Programme:

Environmental Science, Climate Change Policy, and Sustainable Business (2026/2027)

Study Cycle:	Third Cycle (Doctoral)
Faculty:	Business and Economics

Programme Code:	PhD-ES
Academic year:	2023 / 2024
Title:	Doctor of Economic Sciences Field: Environmental Science, Climate Change Policy, and Sustainable Business Management
ECTS:	180 (3 years)
Decision:

The Faculty of Business and Economics, in collaboration with the Institute for Environment and Health at SEEU, plays a central role in the design, academic development, and implementation of the third-cycle study program titled “Environmental Science, Climate Change Policy, and Sustainable Business Management.” The Faculty of Business and Economics also serves as the primary (or parent) academic unit responsible for the coordination, delivery, and academic oversight of the program. The primary purpose of this interdisciplinary academic program is to develop highly skilled professionals equipped with the scientific knowledge, policy literacy, and managerial competencies necessary to address the multifaceted challenges of environmental sustainability and climate change. This program aims to bridge the gap between environmental science and strategic management practices by integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies with sustainable business models and public policy frameworks. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles in government institutions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, academia, and the private sector.

Justification for Introducing the Program:

1. Alignment with International and National Strategic Goals
The program directly supports the achievement of global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). It also aligns with national climate policies, environmental action plans, and sustainable development strategies, addressing the growing need for qualified professionals in these priority areas.
2. Growing Demand for Multidisciplinary Expertise
The complexity of climate change and environmental management requires professionals who can integrate scientific data, environmental policies, and economic strategies into comprehensive, implementable solutions. This program is designed to produce graduates with interdisciplinary skills that meet the demands of both public and private sector employers.
3. Labor Market Needs and Employment Opportunities
The labor market increasingly requires professionals capable of navigating environmental regulations, implementing sustainability strategies, and managing climate-related risks. Graduates of this program will be well-positioned for employment in environmental consultancy, sustainable business development, climate policy advising, and corporate social responsibility management.
4. Academic and Institutional Development
The introduction of this program supports the institution’s strategic goals of expanding academic offerings in response to global challenges, promoting applied research, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration. It complements existing programs in environmental studies, economics, and business, while also establishing a foundation for further postgraduate research and specialization.
5. Support for Environmental Innovation and Green Transition
The transition toward a green economy necessitates educational programs that foster innovation in renewable energy, resource efficiency, sustainable supply chains, and environmental entrepreneurship. This program will contribute to national and regional innovation ecosystems by producing graduates capable of initiating and managing green projects and businesses.
6. Compliance with Higher Education Standards

The curriculum is designed in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and national accreditation standards, ensuring academic quality, learning outcomes, and relevance to societal needs. It includes theoretical and practical components, internships, research projects, and international collaboration

A PhD holder in the field of Environmental Science, Climate Change Policy, and Sustainable Business Managementcan developa career in several important sectors, including universities and scientific research institutions, where they may be engaged in teaching and research projects; in government and public institutions, contributing to the development and implementation of policies for environmental protection and climate change management; in corporations and the private sector as an expert in ESG (Environmental/Social/Governance) and sustainability strategies; in international organizationsand non-governmental organizations dealing with sustainable development and climate issues; as well as in green entrepreneurship and innovative projects that promote clean technologies and solutions to climate challenges.

Knowledge and understanding

Upon successful completion of the program, PhD graduates will demonstrate comprehensive and interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

A solid understanding of ecological systems, natural resource dynamics, biodiversity, and environmental processes at global, regional, and local levels.

Familiarity with key environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, desertification, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation.

In-depth knowledge of the scientific principles of climate change, including the greenhouse effect, climate modeling, carbon cycles, and anthropogenic impacts.

Understanding of climate systems, observed trends, and projected scenarios based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and other scientific sources.

Comprehensive knowledge of international frameworks (e.g., UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol) and national climate legislation and policies.

Insight into global climate diplomacy, environmental justice, and mechanisms such as carbon trading and climate finance.

Understanding of sustainable development concepts, principles of circular economy, and green growth strategies.

Knowledge of how businesses can integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into operations and long-term planning.

The ability to connect scientific, economic, legal, and social perspectives to address complex sustainability challenges.

