Earth Systems

Courses offered by the Earth Systems Program are listed under the subject code EARTHSYS on the Stanford Bulletin's ExploreCourses web site.

Mission of the Undergraduate Program in Earth Systems

The Earth Systems Program is an interdisciplinary environmental science major. Students learn about and independently investigate complex environmental problems caused by human activities in conjunction with natural changes in the Earth system. Earth Systems majors become skilled in those areas of science, economics, and policy needed to tackle the world's most pressing social-environmental problems, becoming part of a generation of scientists, professionals, and citizens who approach and solve problems in a systematic, interdisciplinary way.

For students to be effective contributors to solutions for such problems, their training and understanding must be both broad and deep. To this end, Earth Systems students take fundamental courses in ecology, calculus, chemistry, geology, and physics, as well as economics, policy, and statistics. After completing breadth training, they concentrate on advanced work in one of six focus areas: biology, energy, environmental economics and policy, land systems, sustainable food and agriculture, or oceanography and climate. Tracks are designed to support focus and rigor but include flexibility for specialization. Examples of specialized foci have included but are not limited to environment and human health, sustainable agriculture, energy economics, sustainable development, business and the environment, and marine policy. Along with formal course requirements, Earth Systems students complete a 1-unit (270-hour) internship. The internship provides a hands-on academic experience working on a supervised field, laboratory, government, or private sector project.

The Earth Systems Program provides an advising network that includes faculty, staff, and student peer advisers. 

The following is an outline of the sequential topics covered and skills developed in this major.

1. Fundamentals: The Earth Systems Program includes courses that describe the natural functioning of the physical and biological components of the Earth and human activities that interact with these components. Training in fundamentals includes introductory course work in geology, biology, chemistry, physics, and economics. Additional training in course work in single and multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and statistics provides students with skills needed for quantifying environmental problems. Training in statistics is specific to the area of focus: geostatistics, biostatistics, econometrics.
2. System Interactions: Focus in these courses is on the fundamental interactions among the physical, biological, and human components of the Earth system. Understanding the dynamics between natural variation in and human-imposed influences on the Earth system informs the development of effective solutions to social-environmental challenges.
   1. Earth Systems courses that introduce students to the dynamic and multiple interactions that characterize social-environmental challenges include:

      Course List

      		Units
      EARTHSYS 10	Introduction to Earth Systems	4
      EARTHSYS 111	Biology and Global Change	4
      EARTHSYS 112	Human Society and Environmental Change	4

   2. Competence in understanding system-level interactions is critical to development as an Earth Systems thinker, so additional classes that meet this objective are excellent choices as electives.
3. Track-Specific Requirements: After completing a core designed to introduce students to different functional components of the Earth system, undergraduate students focus their studies through one of six tracks: Human Environmental Systems (formerly Anthrosphere); Biosphere; Energy, Science and Technology; Oceans and Climate (formerly Oceans); Land Systems; or Sustainable Food and Agriculture.
4. Skills Development: Students take skills courses that help them to recognize, quantify, describe, communicate, and help solve complex problems that face society. For example, field and laboratory methods can help students to recognize the scope and nature of environmental change. Training in satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems allows students to monitor and analyze large-scale spatial patterns of change. This training is either required or recommended for all tracks.
5. Communication: Success in building workable solutions to environmental problems is linked to the ability to effectively communicate ideas, data, and results. Writing intensive courses (WIM) help students to communicate complex concepts to expert and non-expert audiences. Other Earth Systems courses also focus on effective written and oral communication and are recommended. All Stanford students must complete one WIM course in their major. Earth Systems students can fulfill the WIM requirement by successfully completing one of the following courses:

   Course List

   		Units
   EARTHSYS 191	Concepts in Environmental Communication	3
   EARTHSYS 177C	Specialized Writing and Reporting: Health and Science Journalism	4-5
   EARTHSYS 149	Wild Writing	3
   BIOHOPK 47	Introduction to Research in Ecology and Ecological Physiology	5

6. Finding solutions: Effective solutions to environmental problems take into consideration natural processes as well as human needs. Earth Systems emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary analysis and implementation of workable solutions through:

   Course List

   		Units
   EARTHSYS 210A	Senior Capstone and Reflection	3
   or EARTHSYS 210B	Senior Capstone and Reflection
   EARTHSYS 210P	Earth Systems Capstone Project (or Honors Thesis)	2
   EARTHSYS 260	Internship	1

A comprehensive list of environmental courses is available on the "Related Courses" tab. This list as well as advice on courses that focus on problem solving are available in the program office.

