Graduate Program, PhD, Global Environmental Studies (Courses are taught in English) 36 months PHD Programme By Sophia University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Environmental Sciences

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

In the 21 st century, as global concerns grow ever more complex, environmental issues are being highlighted as critical to all humankind. As the influence of the Earth’s changing ecosystem begins to impact our lifestyles and work, the very fabric of the society surrounding us is confronted with an unparalleled call for change. Surely now is the occasion to show the real power and virtue of Sophia University’s philosophy “For Others, with Others”. The time has come for all of humanity to come together and act as stewards of planet Earth, working towards the common goal of building a sustainable global civilization. In a rapidly globalizing world, acting as an incubator for the fostering of talented individuals to come up with concrete solutions to achieve SDGs is the mission that has been bestowed upon the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at Sophia University.

Program Features

International Graduate Course (English-Taught Program)

Once a step is taken outside of the cultural framework of Japan, environmental issues may be understood from the greater context of other international cultures and languages. Therefore, in order to be able to contribute to the solving of environmental problems, it is crucial to develop the ability to see and respond to environmental challenges from this wider perspective. The International Graduate Course (English-taught program) was launched in September 2011 to develop students with a greater capacity to address environmental challenges from a broad perspective. Classes in this international course are also open to all students (of the Japanese-taught program).

Learning to Determine One’s Standpoint

The nature of environmental problems changes depending on your perspective. Consider, for example, the often conflicting concepts of economic growth and environmental protection, human rights and the environment, developing countries and developed countries, those who cause environmental degradation versus those who suffer from it, and regulation versus freedom of choice. Of the countless possible viewpoints, the one chosen by you is crucial. You can broaden the lens through which you approach environmental issues by taking a holistic approach to both the natural and social sciences.

Learn from Professors at the Frontiers of Environmental Studies

There is an overwhelming number of books and information available online about environment. However, in order to grasp the fundamental nature of environmental challenges, it is necessary to learn directly from professors who’s professional and research activities are at the forefront of various fields related to environmental issues. All the faculty members in our Graduate School are distinguished in their respective fields. Their expertise and close attention in small classes will be an invaluable asset for your studies.

Integrating specialist knowledge with theory and practical problem-solving skills

Today’s environmental issues are not only physical and chemical phenomena, but also rooted in social and economic factors. It is therefore not possible to solve with the narrow perspective of a single, specialized discipline. By integrating the insights of both the natural and social sciences, as well as theory and practice, our Graduate School offers a balanced curriculum that will enable you to develop the interdisciplinary research skills required for tasks such as the Master’s thesis.

Research Field Trips(Domestic and International)

We offer domestic and international field trips aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of real-world environmental issues through a transdisciplinary approach across the natural sciences and the humanities and social sciences. These field trips also support the collection of research data. In Japan, programs have been conducted in locations such as Amami Oshima and Sado Island, covering themes ranging from water and soil surveys to sustainable tourism.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Environmental Sciences

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

In the 21 st century, as global concerns grow ever more complex, environmental issues are being highlighted as critical to all humankind. As the influence of the Earth’s changing ecosystem begins to impact our lifestyles and work, the very fabric of the society surrounding us is confronted with an unparalleled call for change. Surely now is the occasion to show the real power and virtue of Sophia University’s philosophy “For Others, with Others”. The time has come for all of humanity to come together and act as stewards of planet Earth, working towards the common goal of building a sustainable global civilization. In a rapidly globalizing world, acting as an incubator for the fostering of talented individuals to come up with concrete solutions to achieve SDGs is the mission that has been bestowed upon the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at Sophia University.

Program Features

International Graduate Course (English-Taught Program)

Once a step is taken outside of the cultural framework of Japan, environmental issues may be understood from the greater context of other international cultures and languages. Therefore, in order to be able to contribute to the solving of environmental problems, it is crucial to develop the ability to see and respond to environmental challenges from this wider perspective. The International Graduate Course (English-taught program) was launched in September 2011 to develop students with a greater capacity to address environmental challenges from a broad perspective. Classes in this international course are also open to all students (of the Japanese-taught program).

Learning to Determine One’s Standpoint

The nature of environmental problems changes depending on your perspective. Consider, for example, the often conflicting concepts of economic growth and environmental protection, human rights and the environment, developing countries and developed countries, those who cause environmental degradation versus those who suffer from it, and regulation versus freedom of choice. Of the countless possible viewpoints, the one chosen by you is crucial. You can broaden the lens through which you approach environmental issues by taking a holistic approach to both the natural and social sciences.

Learn from Professors at the Frontiers of Environmental Studies

There is an overwhelming number of books and information available online about environment. However, in order to grasp the fundamental nature of environmental challenges, it is necessary to learn directly from professors who’s professional and research activities are at the forefront of various fields related to environmental issues. All the faculty members in our Graduate School are distinguished in their respective fields. Their expertise and close attention in small classes will be an invaluable asset for your studies.

Integrating specialist knowledge with theory and practical problem-solving skills

Today’s environmental issues are not only physical and chemical phenomena, but also rooted in social and economic factors. It is therefore not possible to solve with the narrow perspective of a single, specialized discipline. By integrating the insights of both the natural and social sciences, as well as theory and practice, our Graduate School offers a balanced curriculum that will enable you to develop the interdisciplinary research skills required for tasks such as the Master’s thesis.

Research Field Trips(Domestic and International)

We offer domestic and international field trips aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of real-world environmental issues through a transdisciplinary approach across the natural sciences and the humanities and social sciences. These field trips also support the collection of research data. In Japan, programs have been conducted in locations such as Amami Oshima and Sado Island, covering themes ranging from water and soil surveys to sustainable tourism.

Admission Requirements

The Doctoral Program in Global Environmental Studies seeks human resources with a high sense of ethics toward efficiently and effectively solving environmental issues in accordance with approaches developed in the Master’s program, who will further expand their knowledge of social science and natural science.
 
  • Students with interest in the broad ranges of environmental issues, which have become increasing serious and globalized
  • Students with basic academic skills in social science, natural science and humanities, who embrace the ability to apply them
  • Students who seek to perform unique research of high standards, present their research at academic meetings, submit papers to academic journals, write an excellent dissertation and acquire a doctoral degree
  • Students who are determined to make a concrete contribution to environment–related research and education activities or to actions to solve environmental issues through collaboration with others at domestic and overseas research institutions or in local communities, private companies, government, NPOs and international organizations, after graduation

3 Years

Tuition fees

Domestic
5,354 USD
International
5,354 USD

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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