join a community of change agents committed to building a more sustainable future? There’s no better time to develop new expertise through courses and programs that are immersive, relevant, and actionable.

Explore Your Options

Microcertificates.

Accelerated 2-course microcredentials

Graduate Certificates

4-course graduate credentials

Master’s Degrees

12-course graduate programs

At Harvard Extension School, we offer flexible pathways to fit your schedule, budget, and career goals. You can design the path that works best for you. Start by taking a single course to build knowledge in a semester. Want to continue? Stack your course toward a certificate — and perhaps ultimately a master’s degree, choosing the courses that best fit your goals.

Design a Stackable Pathway in Sustainability

Explore the various opportunities to dive deep into sustainability — and design a flexible path through courses, certificates, and degrees.

The Harvard Extension Advantage

Customizable and Stackable Pathways

Learning Designed For Real-World Impact

A Faculty of Experts in Sustainability and Global Development

Accelerated, 2-course graduate credentials in:

• Circular Economics
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Regenerative Agriculture
• Sustainable Finance

Build deeper expertise in a 4-course graduate certificate online:

• Corporate Sustainability and Innovation
• Environmental Policy and International Development 
• Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems
• Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Sustainable Food Systems

Earn a 12-course graduate degree online with an immersive on-campus experience:

• Global Development Practice
• Sustainability

Getting Started

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Explore Courses & Requirements

Get to know the curriculum for your program of choice, exploring courses and requirements.

Visit: Tips for Starting a Degree

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I love teaching the kind of students that the Extension School attracts. They bring so much practical and professional experience to the classroom, and I constantly admire their tenacity, dedication, and drive to address climate change and environmental issues.”

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The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

Doctor of Philosophy in sustainable energy

About the doctor of philosophy degree.

Today’s global energy transitions demand leaders who can seamlessly navigate interwoven technical, societal, and environmental challenges. The newly established PhD in sustainable energy, offered on ASU’s Tempe campus, transcends the boundaries of traditional methodologies and disciplinary viewpoints to achieve a sustainable energy future.

Students in the degree program will conduct collaborative cross-disciplinary research integrating energy science with societal and policy insights. Drawing upon emerging knowledge and deep historical insights, and integrating information from the physical, biological, and social sciences, students will explore and contribute to sustainable solutions that address urgent energy challenges now and in the future.

Graduates will be prepared to bridge diverse domains and communities, fostering socio-technical innovation and developing sustainable energy solutions and policies.

Admission requirements

Students may be admitted to the PhD in sustainable energy program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree from an international institution officially recognized by that country. Applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds are encouraged.

Learning outcomes

PhD in sustainable energy graduates will have an advanced understanding of the dynamics and complexity of global energy systems and will be able to lead others in research providing adaptive solutions to specific sustainable energy challenges. In addition to the common learning outcomes, PhD in sustainable energy students will be able to:

• Use their analytical and theoretical knowledge to elucidate and contextualize complex, transdisciplinary issues surrounding energy.
• Contribute to the body of knowledge of complex energy systems through transdisciplinary research.
• Function within the science-policy nexus with a unique understanding of issues and proposing innovative solutions.
• Produce a portfolio of research accomplishments in complex energy systems that will position them to be competitive for employment opportunities in academia, industry, and government.

If admitted with a bachelor’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 84 semester hours. If admitted with a master’s degree, they must complete a minimum of 54 hours.

Requirements and electives

Courses and electives, core courses.

SOS 571: Sustainable Energy I: Technologies and Systems (3 credits) This is the first in a sequence of foundational courses (571, 572, and 573) in the graduate program for sustainable energy. This course provides a primer on the scientific, technological, and social aspects of energy. It has three core modules: (1) primer on the physics of energy, (2) a review of power systems and electricity generation technologies, and (3) a review of transportation systems and fuel/vehicle technologies. Although the class focuses on energy technology, it also incorporates discussions of the human dimensions of energy systems.

SOS 572: Sustainable Energy II: Transitions (3 credits) This course follows the thread of energy transitions through every aspect of our lives. It stresses the technological, economic, social, and political contexts of energy transitions. It addresses energy use throughout history, the influence of energy on quality of life, how energy use has influenced the process of urbanization and how considerations of access to and control of energy sources shapes geopolitical strategies.

SOS 573: Sustainable Energy III: Futures Analysis, Negotiation and Governance (3 credits) This course provides a basis for understanding the intersection of social, political, cultural, economic, and technical dynamics of existing and emerging energy system possibilities, emphasizing the roles of human decision-making as well as new scientific and technological developments. It emphasizes the development of sophisticated competency in several broad thematic capacities that are required to understand, engage with, and provide thought leadership in the ongoing challenge of creating and cultivating sustainable energy systems.

SOS 574: Sustainable Energy Analytics in Context (3 credits) This course will address the primary metrics, data sources, and methodologies used to measure sustainable energy, including how they are used to track progress toward sustainability goals and shape public policies. It covers the metrics for comparing the cost, efficiency, social equity and environmental impacts of various energy sources, and issues pertaining to product life cycle evaluation. These metrics provide the foundation for assessing the relative merits of various energy and production options based on a variety of possible criteria. In addition to imparting factual knowledge for quantitatively evaluating a multiplicity of energy sources and systems and their impact on the environment, it will build skills in research, comparative analysis and critical thinking that will catalyze a lifetime of engagement with the complex and evolving issues surrounding sustainability.

SOS 575: Sustainable Energy Research Seminar (1 credit) This is a seminar-based course for Sustainable Energy doctoral students focusing on research skills for transdisciplinary energy research. The seminar has a different focus in the Fall and Spring. In the Fall, the course focuses on research methods. In the Spring, the course focuses on the process of generating research ideas and writing effective research proposals.

SOS 589: Community of Scholars (1 credit) This seminar provides the opportunity to develop new skills, to foster cohort building, to interact with other students and faculty in the School of Sustainability, and to network and build support with the alumni network.

Have a question about the PhD in sustainable energy?

Ask us about sustainability at ASU and the diverse environmental, social, and economic focused degrees offered by the School of Sustainability!

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Additional program details, tuition and financial aid, phd in environmental studies, find solutions to crucial environmental challenges.

Our doctoral program is founded on the conviction that theory and practice go hand-in-hand and that our most essential research questions arise from integrating professional experiences and scholarship. Approach your research with a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating science, policy, humanities, education, and service to pursue sustainable solutions to pressing local, national, and international environmental challenges. Our innovative low residency model allows you to pursue your PhD without putting your life on hold.

This degree is offered by AU New England in a low residency format.

Program Overview

The doctoral program in Environmental Studies is a 66-credit program that can be completed in 4-5 years. It utilizes a cohort-based low residency model to provide a rich learning experience accessible to working professionals.  

In this program, you’ll engage in coursework and seminars with a diverse and supportive group of students and faculty whose experience and wide-ranging interests will augment your own. Specialize in the research area for which you have a passion and apply the theories and methods best suited to your research interests. Study with faculty who bridge disciplinary and methodological boundaries, who model the integration of scholarship and practice, who emphasize the role of service, and who are recognized locally, nationally, and internationally.

Environmental Studies integrates a wide range of concepts and ideas and embraces multiple methodological approaches to understanding and solving critical and emerging environmental challenges. The current areas of research interest and expertise among ES PhD students and faculty overlap significantly and intentionally and indicate the richness of content, dialog, scholarship, and practice in our program. The following illustrates the research areas of our students and faculty:

• Conservation Psychology
• Ecology and Conservation Biology
• Environmental Decision-Making, Policy, and Governance
• Environmental Humanities
• Environmental and Social Justice
• Environmental, Sustainability, and Science Education
• Food and the Environment
• Resilience, Climate and Environmental Change

Jason Rhoades

PhD Program Director, Core Faculty

Environmental Studies & Sustainability

Speak to the Program Director

Cohort-Based Learning Community 

Our learning community encourages free and open inquiry, a sustained and challenging discourse, the consideration of diverse and multiple perspectives, issues of mutual interest, an awareness of the learning process, and room for self-reflection. Each entering class travels through the four phases of the program together as a cohort group, developing a deep interest in each others’ work, establishing lifelong bonds of friendship and collegiality, and developing measures of support and critique that are invaluable learning tools. 

Hybrid Delivery Model

The program uses a hybrid delivery model. Students undertake their coursework through a combination of 1 on-campus residency per semester for the first three phases, along with synchronous and asynchronous online engagement. This hybrid approach allows students to participate in the program without having to uproot themselves and put their careers on hold.

Strong Faculty Mentorship and Advising

Mentoring and advising are crucial aspects of our learning community. The faculty cultivates strong mentoring relationships. During the first year of the program, students are encouraged to work closely with all of the faculty. Through coursework, they learn about each faculty member’s research interests and teaching approaches. Throughout all four phases of the program, students and faculty work very closely together in small classes, becoming intimately familiar with their common interests and ideas.

Upon entering the program, students are placed with an academic advisor who helps guide them through the initial phases of the program. During the second year, students typically chose a faculty member to serve as their dissertation chair. The chair is deeply interested in the student’s work, providing support and encouragement, helping the student develop substantive expertise, as well as exploring issues of voice and expression. Through various consultations, the student and chair become a learning team, thinking through scholarly choices and directions.

Take  your  next step – talk to our admissions team.

• Michael Akresh and Christian Carson Featured Guests on St. Vincent TV
• After 14 Years, Community Garden Connections Continues to Grow and Evolve
• In Bhutan, Collaborating to Ethically Preserve an Indigenous Bioculture 

Student Backgrounds, Goals, and Outcomes

Students who pursue AUNE’s PhD in Environmental Studies are united by the desire to research and move forward crucial environmental issues. They have diverse academic, professional, and personal experiences that add value to the comprehensive curriculum. Our students’ and graduates’ backgrounds include:

• Academic and Research Positions. Field biologists and conservation biologists who enter this program typically have extensive practical experience and have worked for state, federal, nonprofit, and non-governmental organizations in the US and abroad. They frequently seek positions in academic settings or research institutions after earning their PhD.
• Advanced Environmental Scholarship and Research. Environmentalists with significant work experience pursue this program to grow both academically and professionally. They are reflective practitioners interested in furthering their scholarship and research.
• Career Advancement. Educators, college faculty without a doctorate, independent scholars, education and policy consultants, journalists, naturalists, conservation biologists, environmental educators, and recent graduates of master’s level ecology and environmental studies programs earn their PhD in Environmental Studies from AUNE to advance their chosen careers.
• New Approaches. Independent scholars, outdoor or adventure educators, therapists, social workers, writers, and artists interested in the psycho-spiritual aspects of environmental studies pursue this program to develop new approaches to learning, teaching, healing, and organizational change.

