MES Curriculum
The MES curriculum consists of three closely integrated components:
Required core programs are taught by faculty teams trained in the social, biological and physical sciences; electives provide opportunities for students to develop more specialized training in subjects related to environmental studies; and thesis work often takes the form of applied research.
Students must complete 72 credits.
They earn 32 credits by completing the sequence of four core programs. They earn the other 40 credits by combining 24 elective credits and 16 thesis credits. Because each core program builds upon prior programs, students are admitted to begin MES only in the fall quarter. All degree requirements must be completed within four years from the fall quarter during which the student was first admitted to the program unless granted an extension by the director.
Three thematic areas of study are available to students through elective courses.
The three areas are Energy and Climate Change, Sustainable Communities, and Ecology. We aim to offer an elective in each area of study every quarter. Students also have the option to select classes across themes. These areas do not constitute a desgnation at graduation but do provide students with specialized areas of knowledge.
The MES program is designed so working students can attend part-time or full-time.
Core and elective programs meet in the evening. Students who enroll part-time (eight hours per quarter) require a minimum of nine quarters to complete the MES degree. These students usually take the four-quarter core sequence before enrolling in electives or beginning the thesis project. Electives and thesis work are also available in the summer. Sample part-time schedule (PDF).
Students enrolled full-time (12 hours per quarter) can complete degree requirements in six quarters. These students take the core programs plus one elective for each of the six quarters. Sample full-time schedule (PDF).
Students not enrolled in MES may take MES electives as a special student. This is a good option for people who want to get a jump-start on their MES degree before applying. Admitted students may also take electives as a special student before they begin the program.
All admissions to the MES program are provisional through the first two quarters of core programs.
Students are recommended for candidacy, or full admission, upon satisfactory completion of all requirements of the first two core programs. Recommendations for candidacy are based on the faculty's judgment of the student's ability to complete the degree requirements successfully.