Connected Science Community Human Behavior and Sustainability Sciences PhD Program

Northeastern University Helmuth lab technician Sahana Simonetti, a recent marine biology graduate, sets up a Trimble GPS on the shore of the Nahant campus on Thursday, July 22, 2021. The device helps Simonetti locate the robotic mussels dispersed along the shoreline.

A new kind of PhD training

Conduct groundbreaking human behavior and sustainability sciences research and develop skills that open a vast set of future careers with the support of a cross-College PhD Community!

The Connected Science Community Human Behavior and Sustainability Sciences PhD Program combines training in cognitive, behavioral, and social sciences with training in environmental, ecological, and sustainability sciences to produce boundary-breaking scholars who can accelerate sustainability solutions that are robustly informed by trans-disciplinary science through a research-intensive curriculum and environment within a supportive community of faculty and students.

Students design individualized programs of study by apprenticing in a laboratory in environmental / sustainability sciences and one in human cognition and behavior, working closely with their faculty mentors throughout their time in the program. Research areas include cultural and experiential differences in ecological thinking, social and environmental policy and decision-making, influence of urban and wild green spaces on cognitive and brain health, fisheries and restoration sciences, evolutionary genomics, and marine biodiversity and conservation.

You will be joining a graduate program that is committed to cultivating a culture of respect and collaboration where the contribution of each person is valued.

The Connected Science Community PhD

Upon joining the program, you will also join a Connected Science Community of PhD students across the College of Science. During the summer before your first year, you will have the option to participate in the Summer Skills Session to develop key skills, explore and utilize university resources, and learn about potential post-PhD careers.

During Fall semester of your first year, you will begin coursework and continue research in your department. Throughout your first year and beyond, you will continue your research while sustaining your Connected Science Community through seminars, workshops, and social activities.

In this unique PhD training program, you’ll:

  • join a Community of PhD students across all College of Science departments, who learn from each other, collaborate, and draw on one other’s experience
  • develop Career and Core Skills and inside knowledge of the outstanding career opportunities open to our PhD graduates
  • explore Cross-Disciplinary Research to help you solve pressing research challenges
  • gain external work experience – an integral part of your professional training, with many opportunities

Program Details

Program Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Entrance
Complete all courses and requirements listed here unless otherwise indicated.

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

Minimum 3.000 GPA required

31 total semester hours required

Milestones

  • Annual review
  • Dissertation committee
  • Qualifying paper and presentation
  • Dissertation proposal and presentation
  • Candidacy
  • Dissertation/dissertation defense
  • Teaching experience

Application Deadline

Priority deadline: December 1

Rolling deadline: March 15

For the duration of their program, students receive full tuition scholarship, a graduate assistant position with stipend, and health insurance.

Your career starts here.

Fill out the form to request more information.
Apply today

Get more information about the Connected Community PhD Programs