Doctoral Specialization in Environmental Science and Policy

Fall 2008 Courses in ESPP [pdf]

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Doctoral Specialization
How to apply [pdf]

Philosophy - 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 student. 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.

Program - 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.

Learn more about the Environmental Science and Policy Program:

For further information:

Email: espp@msu.edu
Phone: 517/432-8296

For general requirements for graduate programs at MSU:

http://www.grad.msu.edu/

Coursework - The Doctoral Specialization in Environmental Science and Policy is based on a sequence of four courses. Students are expected to complete the courses in sequence. Students may be allowed to opt out of one course on demonstrating appropriate background.

ESP 801 - Physical, Chemical and Biological Processes of the Environment
Informational Flyer | Syllabus
Credits: 3

This course addresses the physical, chemical and biological systems involved in environmental change. The human interaction with these systems is introduced with respect to the imbalance that may be created and the methods available for remediation. The course is designed to address the need for an integrative approach in the natural sciences when conducting environmental research. Students will learn about analytical frameworks commonly used for understanding and addressing environmental issues. Students will also learn about various explanations that have been advanced by natural scientists and others to explain environmental change.
ESP 802 - Human Systems and Environment
Informational Flyer | Syllabus
Credits: 3

This course addresses human systems and environmental change at multiple scales from local to global. Students will learn about commonly used analytical frameworks used for understanding and addressing environmental issues, such as environmental economics, political ecology, and institutional analysis. Students will also learn about various explanations that have been advanced by social scientists and others to explain environmental change, including population models, poverty and social stratification, and problems associated with poorly-defined property rights. In addition, the course will expose students to relevant legal theory and ethical dimensions concerning environmental change and equity.
ESP 803 - Human and Ecological Health Assessment and Management
Informational Flyer
Credits: 3

The course examines the most commonly used methods for integrating scientific information into a form that is useful for decision-making. Special emphasis is placed on the role of uncertainty in the scientific information used to inform decisions and the qualitative and quantitative procedures for dealing with uncertainty. The course covers the historical and cultural context in which human and ecological health concerns arise, human health risk assessment methods, ecological risk assessment, environmental and social impact assessments, valuation and benefit-cost analysis and problems of policy formation and implementation.
ESP 804 - Environmental Applications and Analysis
Informational Flyer
Credits: 3

This course provides the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in previous ESP courses. Global, regional and local environmental issues will be presented and explored. Class projects will be identified from these issues. Students will be assigned projects and will use a systems approach to identify and solve environmental problems associated with the assigned issues. This course is designed for graduate students with ecology, biology, physical, or social science backgrounds seeking an interdisciplinary, environmental science approach to problem solving.
ESP 891 (Special Topics) - Promising Research Paths for Sustainability: Cutting Edge Perspectives from the Natural and Social Sciences
Informational Flyer
Credits: 1

This graduate led seminar involves 6 invited presenters from diverse disciplines who do work on sustainability. The first hour is a discussion of their work led by seminar participants, followed by an hour of interchange and discussion with guest faculty. The final hour we eat together and the exchange becomes more informal. Food and off campus visitors are funded by the Sustainable Michigan Endowed Program at MSU. Next fall's visiting faculty are currently being recruited by a student committee. Arun Agrawal (Michigan) and Emilio Moran (Indiana) have already accepted invitations.

Please forward any comments or concerns regarding the page to espp@msu.edu.

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