SIT Graduate Institute - Doctorate in Sustainability (PhD)

About this program

SIT’s Doctorate in Sustainability (PhD) is a four-year, online degree designed for working professionals committed to advancing sustainable solutions and resilient systems across social, ecological, and political contexts. The program builds organizational leadership, policy development, advanced research, and communication skills while challenging students to investigate transformative sustainability strategies. Two 10-day international residencies deepen applied insight with study in Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on renewable energy and marine conservation, and in Zanzibar, Tanzania, emphasizing blue economy case studies and community-based sustainable practice. This program is ideal for professionals seeking leadership roles in sustainability research, policy, organizational strategy, and systems-level impact.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework during admission.

• Year partnership began: 2024
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

SIT does not require the GRE. Bachelor’s and master’s degree from regionally accredited institutions with a minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0 Application requirements include:

• A completed online application
• Writing sample (master’s thesis or capstone paper, literature review, publication, or similar)
• Statement of Purpose
• CV/Resume
• Official transcripts
• Three references

Admissions process

• Complete SIT's online application and check the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows box
• Submit a copy of your Description of Service (DOS)

Degrees awarded

Doctorate in Sustainability (PhD)

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $10,040

Cost savings details

As part of our standard partnership, Coverdell Fellows will be eligible for a 25% tuition discount for SIT’s Doctoral degrees. There will be one competitive award available per degree each year. This discount is applied to the tuition cost after transfer credit consideration and is not combinable with any other SIT scholarships

Internship

As part of the Coverdell Fellowship, fellows must complete a practicum of 150 to 300 hours in a high-need American community (as defined by SIT Graduate Institute). The practicum must relate to the student’s coursework and career goals and be for a minimum of six weeks. Practicums may be paid professional positions or unpaid internships. More information about the internship requirement can be found on SIT’s website on the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program partnership page.

Other opportunities

SIT will waive the $50 application fee for all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

Jobs for alumni

Through the social, academic, and professional network SIT provides, students have an easy and dynamic way to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about potential employers worldwide. SIT's alumni work at the government, nonprofit, and grassroots levels in the US and abroad. Students who have graduated with this degree work in careers such as the following, among others:

• Climate and Environment Analyst
• Regenerative Systems Specialist
• University Faculty
• Lead Sustainability Designer
• Green Tech Innovator

Nontraditional options

Online degree program

Fellowships are awarded to RPCVs enrolling in one of the following degree programs:

Global Master's Degrees

• Global MA in Climate Change & Global Sustainability
• Global MA in Diplomacy & International Relations
• Global MA in Humanitarian Assistance & Crisis Management
• Global MA in International Education
• Global MA in Sustainable Development Practice

Online Doctoral Degrees with International Residencies

• Doctorate in Global Education (EdD)
• Doctorate in International Relations (PhD)
• Doctorate in Sustainability (PhD)