Current Students

Take a look at our current students and the work they are doing

ES PhD Student Dissertations

Explore examples of student dissertations

Upcoming Events

Environmental studies info session | aune, degree requirements.

Students have a maximum limit of ten years from the date of entry to complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation, and 66 semester-hour credits beyond a Master’s. The program is organized into four phases: Foundation Courses, Research Strategies and Learning Domains, Candidacy, and Dissertation. Each phase is described below. Students must complete the Qualifying Exam and successfully defend their Dissertation Proposal before admission to the Dissertation Phase. A listing of specific courses and course descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalogue .

Phase 1 – Foundation Courses (18 credits)

The initial phase of AUNE’s doctoral program in environmental studies instills the foundations of interdisciplinary environmental studies and scholarship through intensive, integrative, theoretically oriented courses. Topics include research design, ecological thought, applied ecological analysis, global environmental change, political economy and sustainability, and environmental history.

On Campus Residencies

• Summer Semester: 6-day intensive in June
• Fall Semester: 1 weekend in October
• Spring Semester: 1 weekend in March

Phase 2 – Research Strategies and Learning Domains (24 credits)

The program’s second phase includes a series of seminars about scientific research where students focus on methodologies, literature, and theoretical frameworks to guide their research interests. They discuss their work with leading scholars and writers and learn how others frame and execute their research. Students also design and complete four individual “learning domain” courses, each with an individual mentor, that allow them to focus and deepen their knowledge and research skills in their specific area of future dissertation research.

• Summer Semester: 6-day intensive
• Fall Semester: 1 weekend
• Spring Semester: 1 weekend

Phase 3 – Candidacy (9 credits)

During the candidacy phase (or the dissertation phase), students complete a service learning project related to their academic goals. In this phase, students also write and submit their qualifying exam in the form of an integrated essay about their area of research interests. Finally, students prepare and defend their dissertation proposals. The timing and sequence of the candidacy phase will vary for each student, depending on her or his own pace.

On Campus Residency

Phase 4 – Dissertation (12 credits)

During the fourth and final phase of the program, students participate in seminars designed to support all aspects of the dissertation process. They design and conduct original research and analyses that have direct social, environmental, political, and educational impacts. Finally, they write and defend their doctoral dissertation. This phase of the program can be completed entirely online with no required residencies on campus.

Residency Dates

Faculty spotlights.

Abigail Abrash Walton, PhD

Meaghan L. Guckian, PhD

Julia D. Gibson, PhD

Core faculty.

Peter Palmiotto, PhD

Core faculty, co-director, centers, & institutes, & student groups.

The Department’s many centers, institutes, and student groups offer students diverse and compelling opportunities to further their scholarship and practice while contributing to tangible positive change.

Antioch Spatial Analysis Lab (ASAL)

Center for climate preparedness & community resilience, institute for international conservation (iic), conservation psychology institute, the herbarium, keene community garden connections, monadnock ecological research & education project, wild treasures: sustainably, naturally, student alliance.

How to Apply

Antioch University New England processes applications for most programs on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. All application materials should be received in Admissions by the dates listed below. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Admissions Department.

• Essay questions, admissions and program-specific
• Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• Non-refundable $50 application fee
• email transcripts to [email protected] , or
• mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
• Three letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
• There are additional requirements for International applicants
• Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
• Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.

Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.

As a graduate school providing doctoral-level education, Antioch University New England assesses each applicant’s academic experience and promise, personal and interpersonal competence, and professional experience and promise. Our aim is to attract a talented, committed student body marked by professional, ethnic, and cultural diversity. All doctoral students must maintain a full-time course load. Waiving required courses will be approved only in exceptional situations. Transfer coursework from another accredited doctoral program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree either in an environmentally-related field or in a field that has prepared the applicant to undertake the research required in the PhD program.
• In extraordinary circumstances, when the applicant can demonstrate significant life or professional experience, any of the aforementioned requirements may be waived by the Doctoral Admissions Committee.
• The Department of Environmental Studies does not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and invite you to demonstrate your academic potential in a variety of ways.

The Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies requires an application portfolio, which must be received by the application deadline. The application portfolio includes seven documents:

• Application, which provides the most recent information about your education, professional experience, references, and other personal data.
• Transcripts from each college or university attended, indicating courses taken and degrees earned. Both undergraduate and graduate school transcripts must arrive at the Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope or sent via secure transcripts email service.
• Three letters of reference. These references should be from persons who are or have been in a position to evaluate your work. Your recommenders can submit their letter electronically using the online application or send a signed, sealed copy directly to Admissions.
• Personal statement
• Academic Plan. Prepare a narrative outline of your academic interests, including the principal areas of study, the seminal literature you may read, and some research ideas that flow from these interests. Briefly describe your initial ideas regarding the doctoral dissertation. We understand that these are initial ideas that will be revised throughout your program.
• Writing Sample. This should be one piece of professional or academic work that you think is representative of your finest efforts. It might be a published essay or a chapter of a book, a curriculum, a grant proposal, a business plan, a strategic plan, a newsletter, or other types of documents. The submitted document should not exceed fifteen pages in length. If your document is longer, please excerpt the most relevant section.

Doctoral education is an investment in your future. Let us help you understand the costs and explore the resources available to help make your college education even more affordable. The majority of AUNE students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUNE.

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

Take your next step – talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, phd degrees in sustainability.

26 degrees at 22 universities in the UK.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

About Postgraduate Sustainability

Sustainability is an extremely relevant and versatile degree choice, which outlines the way we can mitigate our impact on the environment by adopting regenerative and sustainable practices to support ecological and economic health. It is a future-focussed field and studying it at PhD level offers a highly interdisciplinary learning experience with the option to specialise in a huge variety of professional environments.

To gain admission onto one of the 25 UK-based PhD degree programmes, you’ll first need to hold a strong postgraduate degree in a relevant subject area, and typically will need to demonstrate a significant amount of professional experience. Additionally, a clear research project proposal is usually required as part of the application process, and this will determine the work you do for a large part of your studies.

What to expect

You can expect to engage in advanced training in research methodologies, critical analysis, and the development of solutions for sustainable practices. You will study the environmental and human impact of mass industry and energy systems; the effect of sustainable practices of different types of communities; the life cycle of products and the technologies which can be integrated into our lives to find a more sustainable way of living.

As a doctoral candidate, you’ll conduct original research, contributing new insights to the field. The programme serves as excellent preparation for careers in academia, research institutions, policy development or leadership roles in organisations dedicated to advancing sustainability goals. Graduates are currently in high demand, and this demand is likely to only increase in the future as sustainability is one of the fastest-growing global employment sectors.

Related subjects:

• PhD Sustainability
• PhD Conservation and Protection of Specific Environments
• PhD Energy Economics, Management and Conservation
• PhD Environmental Analysis
• PhD Environmental Biology
• PhD Environmental Conservation and Policies
• PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
• PhD Environmental Management
• PhD Environmental Monitoring
• PhD Environmental Policy
• PhD Environmental Protection and Conservation
• PhD Environmental Science
• PhD Environmental Studies
• PhD Forensic Science
• PhD General Environmental Health
• PhD Marine and Coastal Conservation and Protection
• PhD Nature Conservation and Protection
• PhD Police Services
• PhD Pollution and Pollution Control
• PhD Renewable Energy Resources
• PhD Security, Police and the Armed Forces
• PhD Wildlife Conservation and Protection

• Course title (A-Z)
• Course title (Z-A)
• Price: high - low
• Price: low - high

MPhil/PhD in Strategy, Enterprise and Sustainability

Manchester metropolitan university.

RESEARCH CULTURE We undertake innovative research that is rooted in industry, driven by the global environment and reflective of evolving Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,850 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree

Sustainable Heritage MPhil/PhD

Ucl (university college london).

Research is at the core of ISH. Through it, we've successfully put sustainable heritage on the map of museums, galleries, libraries, Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,035 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,930 per year (UK)

PhD Sustainable Futures

University of bath.

Explore environmental change and the diverse responses needed to foster behaviours, practices and policies which promote Read more...

• 2 years Full time degree: £4,800 per year (UK)
• 3 years Part time degree: £2,400 per year (UK)

MPhil PhD Sustainability, Development, and the Environment

University of east london.

Studying for a PhD with UEL's Sustainability Research Institute will push you to new levels of innovation - and our world-class academic Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £6,020 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £3,010 per year (UK)

Environmental Sustainability PhD

University of glasgow.

Based at Dumfries Campus, our staff are experts in many areas of environmental sustainability, including sustainable tourism, environmental Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Chemistry PhD/MPhil - Sustainable Synthesis and Catalysis

University of leicester.

The School of Chemistry offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and part-time Master of Philosophy Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Sustainable Hydrogen CDT PhD

University of nottingham.

Sustainable Hydrogen provides low-carbon solutions as an energy store, supporting the rapid deployment of renewable energy generation, and Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)

Environment and Sustainability PhD

University of surrey.

Why choose this programme The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 25 Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Resource Efficient Future Cities PhD

Brunel university london.

Research profile The Resource Efficient Future Cities has current strengths in two streams of research energy use efficiency focuses on Read more...

• 6 years Part time degree: £2,355 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD (Sustainable Environment)

University of south wales.