A broad conceptual understanding of how environmental science, policy, and business interact within systems thinking and sustainability frameworks.

Understanding of scientific research methodologies, environmental data analysis, and tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), life cycle assessment (LCA), and impact evaluation.

Ability to interpret, synthesize, and apply academic and technical literature to real-world environmental and policy contexts.

Applying knowledge and understanding

PhD graduates will be able to:

Apply scientific principles and data to assess environmental conditions, monitor ecological changes, and evaluate the causes and impacts of climate change.

Utilize tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), climate models, and environmental indicators to interpret data and support decision-making processes.

Translate scientific findings into practical policy proposals, strategies, or regulatory frameworks aimed at addressing climate change, resource management, and environmental protection.

Assist in the design and evaluation of national and international climate policies, including climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

Integrate sustainability principles into corporate decision-making, including supply chain management, product development, risk analysis, and investment planning.

Apply knowledge of environmental economics and green finance to develop business strategies that align profitability with environmental and social responsibility.

Design, plan, and implement sustainability projects or initiatives within various organizational settings (governmental, NGO, private sector).

Apply project management tools and methodologies to monitor progress, evaluate impacts, and ensure the effectiveness of climate-related and sustainability interventions.

Analyze multifaceted environmental challenges using systems thinking, identifying interdependencies between ecological, economic, and social dimensions.

Propose innovative, evidence-based solutions that are practical, context-sensitive, and aligned with global sustainability standards.

Apply knowledge in multidisciplinary team environments, engaging with stakeholders from diverse sectors including science, policy, industry, and civil society.

Facilitate dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration to support the co-creation of sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Making judgement

PhD graduates will demonstrate:

The ability to critically assess scientific evidence, policy documents, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability reports.

The capacity to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information, identify biases, and evaluate the limitations of data and methodologies.

Competence in identifying current and emerging environmental and climate-related challenges at local, national, and global levels.

Skills to assess risks and uncertainties in environmental planning, business operations, and public policy, and to propose appropriate responses.

Awareness of the ethical implications of decisions affecting ecosystems, human populations, and future generations.

Commitment to principles of environmental justice, sustainability, and social equity in professional practice.

The ability to analyze potential future scenarios related to climate change impacts, resource management, and sustainability transitions.

Capacity to recommend policy actions or business strategies based on long-term environmental, social, and economic consequences.

Judgement-making that incorporates scientific knowledge, socio-economic considerations, legal constraints, and organizational realities.

The ability to synthesize diverse perspectives to support holistic, systems-based decisions.

A sense of professional responsibility in contributing to sustainable development goals and adhering to national and international standards in environmental management and corporate governance.

Recognition of one's own limitations and the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field

Communication skills

PhD graduates will be able to:

Communicate environmental and climate-related scientific data, analysis, and findings clearly and accurately using appropriate terminology and formats.

Prepare technical reports, policy briefs, sustainability assessments, and environmental impact statements that meet academic, governmental, or industry standards.

Articulate the implications of environmental science and climate policy for decision-makers, stakeholders, and business leaders.

Translate complex scientific and regulatory information into accessible language for non-expert audiences, including media, communities, and the general public.

Communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams, bridging scientific, policy, and managerial perspectives to support coordinated sustainability efforts.

Engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders from diverse professional, cultural, and socio-political backgrounds.

Deliver professional presentations using appropriate visual aids and digital tools, tailored to academic, policy, or corporate audiences.

Participate confidently in public debates, seminars, and international forums addressing climate change, environmental policy, and sustainability.

Utilize digital platforms, geospatial tools (e.g., GIS), and data visualization techniques to support effective environmental communication and decision-making.

Create infographics, charts, and dashboards to represent complex datasets in clear, concise formats.

Demonstrate the ability to communicate in at least one international language (typically English) in both written and spoken forms, suitable for work in global and multicultural contexts.

Learning skills

PhD graduates will demonstrate:

The ability to take responsibility for their own learning process by setting objectives, identifying resources, and evaluating progress independently.

Motivation to stay updated with emerging research, regulatory developments, and innovative practices in sustainability and climate science.

