The Duke University Board of Trustees' Executive Committee on Friday gave final approval to the creation of a Ph.D. program in environmental policy, which builds on the university's existing strengths in environmental science research and education, and public policy studies.
The program, which had been endorsed by faculty review committees, "will educate the people who will be shaping the next generation of environmental policy," said professor Randall Kramer of Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment.
The degree is expected to attract top students, Kramer said, noting that 17 Nicholas students interested in environmental policy are currently pursuing a Ph.D.
"The establishment of this degree program will enable Duke to recruit the best national and international students interested in environmental social science policy," said Provost Peter Lange, the university's top academic officer. "At a time when climate change and related environmental issues are of utmost concern to world leaders, we feel like there is no better time to launch such an important program."
Kramer said the new degree takes advantage of existing strengths in both the Nicholas School and the Sanford School of Public Policy; both schools recently made recent senior hires in environmental policy. Also participating in the Ph.D. program will be the political science and economics departments, Duke Law School and the Fuqua School of Business.
The time to earn a Ph.D. is expected to take five years. Kramer said the program can get started quickly because the courses and faculty are already in place.