Graduate Education
Education（Learning Activities / Research Activities）
Students will engage in the following study and research activities to acquire the skills necessary to obtain a doctoral degree.
Students begin their doctoral dissertation research under a multiple-supervisor system consisting of one main supervisor and at least one sub-supervisor (Dissertation Work in Advanced Studies IIIA-VB) immediately after admission. Given the diverse fields covered by Global Environmental Studies, we have established a tailor-made guidance system for each student. In addition to the aforementioned two supervisors, a full-time faculty member in charge of education also acts as mentor to provide advice on study, research, life and career in general. We recommend that students study theories, methods, and research cases in Introduction to Global Environmental Studies and Topics of Global Environmental Studies in their first year. Students can learn about transdisciplinary research in Introduction to Transdisciplinary Approach and develop international research skills in Global Sustainability Seminar. In addition, students may take courses from 20 programs, including this program, according to their own interests and specialties to broaden their knowledge in related fields. Through the experience of using the project-based research opportunities at RIHN, students can complete highly original doctoral dissertation research from a broad perspective.
Below is a diagram of the course of study toward a degree in Global Environmental Studies program.
List of Courses and Syllabi
To view the syllabi for the program, please select "Global Environmental Studies" in the "Program/Department" section of the link and conduct a search.
To Obtain a Degree
To obtain a doctoral degree, students must earn the prescribed credits and pass the doctoral dissertation review and final examination. Passing the preliminary examination allows submission of a doctoral dissertation. Submitted dissertations are reviewed by an evaluation committee, including external members. In the review process, students are required to deliver an oral presentation and answer questions at a public dissertation presentation organized by the program. After passing this review, the doctoral dissertation is approved by the Representative Committee composed of representatives from each program. Given the interdisciplinary nature of Global Environmental Studies, doctoral dissertations are reviewed either in Cultural and Social Studies, Physical Sciences, or Life Sciences. Upon passing all of these examinations, the student is awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.