Sustainability Studies (M.A./M.S.)
M.A./M.S. Sustainability Studies
Program Overview
With occupations changing to include environmentally conscious knowledge, "green" vocations are in higher demand. The need for environmental protection services is creating excellent job opportunities for those with advanced degrees. The graduate degrees in sustainability studies prepare committed leaders to address emerging sustainability issues.
Course Work
Students completing the program will have the technical skills to formulate and solve problems at the appropriate scale, as well as the breadth of vision to recognize the interconnectedness and complexity of human-environment systems. The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sustainability Studies is designed for students inclined toward the humanities, arts, communication, urban or regional planning or related fields. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Sustainability Studies is designed for students inclined toward social sciences, natural sciences, economics, policy, ethics or related fields. The program has a thesis and a non-thesis option and is tailored to accommodate both full-time and part-time graduate students.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S. | Hours 36–38 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.S. | Hours 36–38 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.A. | Hours 36–37 | Thesis Option Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Degree M.A. | Hours 36–37 | Thesis Option Non-Thesis | Minor Option No minor |
Program Details
This innovative program builds interdisciplinary knowledge to support a sustainable world. It enables students to successfully respond to the sustainability challenges facing society in the 21st century.
Program Mission
The mission of the sustainability studies program is to engage students on issues of sustainability with an emphasis upon interdisciplinary perspectives.
The program trains students to:
- apply critical thinking and methodological skills
- engage in an awareness of environmental and social ethics
- understand sustainability issues from scientific, social and policy perspectives
Graduates of the program can actively respond to the sustainability challenges facing Texas, the nation and the world by addressing issues of sustainability in government, education, nonprofit, research and industry settings.
Career Options
Students in the sustainability studies program will graduate with methodological, statistical and critical thinking skills, giving them a competitive edge in the emerging sustainability market. Students wishing to continue their studies will be prepared for admission to doctoral programs, while others will be ready to fill important positions in local, state or federal government, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations, consulting firms and other relevant industries.
Program Faculty
The current master's program includes more than 40 faculty from 11 departments and schools and five colleges who are scholars actively involved with the program. Faculty members include researchers engaged in projects spanning many sustainability-related fields, award-winning teachers and leaders in professional societies within their disciplines.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Chad Smith
clsmith@txstate.edu
512.245.8453
Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC), Room 470
Advisor Support
Sara "Emrys" Williams
sw1332@txstate.edu
512.245.2113
Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC), Room 449C
Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?
Application Deadlines
| Deadlines | U.S. Citizen | International |
|---|---|---|
Deadlines Fall - Priority | U.S. Citizen January 15 | International January 15 |
Deadlines Fall - Standard | U.S. Citizen June 15 (*Flexible) | International June 1 |
Deadlines Spring | U.S. Citizen October 15 (*Flexible) | International October 1 |
Deadlines Summer I | U.S. Citizen May 15 (*Flexible) | International March 15 |
Deadlines Summer II | U.S. Citizen May 15 (*Flexible) | International No Admission |
*This program’s deadline is flexible for those not requiring an F/J visa. A flexible deadline means applications received after the standard deadline may be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantees for admission consideration.
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a rolling basis. |
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
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Application
- completed online application
Review important information about the online application.
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
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Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
Effective Fall 2024
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
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Test Scores
GRE
- GRE not required
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
Review important information about official test scores.
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Documents
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose (approximately two pages, double-spaced with your full name and contact information) regarding your interest in pursuing the M.A. or M.S. degree and describing your personal and career goals. Include your academic interests and the relationship of this graduate degree to your life/personal goals. Also, discuss why you are interested in the particular graduate program and explain your career goals after earning the degree. The Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the following:
- Do you demonstrate a familiarity with the field?
- Does your statement indicate your strengths (background, experience, training, and education)?
- Do you indicate why our program will hone your skills?
- Does the statement show excellence or promise in writing skills?
- three letters of recommendation from professionals competent to assess your interest in pursuing a career in this field of study. Two of the three letters must be from someone who can assess your academic accomplishments and/or potential in the program.
Review important information about documents.