Master of Arts

Complete a minimum of 22 elective units.

All MA students are required to complete a minimum of 5 units of Earth Systems foundational coursework prior to their MA program completion. They may choose from the list of pre-approved courses below. These courses may count towards the required 45 units of the MA, as electives, or may remain in their undergraduate career.

In consultation with the MA director, each student should select a blend of communication-focused courses and courses in environmental science, policy, justice, art, humanities, or other fields. These courses should support the individual student’s goals for the master’s degree.

They must add up to a minimum of 22 units and be approved by the MA director. Environmental Communication students take courses in a wide range of disciplines, including courses offered by Earth Systems (EARTHSYS), the Department of Communication (COMM), the Graduate School of Education (EDUC), the Sustainability Science and Practice Program (SUST), courses in Art Practice (ARTSTUDI), Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS), Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity (CSRE) and many others.

Elective courses can be selected from virtually any Stanford department or program, pending permission to enroll from the sponsoring department or program and a strong case for including the course in an individual student’s cohesive degree plan.

The Earth Systems MA allows up to 9 units of independent study, 3 of which are fulfilled by the required capstone course, Earthsys 294.

All MA students are required to complete a minimum of 5 units of Earth Systems foundational coursework prior to their MA program completion. They may choose from the list of pre-approved courses below. These courses may count towards the required 45 units of the MA, as electives, or may remain in their undergraduate career.