MA & MS

Before reading items below, please first review the Curriculum page of this site first so that you understand how to use the check sheet, Master List of Classes, how to submit a course petition, and where to find these materials in the future.

Courses to Take in First Year

In your first year, you'll need to register for the following classes:

You may also take an elective in fall semester if you choose. In spring, you'll have space for 2 or 3 electives.

In future semesters, you'll have more choice in terms of enrollment. This semester is planned to give you a good starting point and let you bond with your cohort.

Planning Ahead


Your Graduate Support Coordinator will hold a cohort meeting  in mid-fall for new students. In the meeting, we will cover coursework, milestones, procedures, plan of study (iPOS), and Q&A. It's more in-depth and program-specific than what is able to be conveyed at Fall Welcome (the graduate orientation).  

If you want to talk through your program of study so you can plan ahead, please contact your grad coordinator (Lee Vandendriessche) by emailing SOSGradAdvising@asu.edu or by scheduling an appointment.



Curriculum Summary

Program Milestones

Culminating Experiences

MA and MS students finish their program of study with research writing, but have the opportunity to complete either a thesis or a publishable scientific paper. Both works are published by the School of Sustainability and ASU in our online repositories. Many students publish part or all of their written work in trade publications as well. 

Each culminating experience requires an oral defense that is advertised online and open to the public.