Capacity for critical self-evaluation of their knowledge, performance, and professional development needs.

Willingness to reflect on feedback and experiences to improve future work and learning outcomes.

Skills to independently design and conduct academic or applied research in environmental and sustainability fields, using appropriate methodologies and ethical standards.

Familiarity with scientific literature, digital databases, and academic publishing processes to support continuous knowledge acquisition.

Flexibility to integrate and apply knowledge from various disciplines (e.g., environmental science, economics, law, management) to address complex sustainability challenges.

Ability to engage in multidisciplinary learning environments and collaborate across academic and professional fields.

Readiness to adapt to technological advancements, policy shifts, and global environmental trends through ongoing training, certification, or further study.

Awareness of the importance of continuous professional development to remain effective in dynamic work environments.

A solid foundation for progression to postgraduate studies (e.g., Master’s or PhD level) or professional certifications in environmental management, public policy, or sustainable business.

Ability to meet the academic and professional expectations of international institutions and networks.

Semester 1

[C2650] [10 ECTS] Research Methods
This course aims to equip doctoral students in the program “Environmental Science, Climate Change Policy, and Sustainable Business Management” with advanced knowledge and practical skills in research design, methodology, and data analysis. It prepares students to critically evaluate scientific literature, develop rigorous and ethical research proposals, and conduct independent, interdisciplinary research addressing complex environmental, climate, and sustainability challenges.
[C2651] [10 ECTS] Environmental Analytics: GIS and Statistical Modeling
Course aims: Equip students with advanced knowledge of GIS and statistical methods applied to environmental analysis. Develop research skills in integrating spatial and statistical data. Enable students to use statistical models for forecasting and simulating environmental change. Foster capacity for independent and interdisciplinary research in environmental analytics.
[C2652] [10 ECTS] From Emissions to Impacts: Addressing Air Pollution and Climate Change Through Adaptation and Mitigation
Aims of the course: • Deepen understanding of the interconnections between air pollution and climate change. • Provide advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge of emissions sources, pathways, and impacts. • Train students to evaluate adaptation and mitigation strategies critically. • Enhance capacity to conduct interdisciplinary research integrating environmental science, economics, and policy. • Encourage original scientific contributions to global and regional climate and pollution debates.

