Program of Study

Program details

Lobo + Achee Mosquito Research
Research professors Neil Lobo, left, and Nicole Achee in a research lab in the Galvin Life Sciences building. They are collaborating with external partners on a project to help fight malaria and dengue fever.

GLOBES Certification in Environment and Society is an innovative, 3-part process:

1) Interdisciplinary Training

(2 seminars and 2 training modules, minimum of 4 credits)

  • Upon admission, GLOBES students enroll in a 1-credit course or module each semester during the first two years. GLOBES Seminars use a current topic as a lens to examine how different fields work together to address contemporary, environmental issues. Training modules (intensive, short course format) primarily alternate communication skill training with environmental policy and other topics on a yearly basis. Students may begin the program at any time during their time at ND, provided they can complete the course requirements.

2) Integrative Research Component

  • Students develop an interdisciplinary research project as a component of the dissertation, extending the disciplinary themes along an applied policy, societal, or novel dimension not generally considered in the student’s field of study. This project can take various forms, from a chapter of the dissertation or its equivalent (e.g., publication or other media product) to an undergraduate course syllabus for the Science, Technology & Values minor. The student develops a plan of study in consultation with the major professor and with the guidance of an external advisor of the student's choice whose expertise is outside of the primary discipline.

  • A project proposal is submitted to the GLOBES Executive Committee for approval and comment at the appropriate juncture in the student's program (e.g. 3rd year for Ph.D. students, end of 1st year for MS students). Oversight of the final project is in two parts: 1) a formal abstract is submitted to the GLOBES Executive Committee for review and 2) dual endorsement from the major advisor and external advisor certifying the interdisciplinary merits of the project and the work effort by the student. 

3) Community of Scholars

  • Students actively contribute to the GLOBES community by participating in group projects, discussion groups, and formal and informal gatherings that comprise the GLOBES interdisciplinary training experience. More senior students provide peer-to-peer mentoring of new students to welcome and advise new GLOBES participants.  

For more detailed information on Certificate requirements, guidelines, and sample programs of study, see the Globes Certificate Guidelines

How to apply

  1. Complete the one-page Globes Certificate Application Form.

  2. Attach a current CV or resume to the application.

  3. Have your major advisor sign the application form and email it to Anna Geltzer.