The Doctoral Program is comprised of three main components:
1) Knowledge acquisition in theory and methodological applications in the field of environmental sciences and policy;
2) Teaching/research and professional advancement practicum; and
3) Dissertation milestones involving in-depth research formulation, implementation and publication.
The standard length of the program for full-time students is three years.[1] Theory and methodological applications are learned through coursework and individualized study programs to inform the development of a sound dissertation research design. The Teaching/Research Practicum provides students with the opportunity to build up practical experience in teaching and research.
In the first semester of the first year, students work on their Dissertation Research Topic Formulation in consultation with their supervisor and an internal dissertation committee member. This process is further facilitated by coursework. The course entitled, Disciplinary Approaches to Environmental Problems, gives students grounding in cutting-edge issues in the different disciplinary areas of the field, establishing a theoretical base from which to consider the research problem and focus of study. Students are also required to attend the regular PhD Faculty/Student Seminar which is a forum for the exchange of ideas and critical feedback involving, for example, presentations on research (particularly works in progress) by faculty, doctoral students, and invited guests as well as other targeted discussions to supplement and strengthen Departmental research.
The course on PhD Writing Issues and Challenges provides students with approaches and guidelines to writing and completing the dissertation. In preparation for semester two, students produce a Theory and Methods Needs Assessment and Study Plan that outlines their specific learning objectives in theory and methods, and how they will seek to meet those objectives in semester two.
As part of their personal professional development and experience, students must complete a Teaching/Research Practicum in which they gain concrete, practical experience in teaching and research. This Practicum is outlined further in the Teaching and Research Assistantship Practicum Guidelines.
Semester two of the first year is then focussed on further strengthening the students understanding and ability to engage theory and methodological applications in the development of their Dissertation Prospectus. This is achieved by: 1) establishing a theoretical framework and methodological approach by: implementing the Theory and Methods Needs Assessment and Study Plan through the individual Theory Study Program and the Methods Study Program, and 2) preparing a Literature Review. The latter part of the first year and the beginning of the second year are ultimately dedicated to writing the Dissertation Prospectus which is a detailed outline of the proposed dissertation research that must then be publicly defended before the student’s Dissertation Committee.
The knowledge acquired in the first year culminates in: 1) the Comprehensive Exam (in May of 1st year), and 2) the Dissertation Prospectus Defence, which must take place no later than fall term of the 2nd year. For the remainder of the Program, the student predominantly focuses on dissertation research and writing, and increasing their professional status and networks through the Professional Advancement Practicum.
The second year commences with the Dissertation Prospectus Defence. The second and third years are largely devoted to achieving dissertation milestones through Dissertation Research and Writing culminating in the Dissertation Pre-Defence and Dissertation Final Defence. Students are requested to attend the PhD Faculty/Student Seminar when in residence in Budapest, and must complete a Professional Advancement Practicum by the time they graduate from the program. With completion of the third year, students finalize and defend their dissertation.
[1] Students are allowed, however, up to six years from their enrolment in the program to complete their Ph.D.