Semester 2

[C2653] [10 ECTS] Advanced Concepts in Information Systems
Aims of the course: • To develop a profound understanding of theoretical paradigms and research schools in the field of Information Systems. • To enable students to critically evaluate existing literature and identify research gaps. • To foster the ability to connect IS theories with organizational and managerial practices. • To strengthen methodological competencies in designing scientific research. • To prepare students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge through scholarly publications and advanced research projects.
[10 ECTS] Elective course
- [EBS006] Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategies
  The course aims: • Advance doctoral students’ theoretical and methodological knowledge on climate risk assessment. • Explore frameworks for understanding vulnerability, resilience, and adaptive capacity. • Train students to critically evaluate adaptation strategies in different socio-economic and ecological contexts. • Encourage independent research and scientific contribution to climate risk and adaptation debates. • Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives on climate change, governance, and sustainable transitions.
- [EBS007] Environmental Policies and Governance
  Course objectives: • Providing students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of public finances, as one of the fundamental pillars of macroeconomic policies and as a key instrument for the functioning of a national economy, as an integrated whole and as a subsystem of the country's economic system. • Development of applied knowledge on fiscal functions and their instruments, with a special focus on their application in the environmental sector. Students will acquire skills to design policies and public finances in an optimal manner, depending on different economic conditions and cycles, with the aim of protecting and improving environment. • Ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses of projects related to the environment, evaluating them in terms of strategic priorities and indirect impacts on the environment. • Providing students with practical professional skills for selecting alternatives and rational budgeting of environmental projects, both at the level of central public finances and at that of local self-government.
- [EBS008] Sustainable Development and Environment
  Course objectives: • Provide students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable development. • Analyze the interdependence between environment, society, and economy. • Examine international environmental and climate policies and instruments. • Enable students to conduct independent research in sustainability.
- [EBS009] Behavioral Environmental Economics
  Behavioral Economics integrates insights from psychology into economic thinking. It attempts to increase the explanatory power of economic models by incorporating a better understanding of human behavior and its underlying factors. The knowledge provided within this course is important for researchers, future managers, analysts, and consultants and policy makers, because it is about understanding how actually people (customers, competitors, colleagues, and themselves) make decisions regarding the environmental economics, since the neoclassical economics fails to portray the behavior in a realist way. This course introduces the tools and perspective from a behavioral economics perspective and how to use them in environmental economics. By the end of this course, students should be able to: • Understand the experimental methods and procedures that the behavioral economics employ. • Students will have the knowledge of how to connect behavioral economics and environmental economics. • Students will learn about the essential procedures for laboratory and field experiments related to environmental economics, previous examples and also the results of them. • Students will be able to analyze and describe the related literature i.e., the environmental economics studies using behavioral perspective.
- [EBS010] Public Finance
  Course objectives: - Equipping students with knowledge of advanced theories and applied aspects of Public Finance, as one of the main pillars of macroeconomic policies and a fundamental instrument of the functioning of a national economy as a whole and as a subsystem of an economic system in the country. - Equipping students with applied knowledge about fiscal functions and the instruments for their realization. Based on applied knowledge to create knowledge for optimal design of public finances in different conditions and circumstances of economic cycles. Characteristics and specifics of public goods and expenses for their provision, theories of public choice, indifference and preferences, externalities, redistribution of social income, allocation and reallocation of income, social insurance and expenses for the same, Cost-Benefit analysis , the social income system, the tax system and their structure, the comparative aspects of public finances in developed and transition countries, the specifics of the RMV fiscal system, its trends and challenges, fiscal decentralization, etc. - Equipping students with the necessary professional applied knowledge regarding the selection of alternatives and their rational budgeting, both at the level of central and local public finances.
[10 ECTS] Elective course
- [EBS006] Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategies
  The course aims: • Advance doctoral students’ theoretical and methodological knowledge on climate risk assessment. • Explore frameworks for understanding vulnerability, resilience, and adaptive capacity. • Train students to critically evaluate adaptation strategies in different socio-economic and ecological contexts. • Encourage independent research and scientific contribution to climate risk and adaptation debates. • Integrate interdisciplinary perspectives on climate change, governance, and sustainable transitions.
- [EBS007] Environmental Policies and Governance
  Course objectives: • Providing students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of public finances, as one of the fundamental pillars of macroeconomic policies and as a key instrument for the functioning of a national economy, as an integrated whole and as a subsystem of the country's economic system. • Development of applied knowledge on fiscal functions and their instruments, with a special focus on their application in the environmental sector. Students will acquire skills to design policies and public finances in an optimal manner, depending on different economic conditions and cycles, with the aim of protecting and improving environment. • Ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses of projects related to the environment, evaluating them in terms of strategic priorities and indirect impacts on the environment. • Providing students with practical professional skills for selecting alternatives and rational budgeting of environmental projects, both at the level of central public finances and at that of local self-government.
- [EBS008] Sustainable Development and Environment
  Course objectives: • Provide students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable development. • Analyze the interdependence between environment, society, and economy. • Examine international environmental and climate policies and instruments. • Enable students to conduct independent research in sustainability.
- [EBS009] Behavioral Environmental Economics
  Behavioral Economics integrates insights from psychology into economic thinking. It attempts to increase the explanatory power of economic models by incorporating a better understanding of human behavior and its underlying factors. The knowledge provided within this course is important for researchers, future managers, analysts, and consultants and policy makers, because it is about understanding how actually people (customers, competitors, colleagues, and themselves) make decisions regarding the environmental economics, since the neoclassical economics fails to portray the behavior in a realist way. This course introduces the tools and perspective from a behavioral economics perspective and how to use them in environmental economics. By the end of this course, students should be able to: • Understand the experimental methods and procedures that the behavioral economics employ. • Students will have the knowledge of how to connect behavioral economics and environmental economics. • Students will learn about the essential procedures for laboratory and field experiments related to environmental economics, previous examples and also the results of them. • Students will be able to analyze and describe the related literature i.e., the environmental economics studies using behavioral perspective.
- [EBS010] Public Finance
  Course objectives: - Equipping students with knowledge of advanced theories and applied aspects of Public Finance, as one of the main pillars of macroeconomic policies and a fundamental instrument of the functioning of a national economy as a whole and as a subsystem of an economic system in the country. - Equipping students with applied knowledge about fiscal functions and the instruments for their realization. Based on applied knowledge to create knowledge for optimal design of public finances in different conditions and circumstances of economic cycles. Characteristics and specifics of public goods and expenses for their provision, theories of public choice, indifference and preferences, externalities, redistribution of social income, allocation and reallocation of income, social insurance and expenses for the same, Cost-Benefit analysis , the social income system, the tax system and their structure, the comparative aspects of public finances in developed and transition countries, the specifics of the RMV fiscal system, its trends and challenges, fiscal decentralization, etc. - Equipping students with the necessary professional applied knowledge regarding the selection of alternatives and their rational budgeting, both at the level of central and local public finances.