A PhD is a doctoral degree based on a significant and original individual research project which culminates in an in-depth thesis (or Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £4,716 per year (UK)
• 5 years Part time degree: £2,358 per year (UK)

Sustainable Resources MPhil/PhD

Faced with a growing global population and increased demand and competition for natural resources our mission is to generate knowledge in Read more...

Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability PhD

Why choose this programme The University of Surrey has been leading the way in environment and sustainability research for more than 30 Read more...

• 36 months Full time degree
• 72 months Part time degree

PhD (Sustainable Environment)

Sustainable energy phd.

Why choose this programme Champion our ‘One Health, One Medicine’ approach which brings together expertise from a broad range of Read more...

PhD Sustainable Energy Technologies

University of hertfordshire.

Our research expertise in Renewable Energy Technologies specialises in areas including renewable energy, smart grids, novel wind energy Read more...

• 3 years Full time degree: £5,925 per year (UK)
• 6 years Part time degree: £2,960 per year (UK)

University of Exeter

Successfully completing an MPhil or PhD entails undertaking an in-depth study of a particular topic and making an original contribution to Read more...

• 8 years Part time degree: £2,485 per year (UK)

PhD Sustainable Industrial Systems

University of manchester.

Programme description The main aim of our research is to help identify sustainable solutions for industrial systems on a life cycle basis, Read more...

DPhil in Sustainable Urban Development

University of oxford.

The Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Sustainable Urban Development is a part-time doctoral programme that provides outstanding students an Read more...

• 4 years Part time degree: £14,535 per year (UK)

MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development

University of warwick.

Find out more about our MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development. Our MPhil/PhD in Global Sustainable Development (GSD) offers you the Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,950 per year (UK)
• 7 years Part time degree

Sustainable Futures PhD

University of bristol.

The interdisciplinary pathway in sustainable futures seeks to produce a new generation of researchers who can address the pressing social Read more...

• 4 years Full time degree: £4,758 per year (UK)
• 8 years Part time degree: £2,379 per year (UK)

1-20 of 26 courses

Course type:

• Full time PhD
• Part time PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

• University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education
• University of Suffolk
• University of St Andrews
• Keele University
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Abertay University

Related Subjects:

PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership Drive Success and Inspire Change

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Be the Catalyst for Organizational Change with a PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership

Change is constant. In the business world, a successful leader is one who can take new technologies and trends and guide their company through change to come out on top. Are you a business professional who wants to teach the next generation how to effectively lead their companies? Through Liberty University’s PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership online degree, you can develop effective methods for research and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of organization and management. You can learn to evaluate current theoretical research and contribute your findings through your dissertation.

The leadership specialization focuses on how to be the catalyst for organizational change and how to use various leadership theories to create high-functioning teams that can excel in the modern workforce. Your organizational leadership education will be integrated with a Christian worldview that focuses on sound, ethical business practices.

Partner with us and see how far your experience and a PhD in management and leadership from Liberty University can take you in your professional and personal life!

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Organizational Leadership and Management?

At Liberty, we’ve designed our online doctorate in organizational leadership with your success in mind. Our professors seek to equip qualified professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for impacting the world and contributing to the greater good of society.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing Liberty’s organizational leadership program:

• Flexibility  | Our PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership program is offered 100% online, and the classes have no set login times. You can earn your degree from the comfort of home and easily access your course materials whenever you need them. Most importantly, you can stay invested in the things that matter most — like your family, job, and community — while pursuing your academic goals.
• Integrity  | At Liberty, our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ . That’s why our online leadership PhD is designed to integrate biblical principles with professional knowledge. In addition to honing your research skills and enhancing your business acumen, you can prepare to stand out as an ethical, value-driven professional.
• Career Preparation  | Our PhD in management and leadership program can help you use theory and research methods to address practical business challenges. You can build upon your previous knowledge and experience while preparing future generations of business professionals to excel. Whether you are looking for a future as an educator or top-level executive, the skills and knowledge you gain from this degree can help you succeed.

What Will You Study in Our Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

This PhD in organizational leadership and management offers a blend of business classes focused on organizational change with additional courses covering successful leadership theories and styles. Utilizing your own experience in the business world, you can contribute to the current body of knowledge in organization and management through your dissertation.

Your core courses will explore a variety of pertinent topics, including risk management, managing the contemporary organization, strategy formulation, and human resource management. You can also develop your own leadership skills as you gain an overview of leading organizational change that blends theory and research with practical application.

Our organizational PhD degree also provides an in-depth look at research methods as well as a course that will help you develop the concept for your PhD dissertation. Completing your dissertation will help you contribute to the current body of knowledge in your field and may even set the foundation for future business leaders through your research.

The leadership specialization further explores the concept of leading organizations and covers 3 key areas. First, your courses will cover current and past leadership theories and methods for choosing the best course of action with influence and synergy. Second, you can learn how to lead and manage highly effective teams in today’s organizations. The modern organization has increased reliance on teams and understanding how to develop them and keep them running at optimal performance is crucial to success. Finally, you will explore ethics, reasoning, and methods for guiding organizations using sound morals from a Christian worldview.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Chief executive officer
• Human resources manager
• Management analyst
• Training and development manager
• University professor/postsecondary teacher

Featured Courses

• BMAL 702 – Leading Theory
• BMAL 704 – Leading Organizational Change
• BMAL 727 – Leading Effective Teams
• BMAL 770 – Ethical Leadership

Degree Information

• The PhD in Organization and Management program falls under our  School of Business .
• View the  Graduate Business Course Guides   (login required) .
• View the  PhD in Organization and Management Handbook  for additional program information. 

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

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• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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• Admission Information

Admission Requirements

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

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Available Benefits:

• Discounted divinity block rate – $2,700 per semester *
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount .

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AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL UNIVERSITY UNDER UNITED NATIONS TS 49006/7 — EUCLID RESPONSIVE SITE —

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Online PhD in Climate Change and Sustainability

Quick access, program type, school / institute.

Online (Asynchonous)

USD 169 per credit hour

Scholarships

Full (officials of PS); 15% off (ECOWAS and IGOs)

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide | Euclid University), an international  intergovernmental organization  with university mandate, offers to intergovernmental and national civil servants (as well as select students from the general public) a specialized external degree program called the  EUCLID Online Ph.D. in Climate Change and Sustainability (DCCS) . This field of study or specialization covers the full scope of climate-related issues from a policy perspective.

It is  the only fully online PhD  program in this field organized by an intergovernmental ( treaty-based ) organization and officially used by diplomats and civil servants over 4 continents. Alumni, students and faculty include current and former ambassadors, minister-counsellors, etc.

Academic Presentation

EUCLID's Ph.D. in Climate Change and Sustainability represents 90 US credits (120 ECTS) of coursework beyond the Bachelor's. In practice, students may enter the program with a relevant Master's degree, complete 30 to 35 US credits of core doctoral courses, followed by the actual writing of the dissertation in 5 phases. The resulting thesis should be a publishable book offering a clear contribution to the field and establishing the author as a subject-matter expert.

Focus & Specializations

Among the suggested areas of focus are:

- Climate Change diplomacy - Small Islands / Small States issues - Cosmic Cycle approaches - International and treaty law - Sustainable development - IGOs and non-governmental organizations - Nation-specific dissertations.

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Note: to consult the current and official curriculum/list of courses from the EUCLID CMS database, please visit: EUCLID Available Degree Programs and follow the program link.

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Why Study @ EUCLID?

EUCLID is the only intergovernmental, treaty-based university with a UN registered charter and recognized expertise in diplomacy. Join the alma mater of ambassadors and senior officials globally.

Note: if the PDF brochure is unavailable (or outdated by 2 years), please contact [email protected]

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Civil and Environmental Engineering

Undergraduate degree options.

As an undergraduate in either our BS in Environmental Engineering or BS in Civil Engineering programs, you will complete approximately two years of math and science and two years of engineering coursework. Students from both programs will work together in four hands-on project courses, one each fall. Taking advantage of free elective courses can also allow you to pursue an additional major or a minor from a variety of areas of study. Recent graduates have completed additional majors in Engineering and Public Policy, Psychology, and Technical Writing and minors in Architecture, Computer Science, and Business.

Some of our students also choose an additonal major or minor with our I ntegrative  De sign,  A rts and  Te chnology Network (IDeATe). This unique program connects diverse strengths across Carnegie Mellon University to advance education, research, and creative practice in domains that merge technology and arts expertise.

Motivated students who want to gain a competitive edge in their career can get a jump start with our Integrated BS/MS program. This program gives you an accelerated path to earn your master's degree seamlessly with your bachelor's degree.

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Civil engineering.

Our Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering  is an accredited and widely recognized degree program for entry into the civil engineering profession.

Related Links

• Course Catalog - Department Information
• Civil Engineering Course Sequence
• ANSYS HALL: A Creative Epicenter
• Learning by Doing: Hands-On Design Courses

Environmental Engineering

The new Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Engineering  integrates computing and data analytics with a traditional environmental engineering course of study. 

• Department Announcement of New Program

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Integrated BS/MS Program

• IMB Program

Minor: Environmental and Sustainability Studies

The minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies  offers an interdisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability issues beyond a traditional engineering major degree program.

Six courses are required with offerings from a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, business, engineering and public policy, english, history, and philosophy.

Minor: Global Engineering

The  Global Engineering minor  prepares you to join an international community. Courses are designed to increase global awareness and international experiences.

Requirements include coursework in international management, ethics, modern language, as well as a study or work abroad experience.

• Visit the Undergraduate Course Catalog for ideas for other double majors and minors.

Concentrations and Minor: Interactive Design, Arts & Technology Network (IDeATe)

The  I ntegrative  De sign,  A rts and  Te chnology Network (IDeATe) connects diverse strengths across Carnegie Mellon University to advance education, research, and creative practice in domains that merge technology and arts expertise. IDeATe concentrations and minors  provide the opportunity for you to choose from creative industry themes such as intelligent environments, physical computing, and media design. Courses are focused on hands-on collaborative learning and are structured to combine students from many different disciplines.

