Sustainability Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
The Ph.D. in sustainability fosters innovation and creativity in solving real-world challenges within social, economic, technological, and business realms. In this inherently interdisciplinary program, you’ll become part of a network of academics from across RIT who are working to optimize sustainable systems and practices in engineering, manufacturing, energy, education, and more.
Overview for Sustainability Ph.D.
Our approach to sustainability means working in the broader context of environmental assessment, economics, and policy. Each faculty member in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability sponsors a select number of students for specific research projects, with the scope varying from fundamental science to applied engineering to corporate sustainability applications. On acceptance into a sponsored research project, you will receive a fully-funded education, a stipend to help with living expenses, your own office space, and the time to develop your technical expertise in sub-areas dependent on your research.
In the sustainability Ph.D. program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from areas across the entire university to develop your own innovative approach to the field, building off of methodologies such as life cycle assessment, environmental risk and impact assessment, design for the environment, pollution prevention, closed-loop supply chain management, and product life assessment. Moreover, you’ll work side-by-side with our world-renowned faculty who are avid researchers in diverse areas including biofuels, transportation, energy policy, resource recovery, smart products and systems, and more.
The sustainability Ph.D. helps you think innovatively about how sustainability can positively impact systems all over the world through big-picture solutions, from training future business leaders to maximizing natural resources. You don’t need a background in sustainability to apply to this program; you just need a desire to create positive change in the world. We bring in students of all ages, from all backgrounds—from biotechnology to business—and from all over the world. You’ll also find a wide range of experience—many of the program’s students have more than 10 years of career experience and/or education.
The faculty are well-known scholars and active researchers who not only bring their knowledge into the classroom but also directly involve students in their scholarship. This work includes a wealth of hands-on experience in our impressive research facilities, including a 75,000-sq.-ft., LEED Platinum certified research building with over nine labs and six technology testbeds. With this level of experience, you’ll be prepared for diverse academic and industry jobs where you can make an impact on the way the world views and utilizes sustainable practices, from the macro to the micro.
RIT's Sustainability Ph.D.
With the sustainability Ph.D.'s integrative curriculum, you will develop a deep foundation in sustainability science, sustainable systems, risk analysis, and more. You can also choose several electives from across RIT's colleges—from Computational Modeling and Simulation to Principles of Statistical Data Mining—to tailor your degree and create interdisciplinary relationships throughout the university.
Through your sponsored research project, you’ll have the opportunity to make novel and impactful contributions to the development and understanding of sustainable technologies. Recent dissertation examples include:
- Implications of Consumer Lifestyle Changes and Behavioral Heterogeneity on U.S. Energy Consumption and Policy
- Criticality of Byproduct Materials: Assessing Supply Risk, Environmental Impact, and Strategic Policy Response for Tellurium
- Development of an Integrated Reformer and Fuel Cell System for Portable Power Applications
Sustainability Research
Sustainable Energy
- Fuel cells
- Photovoltaics
- Energy supply/demand models
- Energy policy
Circular Economy
- Life cycle assessment
- Electronic waste and battery recycling
- Waste-to-energy processes
- Food waste management
- Remanufacturing
Sustainable Urban Systems
- Smart Cities
- Transportation systems analysis
- Food Waste Management
- Food-Energy-Water Nexus
Sustainability Resources: RIT Advances Global Sustainability
Partnering locally and internationally with the communities in which we are engaged, RIT is continuing to advance sustainability efforts and build resiliency at home and around the world. Rochester, NY, is a hub for sustainability professionals and home to rich natural resources, such as fertile farmland and the nearby Finger Lakes. Many of our students share their passion for sustainability with the local community by volunteering on projects connected to K-12 education, community gardens, farmer’s markets, and more. In addition, you will connect with the global sustainability community by attending and presenting at professional conferences all over the world.
Featured Work and Profiles
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![Researchers standing in front of an electrical grid]()
Does energy storage make the U.S. electric grid cleaner?
Dr. Eric Williams In brief: Project: “How much wind and solar are needed to realize emissions benefits from storage?”
Read More about Does energy storage make the U.S. electric grid cleaner? -
![Tom Trabold in a lab coat]()
Can paper waste be used to make black ink?
Dr. Thomas A. Trabold In brief: Project: “Waste Paper Derived Biochar for Sustainable Printing Products”
Read More about Can paper waste be used to make black ink? -
![nanomaterials graph]()
Nanomaterials: To use or not to use
Dr. Elizabeth Moore ’19 The following learning module was created by Dr. Elizabeth Moore '19 as a student for public teaching use.
Read More about Nanomaterials: To use or not to use -
![Dr. Babbitt in a lab coat]()
How can forecasting changes in electronic waste inform circular-economy planning?
Dr. Callie Babbitt In brief: Project: “Forecasting electronic waste flows for effective circular economy planning”
Read More about How can forecasting changes in electronic waste inform circular-economy planning? -
![Person cutting herbs]()
How to Cut Food Waste at Home: Researching food waste collection services in Rochester, NY
Jessica Peterson The following content was created by Jessica Peterson in November 2018 as an educational sustainability blog post.
