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Environmental Sciences Program
Planning Mission Statement The primary mission of the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in
Environmental Sciences at Tennessee Technological University is to advance,
through both classroom instruction and research, the education of students in
areas of national and international need in relation to the environment. It
offers a concentration in both biology and chemistry but emphasizes the
solution of complex environmental problems using an interdisciplinary
approach. This is accomplished through coursework in biology, chemistry,
geology, agriculture, and sociology. Our mission is to use an
interdisciplinary approach that insures that students become aware of a wide
range of environmental concerns and that their research includes a breadth of
environmental understanding beyond the boundaries of a particular discipline.
The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in
research, management, government service, teaching, and other areas where
they can make productive contributions to the solution of environmental
problems. Learning Outcomes and Assessment Program Concentrations: EVSB: Biology
Concentration EVSC: Chemistry
Concentration For a full description of environmental science strategic goals see
the
TTU Strategic Planning Website. Environmental Sciences Program Outcomes: Program Outcome I: Make progress
toward achieving a critical mass of qualified Ph.D. students capable of
graduation rates of four per year by academic year 2007-2008. Assessment
Method: Tracking
inquiries and admissions. Results: The number of
applicants to the EVS Ph.D. program averages 25-30 annually. We had 15 students enrolled during the
2004-2005 academic year. Fourteen students will be enrolled during Fall
2005, with an additional student to be enrolled during Spring 2006. Action Plan for
2005-06 Based on Results: In order to
attract additional students, we plan to generate a greater number of teaching
assistants and research assistants via internal and external funding.
We will be active in recruiting at regional and national graduate fairs to
increase awareness of our program. We have recently raised our stipends
from $12,000 to $14,000 and will attempt to increase these stipends to
$16,000 to attract qualified students. Program Outcome
II: Pursue an
enhanced regional and national reputation in Environmental Science at TTU. Assessment
Method: Annual feedback
from department chairs in biology and chemistry, as well as the TTU Center
for the Management, Utilization, and Protection of Water Resources concerning
recruitment trips by faculty, publications, and job placement of environmental
science graduates. Results: During
2004-2005, four environmental sciences faculty attended and recruited at six
regional and national meetings. Three students graduated from the
program during 2004-2005, and two have secured employment. Twelve faculty published in scientific
journals for a total of sixteen publications during 2004-2005. Action Plan for
2005-06 Based on Results: We plan to
encourage faculty to both attend and recruit at regional and national
meetings within their discipline and, additionally, encourage faculty to
increase the number of publications submitted on an annual basis. We will
continue to assist with placement of Ph.D. graduates in environmental
positions. |