IDeATe supports eight interrelated undergraduate concentration areas, all of which can also be taken as minors. The themes of these areas integrate knowledge in technology and arts: Game Design, Animation and Special Effects, Media Design, Sound Design, Learning Media, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Intelligent Environments, and Physical Computing.

Concentrations are completed by taking four courses, while minors require five courses.

• The College of Engineering

May 14, 2024 Volume 70 Issue 34

From the interim president, provost, and senior evp: ending the encampment, $5.5 million national institutes of health grant to support chronic disease self-management among philadelphia residents, mitchell schnall: inaugural senior vice president for data and technology solutions for university of pennsylvania health system, tyshawn sorey: 2024 pulitzer prize for music, penn medicine signs national health sector climate pledge, penn medicine and the philadelphia union sponsor a community fridge, penn libraries announces new book prize in sustainability sponsored by the lynn family, wharton launches executive online education program strategies for accountable ai, joel conarroe, english, from the senate office: faculty senate executive committee special meeting actions, from the senate office: may 15, 2024 faculty senate executive meeting agenda.

• Supplements

Faculty Senate Reports

Arielle xena alterwaite and katherine scahill: 2024 newcombe doctoral dissertation fellowship, sharon y. irving: vice president of aspen, brigitte keslinke: rome prize, valentina proust, taylor smith and azsaneé truss: james d. woods award, psom’s master’s and certificate program’s excellence in teaching awards and master’s student colloquium, kyle vining: hartwell foundation award, daniel a. wagner: fulbright award, joey wu: 2024 udall scholar, karen xu: 2024 p.e.o. scholar award, the state of university city 2024 report from the university city district, retirement information sessions in may, wxpn board meeting: may 22, update: may at penn, flexible spending accounts updates and reminders, call for papers: narratives of struggle and hope: ethnography, education, and democracy at a crossroads, spring 2025 stavros niarchos foundation (snf) paideia designated course proposals: requested by may 24, gapsa 2023-2024 annual report, weekly crime reports.

• May 14, 2024
• vol 70 issue 34

May 10, 2024

To the Penn Community,

We have worked with serious intention for nearly two weeks to engage the protestors on College Green, who were notified on April 26—the second day of the encampment—that they were in violation of Penn’s policies. This outreach has been met by unreasonable demands and a dangerous escalation of the encampment.

Our community has been under threat and our campus disrupted for too long. Passion for a cause cannot supersede the safety and operations of our University. Early this morning, we took action, with support from local law enforcement, to remove the encampment. We would like to express our gratitude to the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department for their support. This is an unfortunate but necessary step to prevent violence, restore operations, and return our campus to our community.

Under these extraordinary circumstances, and to provide for the safety of our community, access to the College Green area of campus will be restricted until further notice. Those wishing to enter the area will be required to show a valid PennCard. Those without proper identification will be asked to leave and, if necessary, will be escorted off campus, or considered trespassing.

The protestors refused repeatedly to disband the encampment, to produce identification, to stop threatening, loud, and discriminatory speech and behavior, and to comply with instructions from Penn administrators and Public Safety. Instead, they called for others to join them in escalating their disruptions and expanding their encampment, necessitating that we take action to protect the safety and rights of everyone in our community. We could not allow further disruption of our academic mission. We could not allow students to be prevented from accessing study spaces and resources, attending final exams, or participating in Commencement ceremonies, which for many did not happen during the pandemic.

University leaders met with representatives of the encampment on multiple occasions, for extended periods of time. We hoped that reasonable conversations could address both the concerns of protestors and the needs of the University. We made clear that their proposals were not possible, including their demands that participating students and faculty receive amnesty without proceeding through our due process for conduct and for divestment from entities engaged with Israel. Penn remains unequivocally opposed to divestment, and it is unlawful for institutions receiving funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

We also made clear that the encampment needed to disband and offered ways in which the protestors could continue their demonstration in compliance with our policies. We proposed, and still hope to deploy, Penn’s academic resources to support rebuilding and scholarly programs in Gaza, Israel, and other areas of the Middle East. Despite diligent efforts to find a path forward, the gap between the positions of many in the encampment and the University proved too wide to bridge in this volatile environment, while the risks to our community and our missions continued to increase.

This decision is viewpoint neutral and affirmed by our policies. There are times when our abiding commitment to open expression requires balancing free speech with our responsibility to safety, security, and continuing the operations of the University. This is one of those times and why we have acted. Open expression and peaceful protest are welcome on our campus, but vandalism, trespassing, disruption, and threatening language and actions are not.

—J. Larry Jameson, Interim President —John L. Jackson, Jr., Provost —Craig R. Carnaroli, Senior Executive Vice President

The Philadelphia Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL), funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has announced a new $5.5 million NIH grant focused on chronic disease self-management among Philadelphia residents. The project builds on a sustained strategic partnership between Penn Nursing, the Philly CEAL Community Advisory Coalition, and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO).

The strategic partnership includes a $3.2 million contribution to sustain and evaluate Philadelphia’s Community Health Worker (CHW) program over the next four years. This program offers personalized support to Philadelphia residents, aiding them with a wide range of psychosocial needs, such as wellness workshops, resource navigation, and scheduling medical appointments. Community health workers will receive training in the DECIDE intervention, which will enhance their skills in group-based chronic disease self-management. Additionally, by intertwining this effort with a structured research program, Philly CEAL aims to generate compelling data for local stakeholders and policymakers, advocating for continued investment and sustainability of the CHW program beyond the study’s conclusion. Together, Philly CEAL, CEO, and Penn Nursing are committed to nurturing a healthier, more resilient community through innovative practices, dedicated care, and a shared vision of equitable health access for all.

“Our long-standing partnership with the city was the foundation to the initial efforts of Philly CEAL—to engage the community to address COVID-19,” said Penn Nursing dean Antonia M. Villarruel. “We are pleased to expand our efforts to address an issue of concern to our communities, chronic illness management. Our collective efforts will bring needed infrastructure support to engage community health workers in this important work. This partnership and project afford great opportunities for our students and faculty at Penn Nursing and beyond.”

“Our collaboration with Penn Nursing and Philly CEAL has been integral in addressing urgent community health issues, from COVID-19 to various social determinants of health (SDoH),” said Orlando Rendon, executive director of CEO. “Together, we’re not just tackling challenges; we’re building a resilient foundation for the future of public health. This partnership exemplifies the city’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions and empowering our communities to thrive.”

Penn Nursing researchers from the department of family and community health are leading a groundbreaking study to improve chronic disease self-management and address the social drivers of health. This project, funded by NIH Community Engagement Alliance, takes a multipronged approach to chronic disease self-management. First, the study will enable community health workers to lead group sessions, equipping residents with the knowledge and skills to manage their cardiovascular health effectively. Second, the research team recognizes that factors like access to healthy food, safe housing, and stress management tools significantly influence health outcomes. They will partner with local organizations to develop solutions and bridge these gaps.

This project, co-led by Penn Nursing’s José Bauermeister, Antonia Villarruel, Carmen Alvarez, Stephen Bonett, and Ashley Clemmons from CEO, holds immense promise for promoting cardiovascular health equity in Philadelphia. By empowering residents and addressing the root causes of health disparities, Penn Nursing and CEO are paving the way for a healthier future for all.

Dr. Schnall will spearhead the health system’s efforts to understand new tools and approaches and determine how best to implement them across UPHS to improve the provider experience, boost health outcomes for patients, and drive efficiency across the health system.

“Penn Medicine is excited to seize emerging opportunities to use technology in ways that will transform the health care industry,” said UPHS CEO Kevin B. Mahoney. “Dr. Schnall is a talented and visionary leader who will help us draw on our institution’s longstanding culture of innovation and continuous learning in this new space and provide a road map for health systems across the nation.”

In his new role, Dr. Schnall will lead the offices of the chief information officer, chief medical information officer, and chief analytics officer. Together, they will analyze the clinical and business impact of innovations, and work to build on Penn Medicine’s success with tools for automating patient access, monitoring, and self-serve transactions.

During his two terms as chair of radiology, Dr. Schnall doubled both the size of the department and its research funding portfolio. He developed training programs and funding pathways for clinician-scientists in radiology, unified academic programs across UPHS’s Philadelphia hospitals, and created a single Penn Medicine radiology residency that has been named as the top radiology program in the nation. Dr. Schnall also developed a strong collaboration between the department’s community-based physicians and its academic programs. Additionally, he built a framework for “One Penn Medicine Radiology,” which he will continue to lead as he assumes his new role. He will continue to serve in a leadership role in the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group.

Dr. Schnall has a strong national reputation, having been elected as a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, and the National Academy of Medicine.

Presidential Assistant Professor of music Tyshawn Sorey, a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has performed around the world, won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Music for “Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith).” The saxophone concerto was commissioned by the Lucerne Festival and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and premiered on March 16, 2023, at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Winners in this Pulitzer category are honored for “distinguished musical composition by an American that has had its first performance or recording in the United States during the year.”

“Adagio (For Wadada Leo Smith)”—which Mr. Sorey calls an “anti-concerto”—is dedicated to Mr. Smith, a trumpeter with whom Mr.  Sorey has performed and recorded. As Mr. Sorey himself described the concerto, “it is more about introversion than extroversion…the work unfolds slowly and quietly with beautiful, sustained harmonies and only slightly less sustained melodies introduced via the orchestra or intermittently by the saxophone soloist. This stately but understated work is a welcome respite from the chaos and intrusiveness of modern life.”

Mr. Sorey’s composition “Monochromatic Light (Afterlife)” was a finalist for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Music. That same year, he and Brooke O’Harra, a senior lecturer in creative writing at Penn, debuted a musical collaboration with percussion ensemble Yarn/Wire titled “Be Holding,” a multimedia adaptation of the book-length poem by Ross Gay about Julius Erving’s momentous sky hook dunk during the 1980 NBA Finals. Mr. Sorey was a 2018 United States Artists Fellow and a 2017 MacArthur Fellow. He has released 13 critically acclaimed recordings as a composer and bandleader, and has received support for his creative projects from the Jerome Foundation and the Shifting Foundation, among others.

