Central Michigan University
AC-4: Graduate Program

Website Reads: The Earth and Ecosystem Science (EES) doctoral program at Central Michigan University is a newly formed program providing advanced scientific training in interdisciplinary sciences. EES at CMU employs a systems-level approach to evaluate the physical, chemical, geological and biological structure and function of various natural environments. In this research-intensive degree program, students develop projects that investigate patterns and processes that regulate environmental variations across a range of temporal and spatial scales. Through core courses and individual research projects, EES students study the dynamics of aquatic and terrestrial systems (modern and ancient, pristine and polluted) in diverse geographic regions, with a particular focus on the interrelations between multiple factors that govern Earth and ecosystem processes. As the EES program is inherently multidisciplinary, students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, geology, geography, physics and mathematics are encouraged to apply. Depending on the major advisor's research focus, projects in EES may explore patterns (biodiversity, reaction, physical architecture), processes (fate, transport, efficiency), regulation (complexity, stability, feedback) and management (sustainability, global change) of ecosystems and key ecosystem components. Although this program presents prospective students with almost limitless options for concentration, it fundamentally focuses on fully understanding ecosystem factors, whilst applying this knowledge to sustainability-focused issues, trends and problems on a worldwide basis.

Website Reads: "Immerse yourself in the challenging and integrated laboratory and fieldwork experiences that will prepare you for a rewarding career or graduate study in a biology-related field. In addition to research and professional internship opportunities, you'll discover hands-on learning experiences through natural environments available only through CMU. These include: CMU Biological Station on Beaver Island Located in northern Lake Michigan, Beaver Island hosts diverse habitats that make it a prime location for you to conduct research and expand your knowledge through summer science courses." Students enrolled in the graduate level Biology program at Central Michigan University gain highly applicable knowledge in the sustainability realm. Students are provided with several opportunities to learn about complex ecosystems, analyze environmental issues and use advanced problem-solving to find resolutions to these issues. Students within this program are specifically trained to enter careers in the sustainability field as it pertains to complex natural environments.

Within this PhD. program, one can create an concentration to suit their interest. Many individuals pursue sustainability-focused concentrations, such as sustainable systems for sensitive ecosystems, or the socioeconomic impact of sustainability efforts within urban ecosystems. By having the ability to focus on a wide variety of emphases, the EES degree is the quintessential opportunity to earn a PhD. in advanced sustainability topics at CMU.

Ph.D. in the Science of Advanced Materials likely consists of sustainability-focused opportunities. The description of this concentration reads: "The science of materials combines elements of chemistry, physics and engineering, and requires a solid background in mathematics. The CMU Science of Advanced Materials (SAM) Ph.D. program is designed to create a correspondingly interdisciplinary environment that will train effective researchers without erecting artificial boundaries between disciplines. The formal coursework focuses on the scientific framework for studying materials and is organized around the themes of modeling, synthesis and characterization. These are the key methodologies employed in materials research and the SAM program emphasizes the synergy among them. Curriculum The SAM program is designed as a research-intensive program, with a core of interdisciplinary courses on the science of materials. Electives and courses on specialized topics are available through Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and other departments." Sustainability is central to this educational methodology. Within this program, students pursue degrees based in things such as sustainable engineering, while maintaining a cross-curricular focus, thus allowing for advanced analysis, problem-solving and communication of sustainability-related issues.

Website Reads: "The concentration in Conservation Biology is designed to prepare you career opportunities with state and federal agencies and conservation organizations. You will gain valuable experience in current conservation techniques as well as population and community ecology." Sustainability is a fundamental principal of conservation organizations. This degree delves into the world of conservation vs. preservation issues as well as natural resources management. This concentration provides students with research-based and hands-on knowledge that prepares them to apply these concepts to all aspects of sustainability as it pertains to complex ecosystems.