Read More about How to Cut Food Waste at Home: Researching food waste collection services in Rochester, NY -
![Items on side of road after a disaster]()
What happens to your electronics when they are destroyed by a disaster?
Alexandra Leader The following content was created by Alexandra Leader in November 2018 as an educational sustainability blog post.
Read More about What happens to your electronics when they are destroyed by a disaster?
Related News
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February 21, 2025
![Profile card featuring Israa Thiab, Visiting Assistant Professor and Ph.D. student, with a headshot of her smiling in front of green foliage, alongside text displaying her name and title.]()
RIT Ph.D. student and visiting assistant professor driving global sustainability
Since 2008, Thiab has been an active practitioner in the field of sustainable business and contributed to several programs and initiatives focused on sustainable solutions in Jordan and more recently the United States.
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November 22, 2024
![a group of six students and adults stand in front of a sign bearing logos from R I T and other companies.]()
RIT expands research on circular economy in Southeast Asia with new funding boost
A $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of State will continue the work led by professors Clyde Hull and Eric Williams with entrepreneurships based on circular economy principles in member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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November 20, 2024
![Five black men stand in a semicircle in a small garden in Kenya.]()
RIT professor helps to tackle energy access in rural Africa
Williams’ collaborative work tackles the subject of energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2015, the United Nations established Sustainable Development Goal 7 to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Sustainability Ph.D.
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Sustainability, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ISUS-702 | Fundamentals of Sustainability Science |
3 |
This course prepares students to understand grand challenges in sustainability, conduct original research related to sustainable production and consumption systems, and apply the scientific method in an integrative, team-based approach to graduate research. This course introduces fundamental concepts that are essential to understanding the interaction of economic, environmental, and social systems. Successful students will understand multiple perspectives on sustainability, the importance of sustainability as an ethical concept, behavioral impacts to sustainable solutions, and a life-cycle approach to organizing research related to sustainability. It is a core course within the Sustainability program. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| ISUS-704 | Industrial Ecology |
3 |
Industrial ecology is the study of the interaction between industrial and ecological systems. Students in this course learn to assess the impact and interrelations of production systems on the natural environment by mastering fundamental concepts of ecology as a metaphor for industrial systems and the resultant tools from industrial ecology, including life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and energy and greenhouse gas accounting. This is a core course within the Sustainability Ph.D. program. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| ISUS-706 | Economics of Sustainable Systems |
3 |
The goal of this course is to introduce students to economic concepts and analysis pertaining to sustainable systems. This course offers a nontechnical but rigorous introduction to microeconomic theory, engineering economics, and benefit-cost analysis. A thorough treatment of models relevant to each topic is provided. The over-arching goal is for students to gain an understanding of the logic of economic reasoning and analysis as it pertains to the study of sustainable systems. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| ISUS-806 | Risk Analysis |
3 |
This course examines risk identification, quantification, and management from the standpoint of the three key components of sustainability science (economics, environment, and society). Subjects include cost-benefit analysis, value of information, time value of money, basic decision analysis, value functions, monetizing challenges for ecosystem services, sustainability risk management, toxicological perspectives such as fate and transport and dose-response relationships, risk perception, ethical issues in risk quantification, and impact statements. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| ISUS-808 | Multicriteria Sustainable Systems |
3 |
This class will explore how decisions are made when confronted with multiple, often conflicting, criteria or constraints. The focus will be on the following analytical methods: linear and stochastic programming, optimization, and Monte Carlo simulation. Case studies will focus on sustainability multi-criteria problems such as energy planning, sustainable development, resource management, and recycling. Students will apply methods learned to a project involving their graduate research. (This class is restricted to students in the SUSTSY-MS and SUST-PHD programs.) Lecture 3 (Spring). | ||
Elective |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Complete8creditsfromthefollowing: | 8 |
|
| ISUS-807 | Research |
|
Research in fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation or M.S. capstone requirements. Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). | ||
| ISUS-890 | Dissertation Research |
|
Research fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation requirements. Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). | ||
| PUBL-810 | Technology, Policy and Sustainability (or approved substitute) |
3 |
This course introduces students to public policy and its role in building a sustainable society. The course places particular emphasis on the policy process; the relationship among technology, policy, and the environment; and policy mechanisms for addressing market and government failures that threaten sustainability. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). | ||
Electives |
9 | |
| Third Year | ||
| ISUS-890 | Dissertation Research |
8 |
Research fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation requirements. Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). | ||
Electives |
6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| ISUS-890 | Dissertation Research |
8 |
Research fulfillment of Sustainability Ph.D. dissertation requirements. Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). | ||
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 60 |
|
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Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall. Closed for new applications for Fall 2025. | January 15 priority deadline | Yes |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Sustainability Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Learn tips to apply for a doctoral program and then complete a graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Submit one writing sample, of your own work, in which you are the only author. This can be a report or paper from previous academic or professional work that reflects your critical thinking and writing abilities.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 7.0 | 70 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).
Additional Information
Prerequisites
The Sustainability Ph.D. program requires that students gain mastery of key sustainability concepts and methods, several of which are quantitative in nature. Due to this, we require incoming students to have taken university-level calculus, statistics, and two courses in physical sciences (such as chemistry or physics).
