Program Overview

PhD Degree Requirements

The PhD degree in Environment, Resources and Sustainability (ERS) is offered with two options: PhD and PhD (Water). The requirements for each option are as follows:

Degree Options

• PhD: This option requires a total of 2 required courses:
  • ERS 701: Sustainability in Socio-Ecological Systems (Fall)
  • ERS 702: Critical Analysis and Advanced Research in Environmental Studies (Winter)
• PhD (Water): This option requires a total of 4 required courses:
  • ERS 701: Sustainability in Socio-Ecological Systems (Fall)
  • ERS 702: Critical Analysis and Advanced Research in Environmental Studies (Winter)
  • Water 601: Introduction to Integrated Water Management (Winter)
  • Water 602: Integrated Water Project (Fall 2nd year)

Elective Courses

• PhD: Students must take a total of 1 elective course, which must be a graduate-level course.
• PhD (Water): No elective courses are required.

Milestones

• Comprehensive Exam (2nd year)
• Thesis Proposal
• Research Seminar
• Dissertation

Defence

• Completion and successful defence of a PhD thesis

Time for Completion

• Normally: 12-13 terms full-time
• Most full-time students complete their course requirements within their first three terms and are prepared for their Comprehensive Exam in their fourth term.