In a public commitment to lead among healthcare organizations in reducing the industry’s outsized impact on climate change, Penn Medicine has signed an ambitious national pledge promising to significantly cut and, eventually, eliminate its carbon emissions.

The Health Sector Climate Pledge is a voluntary commitment by healthcare organizations to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Since it was created by the White House and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2022, the pledge has been signed by more than 130 organizations representing nearly 1,000 hospitals, health centers, suppliers, insurers, and others. It constitutes a united effort against climate change by the healthcare sector, which is responsible for an estimated 8.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

Signing the pledge is the latest part of Penn Medicine’s commitment to a wide-reaching goal articulated in the organization’s strategic plan: to become the most environmentally friendly healthcare organization in the nation. The health system is also part of the University of Pennsylvania’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan , which includes reaching 100 percent carbon neutrality by 2042—eight years ahead of the Health Sector Climate Pledge.

“Advancing sustainability is an investment in the future,” said Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. “As an industry, healthcare has played a role in the changing climate. We’re taking a step back now to consider how to best deliver care while also balancing the ecological impact for the long-term health of our patients, the communities we serve, and the generations that will follow.”

Penn Medicine’s plan to fulfill the objectives of the national pledge involved a year-long assessment of the carbon emissions of the health system’s six hospitals and more than 150 properties. The “carbon baseline” report found that UPHS produces more than 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Efforts to halve that number by 2030—one of the goals of the pledge—are already underway. A significant step came in December 2023, when Great Cove Solar Energy Facilities, a massive solar array in Central Pennsylvania, began producing 220 megawatts of electricity each year. The energy, purchased by the University and the health system, will supply about 70 percent of the total electricity demand of the downtown Philadelphia university- and UPHS-owned properties. This renewable power purchase agreement is estimated to cut 50,000 metric tons from the health system’s carbon footprint annually.

Penn Medicine is also taking steps to reduce the carbon emissions generated by employees commuting to and from work. The health system offers employees discounted public transportation passes—costing $10, compared to the standard $96 for a monthly pass from SEPTA. Switching from driving to riding public transit can cut each employee’s annual carbon emissions by more than two tons. Electric vehicle charging stations are being added at the Princeton Medical Center campus to complement those already available on the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) campus.

The health system has also committed to ensuring that all new building projects are designed to incorporate recycled materials, integrate expansive greenery, use less water, use less energy, and qualify for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver, or better, certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. In 2021, Penn Medicine’s newest hospital, the 1.5 million-square-foot Pavilion on the HUP campus, marked a healthcare first when it received the prestigious LEED Gold Building Certification for Sustainability.

In an effort to jointly target food insecurity to boost the health of the communities around them, Penn Medicine and Philadelphia Union have opened a community refrigerator, located at the Boys & Girls Club of Chester, Pennsylvania. The first project of its kind in Chester, the community refrigerator is accompanied by a deep freezer and pantry shelving to offer a variety of filling and nutritious foods.

“At Penn Medicine, our work has shown the importance of food access for the health of the wider community, and helping establish a program that makes gains in this area brings us great pride,” said Kevin Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. “Everything we do is with an eye toward the communities we serve, and it’s thrilling to have a partner like the Union that shares those priorities. We’re only in the first year of this partnership and already we’re working on projects to benefit the community. I’m excited for what the future holds and what our organizations can achieve together.”

“The Philadelphia Union remains committed to prioritizing our community’s well-being, and in doing so must address the on-going issue of food insecurity,” said Tim McDermott, president of Philadelphia Union. “Together with Penn Medicine, our collective focus on the health and wellness of the community is at the forefront, and we look forward to the ongoing efforts and impact our partnership brings.”

At the unveiling, the refrigerator was full of fresh items that included, grapes, avocados, tomatoes, raspberries, green beans, and oat milk. The pantry shelves held canned tomato sauce, dry pasta, and apple sauce, while the deep freezer chest sitting opposite the shelves held a variety of cuts of beef and steak.

The community refrigerator will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and available for anyone facing food insecurity. There is a no-questions-asked policy. The refrigerator and pantry shelves will continually be re-stocked weekly through deliveries by the non-profit, food donation facilitator Sharing Excess. The Union will supplement stock with partner donations and provide U-serve opportunities for volunteers to donate food and earn rewards. Additionally, Penn Medicine will conduct volunteer days with their staff to stock the pantry.

In addition to the fridge unveiling on May 4, members of the community attended a free farmers market, where they could collect produce and other essential products provided from Sharing Excess. Residents leaving games at the Boys & Girls Club’s gym with basketballs tucked at their hips grabbed fresh tomatoes and red peppers with their free hands. Other residents danced to a DJ’s music and played tailgate-style games.

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries have announced the launch of the Penn Libraries Book Prize in Sustainability, presented by the Lynn Family. This new annual award acknowledges outstanding contributions to the global discourse on environmental sustainability, with a specific focus on books that have a substantial impact on the public’s understanding of these crucial issues.

The winning author will receive an $8,000 cash prize and will present their award-winning research during a formal award ceremony on September 26, 2024.

“The Penn Libraries Book Prize in Sustainability is a call to action, encouraging authors and thinkers to contribute to the vital discourse on sustaining our planet for future generations,” said Brigitte Weinsteiger, interim director of the Penn Libraries and Gershwind & Bennett Family Senior Associate Vice Provost for Collections and Scholarly Communications. “In fostering a deeper public understanding of environmental sustainability, the Penn Libraries continues our tradition of advancing knowledge for the public good, echoing Penn’s broader mission to contribute to a better and more sustainable future for all.”  

Penn’s new strategic framework, In Principle and Practice , urges the Penn community to play a leading role in addressing the existential challenge of climate change, stating, “We must, in an all-in University effort, do more.” The framework notes that Penn will seek additional ways to fuel and support a variety of initiatives, including those that advance understanding and promise solutions.  

“As the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion loom large, the need for informed public discourse has never been greater,” said Michael E. Mann, director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media, and a Presidential Distinguished Professor in the department of Earth & environmental science and in the Annenberg School for Communication. “This prize seeks to elevate books that not only address these critical issues but also inspire actionable insights and solutions and elucidate the interconnectedness of economic progress, social equity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development, thereby fostering a more informed and proactive global citizenry.”

Dr. Mann is one of five jurors representing academia, climate activism, and the private sector who will select finalists and, ultimately, the winner of the prize. Other jurors include Daniel Cohan of Rice University; Sara Cronenwett of Comcast; Genevieve Guenther of End Climate Silence and The New School; and Julie DiNatale of FMC; along with Brigitte Weinsteiger, ex officio.

All non-fiction books in English published between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023 are eligible for submission. Successful candidates for the award will focus on environmental sustainability, covering topics including but not limited to climate change, renewable energy, conservation strategies, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and green technologies.  

Penn Libraries Board of Advisors member Haniel J. Lynn, ENG’91, WG’95, PAR’23, and his wife Anita Hsueh Lynn, ENG’91, PAR’23, generously provided funding to establish the book prize.

“Anita and I are very happy to support this initiative, which spotlights the vital work being done to address the urgent environmental issues of our time,” said Haniel Lynn. “Our hope is that the prize ignites dialogue and discussion and extends the impact of the winning book among researchers, policymakers, and the public.”  

The Penn Libraries began engaging publishers and encouraging submissions for the prize earlier this year, and submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2024. Nominations must be submitted directly by publishers, and each publisher may submit only one title for consideration. Publishers can view the full rules and details of the contest and submit a work for consideration through this form . 

It’s well established that artificial intelligence (AI) has changed and will continue changing the way we work. Yet with so many organizations rapidly adopting AI technologies, risks are growing as well, including well-known concerns such as bias, hallucinations, privacy and intellectual property issues, legal liability, and regulatory penalties. What are companies doing to prepare and protect themselves? Not enough, it appears. A recent BCG survey found that although 84 percent of executives believe responsible AI should be on top management agendas, only 25 percent have comprehensive programs in place.

“Everyone agrees that accountability has to be a part of what implementing AI means,” said Kevin Werbach, Wharton professor and department chairperson of legal studies and business ethics. “So, you’re either going to be one of the leaders in doing AI governance, or you’re going to get pulled along by regulation or catching up to your competitors.”

Mr. Werbach, alongside Wharton’s thought-leading AI faculty, will help executives get ahead of the curve in the new Wharton Executive Education program, Strategies for Accountable AI . Mr. Werbach serves as academic director, accompanied by faculty experts from the renowned research center AI at Wharton. The live online program will run October 16–December 18, 2024.

Strategies for Accountable AI offers participants a real-world, up-to-the-minute roadmap for effective AI oversight, empowering them to build, monitor, and maintain accountable AI solutions. Participants will explore the legal, ethical, and business controversies posed by AI; acquire techniques to mitigate AI risks; discover how fast-changing laws and enforcement across the globe could affect their business; assess their own organization’s responsible AI readiness; and more. The program helps executives win a competitive advantage as they discover how to protect their firm and its reputation while leveraging AI for business success.

The program’s format enables participants’ exposure to Wharton’s up-to-the minute research and teaching about the subject with direct interaction with the faculty via weekly, 90-minute, flipped-classroom, live online sessions. The learning is interspersed with self-paced online video segments and activities. Moreover, participants will engage in team collaboration, case studies, and a capstone project.

The program’s live online sessions will be led by prominent Wharton faculty and AI thought leaders including Kevin Werbach (academic director), Ethan Mollick, Stefano Puntoni, Scott Snyder, Prasanna (Sonny) Tambe, and Lynn Wu. Participants will also get program-exclusive perspectives of industry experts including top responsible AI executives, ethicists, investors, and government officials, among others.

Executives in all industries who are considering, adopting, evaluating, or expanding AI systems will benefit from this program. So will entrepreneurs working in the AI space, as well as developers and marketers seeking a better grasp of AI’s risks and how to mitigate them. The program is also valuable for those working in legal and compliance groups, although Mr. Werbach noted that implementing responsible AI is by no means limited to the general counsel’s office: “People who are actually managing AI projects need to understand this broader set of issues.”

