Mission Statement and Program Goals
The PhD Program in Environmental Sciences and Society aims to cultivate a new generation of interdisciplinary scholars equipped to tackle the pressing environmental and sustainability challenges of our time. By integrating social and natural sciences, our program will empower students with the knowledge, skills, and community-engaged research experiences necessary to drive positive transformation in the world.
Aligned with Emory’s commitment to impactful teaching, research, and social action, our curriculum will emphasize experiential learning and collaboration across diverse fields. Through partnerships with industry, government, NGOs, and community stakeholders, students will engage in participatory research that promotes co-production of knowledge and innovative solutions.
As we prepare graduates to address critical issues such as climate change, environmental injustice, and food and water security, we envision a program that not only enhances academic discourse but also informs policy decisions and fosters resilience in a rapidly changing world. Our broader approach to interdisciplinary subjects will encompass the integration of fields such as economics, public health, law, and the humanities, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions within human-environment systems. Together, we will contribute to a sustainable future, leveraging diverse perceptions to create just and effective solutions for global challenges.
The primary goal of this program is to cultivate a collaborative learning environment that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. By integrating diverse fields of study, we aim to foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills among participants, ultimately preparing them to tackle complex, real-world challenges and promote a sustainable future in a rapidly changing world.
Learning Objectives:
- Integrate Disciplinary Knowledge: Demonstrate the ability to systematically integrate and synthesize concepts from at least two to three diverse fields of study, showcasing original thinking and a coherent understanding of interdisciplinary connections.
- Synthesize Ideas Effectively: Exhibit competency in synthesizing complex ideas and disciplinary information, producing well-organized analyses that reflect critical thinking and creativity.
- Collaborative Knowledge Creation: Engage collaboratively with various stakeholders to co-produce knowledge, leveraging research findings to create meaningful societal impact and address real-world challenges.
- Effective Communication: Communicate complex ideas and evidence clearly and persuasively in both oral presentations and written formats.
- Professional Writing for Impact: Produce impactful public journal articles and policy memos that effectively disseminate knowledge gained during PhD education, contributing to academic discourse and informing policy decisions.
- Experiential Learning Engagement: Actively participate in experiential learning opportunities that connect theory to practice, applying disciplinary knowledge in real-world contexts to enhance problem-solving skills and enrich personal and professional development.
Expected Outcomes
- Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Developed advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through the integration of diverse disciplinary knowledge, enabling innovative approaches to complex challenges.
- Collaborative Interdisciplinary Engagement: Strengthened collaborative skills by effectively working with stakeholders across various fields, fostering a culture of co-creation and shared knowledge.
- Deepened Interdisciplinary Understanding: Gained a comprehensive understanding of the intersections among various disciplines, equipping you to address multifaceted issues with nuanced perspectives.
- Expanded Professional Network: Built a strong network of like-minded professionals and peers committed to interdisciplinary innovation and collaborative efforts.
- Active Participation in Experiential Learning: Engaged in experiential learning opportunities that bridged theoretical knowledge and practical application, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities and enriching your personal and professional development.