Semester 3

[C2654] [10 ECTS] Doctoral Project Proposal
This activity involves the preparation of an independent research project under supervision, which forms the basis of the doctoral dissertation. The student begins the process of developing the dissertation research plan by systematically elaborating its key components. The activities include identifying and reviewing relevant literature, defining the theoretical framework and research hypotheses, selecting and specifying the research methodology, and developing an individual research plan. The process is completed with a first public presentation of the research project.
[C2655] [20 ECTS] Doctoral seminar with a presentation of the report I
This doctoral seminar includes the presentation and discussion of research reports prepared by PhD students within the program. Students present the results of their research work, the methodology used, and the key findings, while receiving academic feedback from professors and peers. The activity aims to develop scientific communication skills, strengthen critical thinking, and improve the quality of research through academic discussion.

Semester 4

[C2656] [15 ECTS] Researching and organizing a workshop for research practice
This activity involves doctoral students actively engaging in the design, organization, and implementation of a research workshop within the program “Environmental Science, Climate Change Policy, and Sustainable Business Management.” Students will conduct focused research on selected topics in environmental science, climate policy, and sustainable business practices, and will translate their findings into structured workshop content. The activity aims to strengthen students’ practical research skills, enhance their ability to synthesize and communicate scientific knowledge, and foster collaboration through academic and professional exchange.
[C2657] [10 ECTS] Publications
Publications (publishing) of research activities according to the criteria of relevance of the publishing medium. The candidate’s publishing activities and achievements are evaluated before the scientific audience with regard to the field and relevance of the research.
[C2658] [5 ECTS] Student Mobility
During the fourth semester, students are required to complete a mobility period at a scientific or research-relevant institution abroad for at least one week. The purpose of this mobility is for doctoral candidates to present, exchange, and discuss their research with international colleagues to enhance the quality of their dissertation. Upon completion, the student must provide the mentor with official evidence issued by the host institution.

Semester 5

[C2659] [10 ECTS] Presentation of Research Results
At the end of the 5th semester, following the research activities carried out in accordance with the individual plan, the candidate will publicly present the overall results of this phase of the work and the research.
[C2660] [20 ECTS] Doctoral seminar with a presentation of the report II
This doctoral seminar includes the presentation and discussion of research reports prepared by PhD students within the program. Students present the results of their research work, the methodology used, and the key findings, while receiving academic feedback from professors and peers. The activity aims to develop scientific communication skills, strengthen critical thinking, and improve the quality of research through academic discussion.

Semester 6

[C2661] [30 ECTS] Doctoral Dissertation
The Doctoral Dissertation is an academic activity that involves conducting original scientific research in a specific field of study. This activity includes identifying a significant research problem, developing a research methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting the results in a systematic and scientific manner. The aim is for the student to demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and to generate new knowledge or new approaches within the respective field. The activity is designed to develop skills in critical and synthetic analysis, the use of advanced research methodologies, the scientific presentation of results, and adherence to the principles of academic integrity. Furthermore, the dissertation prepares the student for professional and academic contributions in their field, as well as for active participation in the international scientific community. Upon completion, the doctoral dissertation, prepared under mentorship, is submitted to the Teaching-Scientific Council of the relevant faculty. After being reviewed and approved by the Council, it is forwarded to the members of the examination committee, and the procedure for the public defense is initiated.