Sustainability Science (PhD)

Faculty of Social Sciences PhD

The PhD in Sustainability Science aims to cultivate a sustainable and equitable future by offering a state-of-the-art education that integrates rigorous scientific practice with an understanding of the unique linkages between humans and the environment.

The complexity of contemporary challenges – ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to social segregation and rising inequality – has inspired a new collaborative and problem-solving field of research and practice called sustainability science. The concept of sustainability science articulates a new vision of harnessing knowledge from science and society for more effective problem-solving.

The PhD in Sustainability Science (SSCI) program seeks to develop world-class sustainability scientists who take a transdisciplinary approach to identifying critical social-environmental challenges and work toward formulating and implementing innovative solutions that support decision-making, policy development, and best practices locally and globally.

Students in the SSCI program will complete the following components to earn their degree:

  • Core and elective coursework (2 terms)
  • Comprehensive examination (1 term)
  • Research proposal development (1 term)
  • Dissertation writing (7 terms)
  • Submission and defence of dissertation (1 term)

The PhD in Sustainability Science is designed to be completed in 4 years (12 terms). Students who complete these requirements will earn the designation of Doctor of Philosophy.

Entry point:

  • September

Duration:

  • 12 terms (4 years)

This program is funded for the defined length above as outlined on our financial page.

Application deadline:

  • January 13

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Jessica Blythe
Graduate program coordinator
Erin Daly

Apply now Graduate Studies at Brock

Tuition and financial information

Program website Faculty research Faculty of Social Sciences

Admission requirements

  1. Check the university requirements.
  2. Complete the online application and submit the non-refundable application fee.
  3. You will need to submit:

    1. WRITTEN STATEMENT OF INTENT

    Your written statement of intent must be written in English. This should be a formal essay (with cited references in text) that describes your motivation to enroll in the program, plans for your independent research and/or how this program will advance your professional and academic aspirations.

    2. CURRICULUM VITAE

    This document should include your education, employment, teaching and research activities/experience, publications (if any), and awards and/or scholarships.

    3. CORE FACULTY SUPERVISOR ARRANGED

    In your OUAC application, you will be required to include  the name of a core program faculty member who has agreed to supervise your research.

    4. THREE ACADEMIC REFERENCES

    References should be from qualified academic scholars attesting to, and documenting, your potential for doctoral level study/research. For more information on reference requirements and procedures, click here.

    5. TRANSCRIPTS

    Please note that if you have an undergraduate and/or graduate degree from Brock University you do not need to send in your transcripts. Transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions are required.

    6. PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (IF APPLICABLE)

    For more information about English Proficiency requirements, click here.

Career outcomes

  • Government Agencies
  • Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  • Research Think Tanks
  • Community Planning with Municipalities
  • Post Secondary Institutions
  • Energy Sector
  • Sustainability Consultancy
  • Post-Doctoral Studies
  • Public Affairs and Communications