Learning Outcomes (Undergraduate)

The program expects majors to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes serve as benchmarks for evaluating students and the program's undergraduate degree. Students are expected to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of foundational skills and concepts in order to advance the interdisciplinary study of the environment.
2. demonstrate the ability to analyze, integrate and apply relevant science and policy perspectives to social-environmental problems. 
3. demonstrate the ability to communicate complex concepts and data relevant to social-environmental problems and questions to expert and non-expert audiences.

Learning Outcomes (Graduate)

The coterminal master's degree in Earth Systems provides the student with enhanced analytical tools to evaluate the disciplines most closely associated with the student's focus area. Specialization is gained through course work and independent research work supervised by the master's faculty adviser.

Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems

The B.S. in Earth Systems (EARTHSYS) requires the completion of courses divided into three categories:

1. Core
2. Foundation and Breadth
3. Track-specific Requirements.

The student must fulfill the internship requirement, participate in the Senior Capstone and Reflection course (EARTHSYS 210A or EARTHSYS 210B), complete the Earth Systems Capstone Project (EARTHSYS 210P)/(or Honors Thesis), and complete the Writing in the Major (WIM) requirement.

Core courses, track courses, and electives must be taken for a letter grade. The WIM course may not also count towards the track or electives, if counted as a WIM.

Required Core Courses

Tracks

See each track's tab for the required Foundation and Breadth and Track-Specific Courses. All Earth Systems majors must select a track from one of the following: 

Biosphere Track

Explores biological systems and how human activities affect biological, ecological, and biogeochemical cycles. Coursework investigates ecosystems and society, conservation biology, ecology, and biogeochemistry.

Energy, Science and Technology

Investigates renewable and depletable energy resources, technology options for improved efficiency, and policy solutions to energy challenges.

Environmental Geoscience

Understand and articulate the ways in which Earth’s interior and surface operate, and how these systems are connected to one another and inextricably bound to the evolution of life and current human activities. Apply understanding of earth and human systems to develop workable, scientifically based, human-centered solutions to building resilience to natural hazards, and our planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Human Environmental Systems

Focuses on human interaction with and impact on the environment. Coursework in environmental policy and economics, sustainable development, natural and human-driven change, and social entrepreneurship.

Land Systems

Examines terrestrial ecology, land use, and land change driven by human activities and addressed by governmental policy. Students develop expertise in a focus area of land, water, or urban planning.

Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate

Builds understanding of ocean systems through a focus on ocean physics, marine biology and chemistry, and remote sensing. A required and seminal track experience is a quarter away at Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford in Australia, or Stanford@SEA.

Sustainable Food and Agriculture Track

Focuses on local and global food and agricultural systems. Students gain a breadth of knowledge on these issues through study in food and society, climate and agriculture, the science of soils, world food economy, and principles and practices of sustainable agriculture. 

Honors Program

The Earth Systems honors program provides students with an opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research. It consists of a year-long research project that is mentored by one or more Earth Systems-affiliated faculty members, and culminates in a written thesis.

To qualify for the honors program, students must have and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.4. Potential honors students should complete the EARTHSYS 111 Biology and Global Change and EARTHSYS 112 Human Society and Environmental Change sequence by the end of the junior year. Qualified students can apply in Spring Quarter of the junior year, or the fourth quarter before graduation (check with program for specific application deadlines) by submitting a detailed research proposal and a brief statement of support from a faculty research advisor. Students who elect to do an honors thesis should begin planning no later than Winter Quarter of the junior year.

A maximum of 9 units is awarded for thesis research through EARTHSYS 199 Honors Program in Earth Systems. Those 9 units may not substitute for any other required parts of the Earth Systems curriculum. All theses are evaluated for acceptance by the thesis faculty advisor, one additional faculty member (who is the second reader), and the Director of Earth Systems. Both the advisor and second reader must be members of the Academic Council. Acceptance into the Honors program is not a guarantee of graduating with the honors designation. 

Honors students are required to present their research publicly, preferably through the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences' Annual Thesis Symposium which highlights undergraduate and graduate research in the school. Faculty advisors are encouraged to sponsor presentation of student research results at professional society meetings.

More extensive work in mathematics and physics may be valuable for those planning graduate study. Graduate study in ecology and evolutionary biology and in economics requires familiarity with differential equations, linear algebra, and stochastic processes. Graduate study in geology, oceanography, and geophysics may require more physics and chemistry. Students should consult their advisor for recommendations beyond the requirements specified above.