Strategies for Accountable AI is now accepting applications. Prospective participants can learn more and apply at executiveeducation.wharton.upenn.edu . 

Dr. Conarroe was a 1956 honors graduate of Davidson College. He then earned a master’s degree from Cornell University a year later. He joined Penn’s faculty as an instructor in English in Penn’s Faculty of Arts & Sciences (now SAS) in 1964 and was promoted to assistant professor in 1966. In his first decade at Penn, he helped restructure the undergraduate English curriculum and was named the department’s undergraduate chair in 1970, a role he held for three years. As a special assistant to then-Vice Provost Leo Levin, he was also active in involving faculty in undergraduate life, and in 1968, he won the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. While teaching at Penn, Dr. Conarroe earned a PhD from New York University in 1966. In 1971, Dr. Conarroe was promoted to associate professor.

Also in 1971, then-Penn president Martin Myerson named Dr. Conarroe Penn’s first ombudsman ( Almanac July 15, 1971 ), a newly created role. According to faculty senate chair Henry Abraham, Dr. Conarroe “plunged into the manifold tasks of his two-year tenure with élan and imagination.” In reports he wrote for Almanac ( December 21, 1971 , October 3, 1972 , September 4, 1973 ), he expounded poetically about the joys of meeting a wide swath of faculty, staff, and students from across the University and helping them resolve issues. Dr. Conarroe ceded his position as ombudsman in 1973, returning to teaching in English and to his academic work, which included writing biographies of poets and compiling anthologies of their works. His books included William Carlos Williams’ Paterson: Language and Landscape (1970), John Berryman: An Introduction to the Poetry (1977), and, as editor, the collections Six American Poets: An Anthology (1993) and Eight American Poets: An Anthology (1997). During his time at Penn, he received several fellowships to support his work, serving as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, Cornell Junior Fellow, and Danforth Foundation Fellow.In 1977, he was promoted to a full professor at Penn, and during the late 1970s, he also served as the faculty master of Van Pelt College House.

Dr. Conarroe spent 1978 to 1983 on leave from Penn as executive director of the Modern Language Association (MLA), the influential scholarly organization founded in 1883. At the MLA, he edited the influential PMLA Journal and acted as a spokesman for the humanities in the U.S. and abroad, in part as a member of the ACLS-Soviet Academy of Sciences Commission on the Humanities and Sciences. He led an MLA delegation to Moscow for a symposium on Walt Whitman at the Gorky Institute for World Literature. During this era, he also spent four summers at the Yaddo writers’ colony and served as vice president of the National Book Critics Circle.

In 1982, Penn enticed Dr. Conarroe to return as dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science ( Almanac November 30, 1982 ) and as the Thomas S. Gates Professor. As dean, he produced the second-highest yearly fundraising total for the school, which helped fund the Mellon program to develop fresh graduate curricular options, the biology department’s plant sciences initiative, and the Center for Early American Studies. Dr. Conarroe also oversaw the founding of SAS and Wharton’s Lauder Institute, the expansion of the Writing Across the Curriculum initiative, and the formation of SAS’s External Affairs Office, which managed development and fundraising. In 1984, Dr. Conarroe resigned from the deanship ( Almanac November 13, 1984 ).

Five months later, Dr. Conarroe was named the third president of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, a position he held until 2002. As president of the Guggenheim Foundation, he was deeply devoted to the foundation’s mission and worked tirelessly to increase the size of Guggenheim Fellowships (one of which he had received himself in 1977). “He was attuned to changing cultural mores—the twists and turns in dozens of academic and artistic fields—while dealing with the financial challenges and working to raise the amount of fellowships so that people could do their own work,” said Edward Hirsch, the current president of the foundation. Dr. Conarroe was also a trustee of the foundation from 1985 to 2016. While president of the foundation, Dr. Conarroe received honorary degrees from Davidson College, Rhodes College, University Maryland, and Tulane University. He also was a former president of the PEN America Center, chaired the National Book Awards in 1988, served on the Pulitzer Prize Fiction Jury in 1989, and sat on the National Book Foundation from 1991-1994.

Dr. Conarroe is survived by his nephews, Ron, Richard, and Michael Conarroe; a niece, Betty Johnson; and a sister, Harriet.

The following is published in accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules. Among other purposes, the publication of SEC actions is intended to stimulate discussion among the constituencies and their representatives.  Please communicate your comments to Patrick Walsh, executive assistant to the Senate Office, by email at  [email protected] .

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Special Meeting Actions

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Faculty Senate Chair Tulia Falleti   announced a special meeting of SEC by email on Thursday, May 2, to be held on Thursday, May 9, and a meeting agenda was placed in  Almanac  on May 7, 2024. 

Discussion of Current Events on Campus and Resolution Proposals Received.  SEC members discussed the ongoing “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on College Green, sharing information about the status of the encampment, communications that have occurred between University administration and those participating in the encampment, and SEC members’ and their constituencies’ perspectives on next steps that should be taken in reaction to the situation.

A motion was made and seconded on whether SEC should consider passing a resolution in any form in response to the encampment. A quorum of 35 voting members was recognized, and a vote was conducted. By a vote of 12 in favor, 16 opposed, and 7 not voting, the motion did not pass, and discussion regarding passing a resolution ceased.

The May 15, 2024 Faculty Senate Executive Meeting Agenda was revised on May 13 following the resignation of Tulia Falleti as Chair of the Faculty Senate on May 10.

To read the revised agenda, visit https://almanac.upenn.edu/volume-70-number-33#from-the-senate-office-faculty-senate-executive-committee-agenda-v70-n33 .

Read the 2023-2024  Faculty Senate Reports .

Two PhD candidates in the School of Arts & Sciences have been named to the 2024 class of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, administered by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars.

The Newcombe Fellowship, funded by the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation, is the largest and most prestigious award for PhD candidates in the humanities and social sciences addressing questions of ethical and religious values in interesting, original, or significant ways. Fellows receive a 12-month award of $31,000 to support the final year of dissertation writing.

Arielle Xena Alterwaite, a PhD candidate in the department of history, and Katherine Scahill, a PhD candidate in the department of music, were named as 2024 fellows. 

Ms. Alterwaite’s research explores Haiti’s sovereign debt in the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution in her dissertation, “Empire of Debt: Haiti and France in the Nineteenth-Century Atlantic World.”

Ms. Scahill’s dissertation, “The Gendered Politics of Religious Authority in Thai Buddhism: Voice, Embodiment, and Sonic Efficacy in the Movement for Female Monastic Ordination,” is based upon ethnographic fieldwork with three communities of female Buddhist monks (bhikkhunīs) in Thailand. Drawing on the fields of religious studies and music studies, Ms. Scahill’s dissertation investigates the sonic practices bhikkhunīs employ to establish alternate channels of recognition, given that women’s ordination is not accepted at a national level.

Funding at the dissertation stage remains a vital way to support up-and-coming scholars. Since its creation in 1981, the fellowship has supported more than 1,300 doctoral candidates with essential time and resources to complete their writing. Newcombe Fellows have gone on to be noted faculty at domestic and foreign institutions, leaders in their fields of study, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and more.

Founded in 1976, ASPEN is a multi-professional, interdisciplinary professional organization whose members are involved in the research and provision of clinical nutrition therapies across the lifespan. With members from around the world, ASPEN is a community of dietitians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, scientists, students, and other health professionals from every facet of nutrition support clinical practice, research, and education. Currently, there are 5,500 members in ASPEN.

The vice president of ASPEN has responsibility for monitoring progress in the implementation and updating of the society’s strategic plan. In the absence of the president or the president-elect, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the vice president performs the duties of the president. As vice president, Dr. Irving will automatically succeed to the office of president-elect (2025), then president (2026), then immediate past president (2027). Her term on the board will end on May 30, 2028.

“We are incredibly lucky and grateful for Dr. Irving’s guidance and leadership,” noted Wanda Johnson, CEO of ASPEN. “Her vast experience as a nurse practitioner and educator and her unwavering dedication to enhancing patients’ lives provides a unique perspective that will be extremely valuable in ASPEN’s mission to widen and increase our influence as an interprofessional organization.” 

The American Academy in Rome has named Brigitte Keslinke, a PhD candidate in the art and archaeology of the Mediterranean world graduate group at Penn, among 31 winners out of 1,100 applications. Ms. Keslinke’s proposal, “The Making of a Meal: Commensality in the Cult of Mithras,” was awarded the Samuel H. Kress Foundation/Donald and Maria Cox Rome Prize in the category of ancient studies. 

The prize includes a stipend, workspace, and room and board for five to ten months at the academy’s campus in Rome, starting this September. Rome Prize winners are selected annually by juries of distinguished artists and scholars through a national competition.

Annenberg School for Communication doctoral students Valentina Proust, Taylor Smith and Azsaneé Truss have been named co-recipients of the 2024 James D. Woods Award. Named in memory of Annenberg graduate student James D. Woods, the award is given to outstanding graduate teaching assistants.

Valentina Proust was nominated for the award by senior lecturer Kim Woolf for her work as a teaching fellow for Dr. Woolf’s class COMM 2250: Children and Media. Dr. Woolf praised Ms. Proust’s exceptional organizational skills, detailed and constructive feedback to students, and creative teaching style. “Valentina’s guest lecture on gender and media was exceptional,” Dr. Woolf said. “She listened carefully to students’ thoughts regarding the material and handled questions confidently.” Ms. Proust studies collective memory and identity as tools to challenge dominant narratives around gender issues within the Global South.

Taylor Smith was also nominated by Dr. Woolf for her work as a teaching fellow for COMM 2250. Dr. Woolf commended Ms. Smith’s dedication to helping students during office hours, her constructive feedback, and her clear and engaging teaching. “What makes Taylor stand out as a teacher is her commitment to her students and her ability to empathize with the undergraduates while continuing to challenge them,” Dr. Woolf said. “At least two students mentioned to me that meeting with Taylor enabled them to better understand the material and apply both developmental and media theory to content.” In her own research, Ms. Smith explores Black women’s unique contributions to Black textual and visual literacies. 

