Yes, please schedule an admission appointment to talk with the MSUS Program Coordinator. The link to schedule an appointment can be found on the School of Sustainability graduate booking page. Under select service, choose ‘Admission: MSUS and MSUS 4+1’ to their availability. In the additional information section, you can choose a phone or online (Zoom) appointment.

MSUS students complete a team-based capstone project and MA/MS students complete a research-based thesis. MSUS students collaborate with organizations outside the university, from corporations to nonprofits to city government, to complete and present an original project. The capstone showcases the student’s applied knowledge in sustainability. See the bottom of the Curriculum Overview page for links to example projects. Courses are focused on applying sustainability solutions and project management. The MA and MS programs are focused on research and the core courses help students prepare to do independent research.

The MSUS is only offered on the Tempe campus. There is not an online or hybrid option. However, some electives may be taken as iCourses (online courses for on-campus students). Restrictions apply to international students on an F1 or J1 visa.

Most students complete the program in 2 years, presuming they attend full time (9 credits / 3 classes). Students pursuing a concurrent degree typically finish in 3 years. 

Yes, the MSUS is a STEM program. This means international students can complete 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing the program.

The School of Sustainability only admits students to the MSUS program in fall. This allows all new students to start at the same time. Most students then take the same core courses together.

Clearly articulate your interests and career goals in sustainability. Be sure to answer all questions of the personal statement prompt. Choose recommenders that can speak to your capability for graduate work and your ability to work with others in a group setting.  It’s advised that applicants have at least one academic reference. Be sure to give your recommender everything they need to write you a good letter (i.e., resume, statement of intent, transcript, and remind professors what class you were in and the semester you took it).

Yes, you can complete a certificate while working on a master’s degree. You can share credits between the master’s and the certificate for the time you are enrolled concurrently. If the certificate has a culminating experience (ex. a capstone, applied project), then this cannot be shared with the master’s program.

There are many scenarios in which students complete a master’s degree and a certificate at the same time. Please contact an advisor if you have specific questions.

In some cases, completing a certificate can add to the time needed to complete the master’s and the certificate.

Yes. Most are working at least part-time. Some students choose to work full-time and attend graduate school part-time. 

MSUS students are not typically awarded TA or RA from the School of Sustainability upon admission. There is no application for incoming students. See the Funding Your Education page for more information.

 See the Funding Your Education page for more information.

The School of Sustainability offers graduate scholarships and grants and the university has other funding opportunities.

There is one scholarship offered to incoming MSUS students, which is the Darnall Sustainability Scholarship. The application is March 1, the same deadline as the MSUS application.  More information on College of Global Futures scholarships can be found on the CGF Financial Support page.

Many Sustainability students are successful in obtaining employment at ASU, including staff positions, GSA (grading positions without tuition remission or benefits), and student worker positions. In the past, MSUS students have found jobs that also provide valuable experience in sustainability. For example, we’ve had students work for ASU’s Walton Sustainability Solutions and ASU’s University Sustainability Practices, Sustainable Cities Network and  Greenlight Solutions Foundation. Positions are advertised as they become available on ASU's job boards, under staff opportunities. The Graduate Support Staff regularly send newsletters with updates about potential job opportunities that are specific to Sustainability students. 

 ASU employees who work at least 20 hrs per week are benefits-eligible, one benefit is the tuition reduction program (read the details carefully).

Specific requirements for the MSUS Application can be found on our School of Sustainability admissions page. The deadline for complete applications is March 1st (applications may be accepted after the deadline as space permits).

International students should consult the International Graduate Admissions site for more information on this and other requirements.

No. The School of Sustainability does not offer fee waivers for MSUS applicants.

You can manage recommenders through your My ASU page once a week. This includes changing recommenders or updating contact information. You will receive directions for accessing My ASU via email once you apply.

No; the Admission Office does not accept transcripts sent by email by students. More

information on sending transcripts can be found on the ASU Admissions website.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are notified of their admission typically within a few weeks of an application moving into Committee Review (i.e., the application is complete, all transcripts and recommendations have been received).

Yes; if you are admitted, you will need to submit an official copy of your transcripts to the Admissions Office (not the School of Sustainability). Please visit this page for details on submitting official transcripts: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/transcripts.

Check out the Curriculum Overview page for details on what classes to enroll in. Also, be sure to notify the School of Sustainability that you plan to enroll by emailing SustainabilityGrad@asu.edu. You'll be directed to a New Student Site with next steps and information about registration and orientation.

Yes, you can defer your admission to the next fall semester. To do so, send an email to SustainabilityGrad@asu.edu. The graduate advising team will send instructions on how to request a deferral.