Guide to Graduate Education in Science, Engineering and Public Policy
Guide to Graduate Education in Science, Engineering and Public Policy
http://www.aaas.org//spp/sepp/sepmsu.shtml
Michigan State University
Doctoral Specialization in Environmental Science and Policy
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Background
In the 21st century, environmental professionals will need both interdisciplinary breadth and disciplinary depth. This is the model that some have called the “T-shaped” graduate program. Disciplinary depth is the pillar of the “T” that provides command of a literature in detail and the meticulous skills required to conduct sound research. Interdisciplinary breadth is the crossbar of the “T”, providing language and conceptual frameworks that allow communication across disciplines. Together, these develop professionals who understand the context of their research and can work
effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Degrees Offered:
ESPP Doctoral Specialization
Admissions Requirements:
All admissions to the ESP Graduate Specialization are conditional on
acceptance to an MSU doctoral program that offers an environmental focus.
Exceptions can be made when doctoral programs require admission to a Master’s
program rather than directly to the Ph.D. program.
A complete application includes:
A letter requesting admission to the ESP Specialization and describing your
professional interest in environmental science and policy; a Curriculum Vitae. If you are applying to an MSU doctoral program: Ask the doctoral program to which you are applying to forward to the Environmental Science & Policy Program (ESPP) a copy of their application package. If you are already enrolled in an MSU doctoral program: Ask your graduate advisor to send a letter to ESPP indicating that you are in good standing and that the advisor supports your application to ESPP. This letter should be copied to the doctoral program coordinator of your department or program.
The ESPP Director and Associate Director will review all applications and make
admissions decisions. The students, their advisor and their graduate program coordinator
will be advised of the decision. Admissions decisions are made on an ongoing basis.
Degree Requirements:
ESPP Doctoral Specialization:
Doctoral students pursue a Ph.D. in one of MSU's many existing doctoral programs that have an environmental focus. In addition, they complete the coursework for the Specialization in Environmental Science and Policy. The Specialization provides students with an understanding of the diverse disciplines brought to bear on contemporary environmental problems. Each course is designed to provide an understanding of how various disciplines conceptualize environmental issues and how scientific information can be brought to bear on environmental decision-making and environmental policy.
The Doctoral Specialization in Environmental Science and Policy is based on a sequence of four courses (Physical, Chemical, and Biological Processes of the Environment; Human Systems and the Environment; Human and Ecological Health Assessment and Management; Environmental Applications and Analysis) Students are expected to complete the courses in sequence. Students may be allowed to opt out of one course on demonstrating appropriate background.
Additional (non-required) courses include: Promising Research Paths for Sustainability: Cutting Edge Perspectives from the Natural and Social Sciences
For general requirements for graduate programs at MSU:
http://www.grad.msu.edu/
Faculty Information
ESPP affiliated faculty and researches come from 12 colleges and 40 departments.
See http://www.espp.msu.edu/people/faculty.html for a detailed list of faculty, positions, interests, and contact information.