As a teaching fellow for COMM 2640: “Media Culture & Society in Contemporary China,” doctoral candidate Azsaneé Truss’s rapport with students, enthusiasm, and dedication to teaching earned her a nomination from professor Guobin Yang. “It was a big class with 75 enrolled students,” Dr. Yang said. “Azsaneé always came to class with infectious energy and very soon became beloved by the students. I would count Azsaneé as one of the top teaching fellows I have had in my decade of teaching at Penn.” Ms. Truss’s research focuses on Black feminism and how it connects with different forms of expression, drawing from fields like cultural studies, performance studies, critical media studies, and Black studies.

Ms. Proust, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Truss will receive the award at Annenberg’s PhD/MA graduation ceremony on May 20.

Emma Meagher, associate dean for the PSOM master’s & certificate (MaC) programs, delivered opening remarks and announced the awardees for student poster presentations and the teaching awards. Dr. Meagher then introduced Carl June, the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy in the department of pathology and laboratory medicine, who is one of the pioneers of CAR T-cell immunotherapy, as the keynote speaker. The two discussed Dr. June’s career journey and his insights from his historic work in the form of a fireside chat. To conclude the event, master’s students then gathered in Smilow Commons for a poster presentation session.  

The 2024 Excellence in Teaching awardees are:

• Rafe McBeth, assistant professor of clinical radiation oncology, Master of Science in Medical Physics Program
• Laura Conway, associate director, Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program
• Marilyn Schapira, professor of medicine, Master of Science in Health Policy Research Program

More information, including poster presentation awardees and an event recording can be found on the colloquium website .

Each year, the Hartwell Foundation invites a select group of biomedical research institutions to nominate faculty for its highly competitive awards, which provide significant financial support for three years, specifically for early-stage, innovative, and cutting-edge biomedical research that has not yet received outside funding. Research proposals must focus on improving the lives of children in the United States.

To date, cellular immunotherapy has shown great promise in treating childhood leukemia by engineering immune cells to target cancerous tissue. However, many patients suffer relapses and require additional treatments, risking serious side effects. One reason that some children do not respond to immunotherapy or relapse after treatment may be changes in their bone marrow itself. Dr. Vining’s team recently identified fibrotic tissue—that is, tissue that has hardened or scarred—in the bone marrow of such children. With the support of the Hartwell Foundation, Dr. Vining’s lab will undertake two research projects to investigate whether structural changes in these children’s bone marrow is suppressing the effectiveness of immunotherapies.

Dr. Wagner’s selection recognizes his notable academic and professional contributions, along with his ability to drive long-term collaboration between international institutions. His project aligns with the Fulbright Program’s mission to create enduring global connections through educational exchanges that benefit communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Mr. Wu, who is studying bioengineering and environmental science in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research, has been named a 2024 Udall Scholar by the Udall Foundation. Scholars, who receive as much as $7,000 each, are recognized for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to the environment or to Native American nations. Mr. Wu is the 10th student from Penn to be named a Udall Scholar since Congress established the foundation in 1992.

Mr. Wu is the founder and international director of Waterroots, a nonprofit environmental education project that uses climate storytelling to combat water insecurity in more than 20 countries. He is also a researcher in Penn Engineering’s McBride Lab, where he works as a plant specialist for a project that promotes environmental stability and sustainable agriculture.

The P.E.O. Scholar Awards were established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the United States and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. P.E.O. Scholar Awards recipients are a select group of women chosen for their high level of academic achievement and their potential for having a positive impact on society.

The P.E.O., founded January 21, 1869, at Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is a philanthropic educational organization dedicated to supporting higher education for women. There are approximately 6,000 local chapters in the United States and Canada with nearly a quarter of a million active members.

Spotlight on University City: University City is the region’s leader in education, science, and innovation. The 2.4 square mile neighborhood boasts world-class institutions that have catalyzed nearly 80,000 jobs in fields including medicine, higher education, technology, real estate, and hospitality. University City is a destination for culture seekers and food lovers, a transportation hub with some of the most bicycle-and pedestrian friendly streets in the city, and is home to some of the most significant development projects and life sciences breakthroughs in the region. With diverse demographics, a blend of housing and rental options, top-notch schools and hospitals, and amenities galore, University City is one of Greater Philadelphia’s neighborhoods of choice.

Real Estate Development: In a time of flux for real estate developers across the country due to high interest rates, increased construction and land costs, and a lack of debt capital, University City continues to persevere, due in large part to the ongoing demand for life science office and laboratory spaces. University City is on pace to reach a projected 2.525 million square feet of new development valued at over $710 million, both record highs for the neighborhood. Progress on major residential, institutional, public space, and mixed-use projects marked another busy year of groundbreakings, topping outs, and ribbon cuttings in the neighborhood. In the past year, significant progress has been made on three major long-term projects: uCity Square; Schuylkill Yards; and the 30th Street Master Plan. Other key developments, including the next phase of expansion of the Provident Building campus at 4601 Market Street, the new headquarters for Spark Therapeutics at 3001 Chestnut, and over 4,000 units of multi-family housing planned to arrive by 2027, point toward University City’s continued growth, with an additional 2.77 million square feet in the pipeline expected to be completed in 2024.

Employment: New development, institutional expansions, and a burgeoning life sciences scene contribute to University City’s continued status as a top regional employment hub. In 2023, over 18,000 jobs from our neighborhood’s main employers were posted. More than 70% of University City’s 78,000+ jobs pay over $40,000 a year, compared to just under 60% for Philadelphia as a whole. University City accounts for approximately 11% of all jobs within Philadelphia, despite representing only 1.69% of the city’s total footprint. A large percentage of jobs are found at the local hospitals and universities, but growth associated with nascent technology firms and commercialization of research is also creating more employment opportunities at every rung of the career ladder. Leaders at the local, regional, and national level are taking note of the existing jobs and those on the horizon, and are actively working to invest in and accelerate our status as a regional leader in life sciences and biotech, including the newly created Keystone LifeSci Collaborative resulting from a U.S. Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge grant.

Office: University City is home to ample office and lab space. Since 2000, over 4.5 million square feet of office space has been developed within our neighborhood. Recently, developers have altered their priorities when creating new inventory as a reaction to shifting workplace conditions in a post-COVID world, and new projects instead seek to add to the 3.3 million square feet of lab space instead of traditional offices. The asking lease rate in 2023 increased more than 19% over last year’s figure to $58.71 per square foot, the highest rate among regional submarkets. Coupled with the region’s 4th lowest vacancy rate of 15.40%, our accelerating life sciences and technology sector is spurring continued investment that can be felt through the city and beyond.

Higher Education: True to its name, University City offers top options in the region and nation for undergraduate and graduate studies. Over 50,000 students are enrolled in the neighborhood’s institutions of higher education, and whether they’re coming from around the city or around the world, scholars are drawn to the proximity to employment opportunities, the beautiful urban campuses, and the vitality of the surrounding community. Both the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University fared well in recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, with Penn ranked the 6th best national university and the top business program in the country, while Drexel excelled in similar lists for most innovative schools (#18) and finished #2 for its co-ops and internships.

Healthcare: The neighborhood’s medical institutions—Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center—combine to account for over 40% of all jobs in University City, making them an essential component of the local economy. Both CHOP and HUP receive annual accolades for quality of care and as top national workplaces: in the 2023 U.S. News and World Report rankings of hospitals, CHOP finished #4 for top national hospitals for children, while HUP was nationally ranked in 11 adult specialties. Both hospitals landed on Forbes’ list of best large employers for 2023, with Penn Medicine placing at #30 on the list. Our local hospitals are also leading the way in new treatments, procedures, and medical technologies, and with the forthcoming arrival of the Children’s Hospital New Patient Tower and Schuylkill Avenue Research Building, there are more on the horizon.

Innovation: University City is a nationally recognized hub for advances in science, research, and medicine. Cutting-edge innovations originate out of 3.3 million square feet of lab space in research hubs including the Wistar Institute, Pennovation, Drexel’s ic@3401, uCity Square, and Schuylkill Yards. This confluence of labs, benches, and clinics contributed to Philadelphia ranking at #6 in top U.S. metros for life sciences research talent according to CBRE. Discoveries initiated in University City spark billions of dollars in economic growth and attract international attention in fields like biotech, robotics, and medicine. In 2023, 225 patents were issued to University City businesses and institutions, which also accounted for $990 million in NIH funding and over $30 billion in cumulative R&D spending. Since 2021, over 675 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were administered in the United States using messenger RNA delivery, a process developed in 2005 by Penn researchers Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman, who were honored with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Transportation: Need to get around the neighborhood? You’re in luck. University City boasts excellent options for bicyclists, pedestrians, and commuters using public transit, earning Walkscore.com’s “paradise” status for all three modes of transportation. It’s no surprise, then, that 84% of neighborhood residents also work in University City. In 2023, the Streets Department and PennDOT completed a major repaving project of Walnut Street from 33rd to 63rd Streets to create safer crossings at intersections, to provide traffic calming, and to install parking-separated bike lanes. As more employees return to the office, University City boasts a network of light rail, bus routes, and protected bike lanes to support them, and in 2023, Amtrak reported 4.2 million riders at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, or 93% of the pre-pandemic high in 2019.

People: University City is home to a diverse and growing cross-section of residents. Following a dip in 2020 due to COVID, our population has surpassed 55,000 residents for the first time ever, and with a forthcoming increase in housing options—4,200 units of multi-family housing expected by 2026—this surge will likely continue. Our residents skew young (median age of 27.6), educated (25.2% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher), and ethnically diverse, with nearly 19% of residents born outside of the United States and 24% of households speaking non-English languages within their homes. Our dynamic neighborhood, rich in medical and educational institutions, led to 12% of residents moving here from another state, compared to 3% citywide.

Life in the Neighborhood: How do you define a great place to live? For University City, it’s fantastic amenities, an excellent dining scene, diverse housing options, world-class transit, parks and public spaces aplenty, and communities with distinct and unique personalities. 

