Coastal Science and Policy Ph.D. Designated Emphasis

Introduction

The goal of the Coastal Science and Policy (CSP) program is to train future leaders in science and policy for developing practical solutions to pressing coastal sustainability challenges. Thematic foci of the program include coastal resilience and climate change, conservation of biodiversity; fisheries and aquaculture; justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and innovation for coastal solutions. The training also aims to help advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in coastal sustainability. A CSP designated emphasis (DE) will serve Ph.D. students who desire to strengthen their ability to directly connect their science to actionable solutions in collaboration with practitioner organizations. 

Students obtaining a DE in Coastal Science and Policy, will develop a range of skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and trans-disciplinary approaches pertinent to creating real-world solutions to current and emerging concerns for coastal sustainability. 

Preparation for Designated Emphasis in Coastal Science and Policy

To receive a designated emphasis in Coastal Science and Policy, graduate students must complete the following requirements in addition to the degree requirements for the doctorate in their home department:

Requirements

Ph.D. students will ideally apply for the CSP DE during their first year and complete a minimum of three CSP courses (15 credits) prior to proceeding to Ph.D. candidacy. The DE will only be available to Ph.D. students; master’s students are not eligible.

Committee Composition and Departmental Approvals

The student must have a DE adviser from the CSP core or affiliated faculty. The DE adviser commits to serving on the Ph.D. qualifying exam committee (typically as the outside member), and the dissertation reading committee. 

The Ph.D. student’s primary faculty adviser, graduate program coordinator/adviser in the student’s home department, and CSP program must approve participation in the CSP DE. Only applications from registered students in good standing will be approved for the CSP DE.

The student must meet with their DE faculty adviser to develop a coherent plan for meeting the requirements for the CSP DE, preferably before the end of the student’s first year. This plan must be approved by the CSP program director.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete at least three CSP courses including two required courses (CSP 244 and CSP 245 [BIOE 262]).

Courses taken to fulfill program requirements within the home department will not count toward the designated emphasis program's required coursework.

Additional Courses

Students work with their CSP adviser to review their academic background and select at least one and up to six additional CSP courses (minimum of five additional credits) to assure overall interdisciplinary competence in: social sciences for sustainability, economics for sustainability, natural sciences for sustainability, statistics, coastal governance, and policy analysis. Select courses from the list below: 

Writing, Research and/or Teaching Requirements

Ph.D. students must work closely with a practitioner partner (from a government, business, or non-profit entity) on one interdisciplinary and solution-oriented dissertation chapter on a coastal sustainability issue.

In-depth interaction with the practitioner is necessary in the conceptual formation and execution of the work to be reported in the chapter (i.e., the student cannot solely receive and analyze data from the collaborating practitioner). 

The CSP program, via core courses, workshops, and mentoring by CSP faculty, provides substantial guidance on how to collaborate with partners in a manner that fits well with the dissertation research process. This requirement ensures that the student’s work will bring their knowledge to action, addresses real-world challenges and implements new, cutting-edge solutions.