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)

Application deadline:

  • January 15

General program inquiries
Graduate program director
Marilyne Carrey, Acting
Graduate program coordinator
Erin Sanderson

Apply now Graduate Studies at Brock

Graduate calendar Tuition and financial information

Program website Faculty research Faculty of Social Sciences

Admission requirements

Application materials

  • Transcripts from all previous post-secondary study.
  • Three academic references attesting to, and documenting, your potential for doctoral level study/research. For more information on reference requirements and procedures, click here.
  • Written statement of intent, which is a a formal essay written in English (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.
  • Curriculum Vitae including your education, employment, teaching and research activities/experience, publications (if any), and awards and/or scholarships.
  • 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.