Schuylkill Yards: Currently rising in University City, Schuylkill Yards is the $3.5 billion master-planned neighborhood being developed by Brandywine Realty Trust in partnership with Drexel University. Beginning with the development of Cira Centre in 2005, Schuylkill Yards continues today along the Schuylkill riverfront. Schuylkill Yards is a new nexus of knowledge and innovation within the top life science hub of Philadelphia—a 14-acre neighborhood that features striking architecture, 6.5 acres of public greenspace, 70,000 square feet of dynamic retail and entertainment options, 3.9 million square feet of world-class life science and workspace, and 1.5 million square feet of living space. Drexel Square, the first of Schuylkill Yards’ 6.5 acres of planned green spaces, opened to the public in June 2019. The 1.3-acre park features a 12,000-square-foot elliptical lawn, 23 Dawn Redwood trees, and an array of shrubs and perennials in over 9,000 square feet of raised planted beds.

In August 2019, Brandywine unveiled architectural designs for the east and west towers at Schuylkill Yards. Designed to complement one another, the towers artfully merge inspiration from historic building materials with modern architecture and are linked by High Line Park, a welcoming, publicly accessible destination for intimate programmed events, relaxation, collaboration, and community enjoyment.

As Philadelphia continues to grow as one of the leading life science clusters in the nation, Schuylkill Yards solidifies its place as the ecosystem’s heart. Here, directly adjacent to Amtrak’s 30th Street Station, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania, Brandywine is building a connection point to world-class healthcare and academic institutions, top-tier talent, and readily available investment capital.

For the full report, visit https://issuu.com/universitycity/docs/the_state_of_university_city_2024 . 

—University City District

Ready to spring into retirement? To help you prepare for the next phase of your life, Penn will host the next series of Thinking About Retirement presentations on Wednesday, May 29 in Houston Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thinking About Retirement offers three different concurrent sessions specially designed for Penn staff and faculty. Each 90-minute presentation covers an important aspect of retirement benefits: Penn Benefits & Medicare , 5 Steps to Creating Your Retirement Income Plan , and Social Security Benefits Planning .

At the Penn Benefits & Medicare session, representatives from Health Advocate and benefits specialists from Human Resources will explain the Rule of 75 , retiree healthcare options, and how they integrate with Medicare.

During the 5 Steps to Creating your Retirement Income Plan session, a TIAA retirement plan counselor will discuss such topics as budgeting in retirement, income options, and investments to help you get the most out of your 403(b) plan.

The Social Security Benefits Planning session, led by a TIAA representative, provides valuable details about how this program impacts your plans for retirement. You will also get an overview of Social Security benefits, eligibility rules, how to apply, benefits for your spouse, and more.

Benefits specialists from Penn Human Resources will be available throughout the event to answer your questions about Penn’s retirement savings plans, healthcare benefits, and other aspects of retiree benefits for you and your dependents.

To register for the presentations, click on the session times in the table below or visit www.hr.upenn.edu/thinkretirement .

Thinking About Retirement, May 29, 2024 Sessions

For more information about retirement, visit the Retiree Benefits webpage . 

An open session of the WXPN Policy Board will meet Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at noon at WXPN. For more information, email  [email protected]  or call (215) 898-0628 during business hours. 

18         Weitzman School 2024 Year End Show ; brings together work from the Class of 2024 in architecture, landscape architecture, city and regional planning, historic preservation, urban spatial analytics, and fine arts; Meyerson Hall. Through June 14 .

Fitness & Learning

16         Executive Program in Design for Sustainability Info Session: Meet XDS Students ; meet current students and instructors and learn how to register at a 30% discount; Zoom webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/xds-info-session-may-16 (XDS).

17         (deep) listening: Resonance ; features poet and musician Moor Mother with a supporting performance by Delish (featuring exclusive new material) & interstitial sets by DJ Precolumbian; 7 p.m.; Institute of Contemporary Art; register: https://tinyurl.com/deep-listening-may-17 (ICA).

Special Events

18         Penn Women's Center 50th Anniversary Celebration ; help commemorate a half-century of empowerment, advocacy, and community; 2:30-4:30 p.m.; room TBA; the ARCH; register: https://tinyurl.com/pwc-50-may-18 (Penn Women’s Center).

15         Inequities in Severe Maternal and Neonatal Morbidities ; Stephanie Leonard, Stanford University; 9 a.m.; room 701, Blockley Hall, and Zoom webinar; register: https://pennmedicine.zoom.us/j/96442998641 (Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics).

            Computational FSI Modeling of the Cardiovascular System ; Ryan T. Black, mechanical engineering & applied mechanics; 2 p.m.; room 212, Moore Building (Mechanical Engineering & Applied Mechanics).

16         Uncovering COPD Subtypes Via Multimodal Immunoprofiling ; Leigh Marsh, Medical University of Graz; Regulation of Smooth Muscle Cell State Through Heterotypic Cell Signaling ; Slaven Crnkovic, University of Graz; 4 p.m.; room 12-146, Smilow Center (Penn-CHOP Lung Biology Institute).

21         Leveraging Implementation Science to Improve Supports for Students ; Abigail Gray, TRAILS; 11 a.m.; Zoom webinar; register: https://tinyurl.com/gray-talk-may-21 (Penn Implementation Science Center).

This is an update to the May AT PENN calendar , which is online now. To submit events for upcoming AT PENN calendars or weekly updates, email us at [email protected] .

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are tax-advantaged accounts that let you use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses. Using FSAs can save money, however the amount of unused dollars that will roll over—or stay in your account from one plan year to the next—is limited. If you currently have an FSA or you plan to add one to your benefits for 2024-2025, carefully consider your contribution for the new plan year.

Health Care FSA

If you have a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), you will be able to roll over up to $610 of all unused funds from the 2023-2024 plan year to the 2024-2025 plan year. All unused funds over the $610 limit will be forfeited. The maximum amount you can contribute to the Health Care FSA is increasing from $3,050 to $3,200. The rollover amount will also increase from $610 to $640.

You must incur all expenses between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Claims must be submitted by September 30, 2025. All rollover funds will be available in November.

Dependent Care FSA

You must use all available funds by the end of the plan year deadline, or you will forfeit any remaining balance. You have until September 15 of the following plan year to incur expenses, and until September 30 of the following plan year to submit eligible claims.

For example, if you enroll in a Dependent Care FSA during the 2024-2025 plan year, you’ll have until September 15, 2025 to incur expenses and until September 30, 2025 to submit eligible expenses for reimbursement.

Visit the Flexible Spending Accounts webpage for more FSA details and single-sign-on access to WageWorks/HealthEquity.

—Division of Human Resources

The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education will host the 2025 Ethnography in Education Research Forum February 7-8, 2025. The topic of the conference is Narratives of Struggle and Hope: Ethnography, Education, and Democracy at a Crossroads. For the conference, the Ethnography in Education Research Forum invites scholars and researchers to submit their qualitative and ethnographic inquiries that interrogate the connection between democracy and education, particularly in uncertain or precarious times. The call for papers seeks to explore the nuanced ways in which educators and educational institutions, broadly defined, may serve as sites for democratic struggle, hope, or something in between.

The conference will discuss the politicized times we live in. The last decade has come to be marked by global crises, political divisions, and economic insecurity, and the approaching 2024 presidential election holds the potential to redress or exacerbate these tensions. As we anticipate the political landscape unfolding, a wide and growing array of issues pose challenges for educators, schools, families, and scholars as they seek to understand and navigate an evolving landscape.

Submissions are encouraged that delve into the multifaceted dimensions of uncertainty, revealing how complex human beings acquiesce, ignore, resist, or challenge their political worlds. Ethnographers, practitioners, students, and scholars are therefore invited to illuminate how university campuses, K-12 schools, and community spaces become dynamic arenas for the negotiation of democratic values, where societal uncertainties are woven into the daily experiences of students, educators, and administrators.

This call for papers goes out to scholars who aim to foster a rich dialogue on schools as (potentially) democratic spaces in uncertain times, challenging researchers to rethink and redefine the boundaries of their ethnographic practice to capture the essence of democratic education in the face of uncertainty.

Papers will be accepted through June 1, 2024. For more information, including submission guidelines, visit https://2025forum.dryfta.com .

SNF Paideia designated courses examine the theory and practice of dialogue across differences from diverse disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. They also explore the interplay among dialogue, citizenship, service, as well as individual and community wellness. Collectively, they are intended to provide students with the scholarly and applied knowledge, skills, ethical orientations, and experiences necessary for integrating their personal, professional, and civic identities—that is, for “educating the whole person.”

Courses are rostered by academic departments. SNF Paideia is not a rostering academic department. Applicants need prior contingent approval from an academic department before they apply for SNF Paideia funding and designation. It is recommended that faculty reach out to their academic department as soon as possible before applying for SNF Paideia funding and designation.

Course proposals will usually be submitted at least eight months before the course will be offered to allow sufficient time to gather all necessary approvals from the SNF Paideia Program and the appropriate departments and schools. Faculty applications to teach in spring 2025 are requested by May 24, 2024.

Proposals can be submitted at https://curf-upenn.smapply.io/prog/snf_paideia_course_proposal/ .

The Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) published its 2023-2024 Annual Report in April 2024. The report can be found here . This report summarizes the project work and initiatives of the 2023-2024 GAPSA Executive Board, General Assembly, and committee members. While navigating an unprecedented and challenging year, GAPSA stood steadfast and provided resources for students and student groups, advocated on behalf of the graduate and professional student community, and hosted dozens of programs for students. GAPSA is thankful to our members for their dedication of time and energy outside of their classroom and other extracurricular responsibilities and to our partners throughout the University for engaging in meaningful and productive dialogue throughout the year. For feedback on this report and any inquiries related to GAPSA, please refer to the contact form on our website,  linked here .

—GAPSA

The preparation of weekly crime reports for April 28 through May 4 has been delayed.

When available, the reports will appear online at https://almanac.upenn.edu/sections/crimes .

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] .