Rigorous training for social scientists and development professionals
The Ph.D. in Development Studies (previously known as Development Sociology) integrates diverse frameworks and methodologies with classical sociological theory to fuel investigation, analysis, and evaluation of social phenomenon. Our graduate students are at the frontlines of developing solutions to pressing issues — from agriculture and food systems to gender, economics and demographics — on the local and global scale.
Explore more about the Ph.D. in Development Studies
Upcoming information sessions
Interested in learning more about doing a PhD in Development Studies at Cornell? Please join one of our informal information sessions, led by the Director of Graduate Studies, to answer any question you might have about our interdisciplinary social science program.
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Research spotlight
Discover more about development studies research from our current Ph.D. students.
Indonesia
Climate Justice and Blue Carbon Issues
Tamar Law's research examines the climate justice dimensions of climate mitigation. As the recipient of the 2023 Ronny Adhikarya Niche Award (RANA) Prize, Tamar will examine blue carbon governance and low-carbon development in Indonesia.
“Climate management can exacerbate existing inequalities as countries in the Global South are increasingly forced to shoulder the burden of both climate shocks and responsibility for climate mitigation,” Tamar said. “With my research I hope to delineate mitigation pathways that promote climate justice and resilient climate futures for all.”
Malawi
Engaging Men in Gender Equality, Food Security & Sustainable Livelihoods
Emily Hillenbrand examines processes and implications of gender-transformative approaches and shifting masculinities in agriculture development programming. Her research is conducted in partnership with Soils, Food, and Healthy Communities (SFHC) in Malawi, a farmer-led non-profit organization that addresses the challenges of soil infertility, climate change, food insecurity, and gender inequality.
Indonesia
Social, political, and economic impediments to a green energy transition
Timothy Ravis explores how technological change affects the relationships between state, society, and nature, through the specific history and geography of Indonesia. Drawing on novel approaches in political ecology and geography, his research looks to analyze the social forces and structures which hinder the large-scale development of renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, in Indonesia. He is the inaugural recipient of the Cornell RANA Prize, which recognizes Global Development graduate students pursuing innovative thinking in their studies and careers.
Lebanon
The Adoption of Decentralized Renewable Energy Technologies
Camillo Stubenberg examines the rushed adoption of off-grid and renewable energy technologies after the interlocking political and financial crisis that led to a total breakdown of the Lebanon’s electricity sector. By shedding light on the ongoing dynamics in Lebanon, this research provides insights both for the design of renewable energy systems as well as policies aimed at fostering energy transitions across the globe.




Where are they now?
Learn more about our Ph.D. alumni and what they are currently working on.

Now a Ciriacy-Wantrup Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California Berkeley, Hilary recently earned the J. Warren Nystrom Award from the American Association of Geographers for her groundbreaking work on digital connections in rural Myanmar.

Holly Jean Buck is an assistant professor at the University of Buffalo and author of After Geoengineering and the forthcoming Ending Fossil Fuels: Why Net Zero Is Not Enough.

Fernando brings his expertise in environmental justice, the sociology of development, political ecology, critical agrarian studies, and indigenous and native nations as an assistant professor to the College of William and Mary.
Are you ready for a life-changing experience?
Contact Us

Professor
Department of Global Development
Director of Graduate Studies, Graduate Field of Development Studies
Department of Global Development
- (607) 255-3213
- rbeznerkerr [at] cornell.edu