Prescott College's PhD in Sustainability Education

The Prescott College Limited-Residency Ph.D. Sustainability Education Program (www.prescott.edu/learn/phd-sustainability-education/index.html) views education broadly, as social learning that occurs in settings that are both formal (educational institutions, for example) and non-formal (such as families, community events, media, and businesses). The term “education” is considered to mean both the act or practice of educating or being educated and the study of education as a process.

Education for Sustainability

Education for sustainability is the practice of learning how to achieve global and local sustainable communities. It is a life-long, individual, and social learning progression that challenges the dominant ecological, psychological, economic, and social paradigms.  The desired outcome is an informed, involved citizenry with the social and scientific literacy, commitment, and creative problem-solving skills to engage in responsible individual and cooperative actions toward a sustainable society. Achieving sustainability in all dimensions of human existence depends on adopting an educational paradigm that manifests and supports change toward a sustainable, secure society. The Limited-Residency Ph.D. Sustainability Education Program strives to contribute to synergistic learning and change in consciousness, education, culture – and, ultimately, society.

Individualized Areas of Study

Within the central theme of sustainability education, students create individualized proposals for formal course work and a practicum based on an educational vision. Finally, Ph.D. students undertake an action-oriented dissertation, demonstrating passionate scholarship as well as its application in the sustainability education niche.

Student-Directed Learning 

At Prescott College, programs of study at all levels are individualized; no two paths taken by Ph.D. students are identical. Envision your educational goals, design your course of study, and complete course work under the guidance of an expert. Faculty and advisors work with each student to co-create an individualized concentration. This collaborative approach ensures valuable learning for teacher and student alike. Students work at their own pace, driven by their own passions and guided by experts in their chosen fields.

Hybrid Low-Residency/Online Instruction Model

Prescott College’s Limited-Residency programs are unlike any other educational experience, combining self-directed, individually mentored, and online distance education with a limited residency requirement. Our Ph.D. students complete their course work wherever they are. Your community and workplace becomes your classroom as you design your unique degree.

Colloquia

The Prescott College Limited-Residency Ph.D. Program follows a cohort-based learning model with ongoing dialogue between students and faculty. Limited-residency means the time you must actually be at Prescott College is minimal. A total of seven cohort symposia and colloquia provide opportunities for collaboration, interdisciplinary learning, presentation, research, and teaching about topics and issues related to the doctoral students’ programs of study.