With a focus on the interconnectedness of social equity, the environment, the economy, and aesthetics, the customizable M.S. in Sustainability and Environment is designed for professionals pursuing sustainability in any field. The program is intended for students interested in sustainability-related careers in governmental and non-governmental organizations and the private sector, as well as professionals already working in sustainability or related fields. Additionally, the M.S. provides a launching pad for students seeking doctoral or advanced professional degrees. Students in the program develop skills in critical and systems thinking, problem-solving, communication, and navigating relevant research. Specifically, students are trained in identifying problems and potential solutions; analyzing quantitative data and scientific literature; developing research/business proposals; and effectively communicating through oral, written, and online multimedia formats.

The degree requires 36 credit hours, of which 18 are required core courses (all offered asynchronously online) and 18 are electives chosen in consultation with the advisor. Nine of the elective credits must be interdisciplinary and come from outside the Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability (GES). The other nine credits of electives must be from inside GES, including the required final project (either an internship, capstone, or thesis). The M.S. is designed so that it can be completed entirely online; electives may be taken either online or face-to-face. More information is available at https://ges.uncg.edu/msse/.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.

In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, applicants must submit:

• A resume/C.V.
• A personal statement summarizing student's background and interests.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Official undergraduate transcripts.

Applicants are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or appropriately evaluated credentials for non-U.S. schools. An undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.

GRE scores are optional.

For further information, consult the M.S. in Sustainability and Environment Prospective Student FAQ.

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 36 credit hours

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Courses (18 credits)
GES 662	Sustainability	3
GES 664	Environment	3
GES 682	Topics in Ethics and Aesthetics	3
GES 684	Topics in Development and Economics	3
GES 686	Topics in Equity and Society	3
GES 688	Topics in Environmental Sciences	3
Department Electives (9 credits)
Select three courses (9 credits) from GES graduate courses relevant to sustainability and environment 1, 3		9
Interdisciplinary Electives (9 credits)
Select three courses (9 credits) from graduate courses outside of GES relevant to sustainability and environment 2		9
Final Project
Select one of the following options: 3
Internship (3 credits)
GES 695	Internship
Capstone (3 credits)
GES 697	Capstone in Sustainability and Environment (course pending approval)
Thesis (6 credits)
GES 699	Thesis
Total Credit Hours		36

¹

As approved by advisor. May include repeats of one or more courses from the Core Courses requirement if the topic varies.

²

As approved by advisor. May include transfer credits.

³

A final project (internship, capstone, or thesis) as approved by the student's advisor is required and counts as credits towards the Department Electives. The final project satisfies the capstone experience or thesis requirements for master's degrees. Students electing the:

• Internship option must complete 3 credits in GES 695
• Capstone option must complete 3 credits in GES 697
• Thesis option must complete 6 credits in GES 699

Electives

The department and interdisciplinary electives will be customized with the student based on interests and professional needs in one of four focus areas:

• Natural Sciences (courses from e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography, etc.)
• Equity and Society (courses from e.g. policy, sociology, history, women’s and gender studies, African and African Diaspora Studies, geography, etc.)
• Development and Economics (courses from e.g. business, economics, sustainable tourism, etc.)
• Ethics and Aesthetics (courses from e.g. philosophy, literature, art, music, theater, dance, etc.)