Biosphere

Learning Objectives:

1. Articulate the interplay of ecology, evolution, and biogeochemistry and understand their connections to the functioning of ecosystems on multiple spatial and temporal scales.
2. Recognize how human activity alters ecological processes, and how ecological changes can interact with human societies at multiple scales.
3. Apply knowledge of natural sciences and human-mediated environmental change to conservation challenges, while considering implications for environmental justice.  

Requirements

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" tab in addition to the required courses listed below.

Energy, Science, and Technology

Learning Objectives:

1. Apply fundamental engineering principles to assess how transformation of systems of energy production, distribution, and consumption can contribute to achieving greater energy sustainability.
2. Use fundamental engineering principles—together with knowledge of economics, human behavior, energy infrastructure, and earth systems science—to assess and critique policy- and market-based solutions proposed to achieve greater energy sustainability.
3. Apply written, visual, and oral presentation skills to communicate scientific, technological, and policy knowledge to expert and non-expert audiences.

Requirements

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" tab in addition to the required courses listed below. 

Environmental Geoscience

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand and articulate the ways in which Earth’s interior and surface operate, and how these systems are connected to one another and inextricably bound to the evolution of life and current human activities.
2. Understand and view the current state of, and expected changes within, the earth system in the context of past changes experienced by our planet.
3. Apply understanding of earth and human systems to develop workable, scientifically based, human-centered solutions to building resilience to natural hazards, and our planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Requirements

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" tab in addition to the required courses listed below.

Human Environmental Systems

Learning Objectives:

1. Apply knowledge of fundamental physical and biological Earth system processes to analyze how human decisions shape environmental outcomes.
2. Apply fundamental principles and frameworks from the social sciences to analyze and understand (a) how humans make environmentally relevant decisions, and (b) how environmental changes shape human outcomes.

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" Tab in addition to the required courses listed below. 

Land Systems

Learning Objectives:

1. Design strategies for using multi-source and multi-scale observations of land surface processes that integrate field, geospatial, and human survey data to describe biophysical and socio-economic impacts of land systems changes.
2. Integrate biophysical and socioeconomic data related to land use and land cover change using geospatial tools to analyze and model complex, multi-scalar human-environmental interactions that determine land use dynamics.
3. Determine remedies to address negative impacts of land changes on human-environmental systems using land-use management tools and interventions.

Requirements

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" tab in addition to the required courses listed below.

Oceans, Atmosphere, and Climate

Learning Objectives:

1. Apply fundamental physical, chemical, and biological principles toward understanding the behavior of the oceans, atmosphere, and climate and the interrelationships of these systems with human society.
2. Apply fundamental principles of ocean, atmospheric, and climate science through field, laboratory, and computer-based research experiences.

Requirements

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" tab in addition to the required courses listed below.

Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the main biophysical and socioeconomic constraints in food systems at global and local scales.
2. Apply knowledge of agricultural soils and plant growth to solve problems related to crop production, soil conservation, and natural resource management.
3. Identify the links between food systems and other aspects of the Earth system, including water, energy, and climate systems.
4. Assess and critique proposed policy or technological solutions that claim to make food systems more sustainable.

Requirements

All students must complete the Required Core Courses listed under the "Bachelor's" tab in addition to the required courses listed below.

Minor in Earth Systems, Sustainability Subplan

The minor in Earth Systems, Sustainability subplan, provides students with foundational knowledge, skills, and frameworks needed to understand social-environmental systems and address intergenerational sustainability challenges. Students declaring the minor in Earth Systems must also declare the Sustainability subplan. 

To minor in Earth Systems, students must take the core courses listed below and approved electives for a minimum of 35 units. Courses that count toward the fulfillment of major requirements may not be counted toward the minor, and all courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Students declaring a minor in Earth Systems must do so no later than two quarters prior to their intended quarter of degree conferral; for example, a student must declare a minor before the end of Autumn Quarter to graduate the following Spring Quarter. The Sustainability subplan must also be declared in Axess when declaring the minor. In addition, students pursuing the minor must complete the Multiple Major/Minor Form and have it reviewed by all applicable departments/programs. This form must be submitted to the Student Services Center by the application to graduate deadline for the term in which the student intends to graduate.

Required Course Work

Core

Electives

Students must take a minimum of 19 units of electives at the 100-level or above that address dimensions of environmental systems and social-environmental systems in theory or practice, with at least one course taken in each of the following four categories: Earth Systems Science/Engineering; Environmental Justice; Applied Problem Solving; and Skills. Students may double-count courses in these categories (i.e., if a course fulfills both the Environmental Justice and Applied Problem Solving requirements, it can be applied to both categories). 

To declare, please complete the Earth Systems Minor Course Plan Proposal found under the Minor Forms section here: https://earth.stanford.edu/esys/resources/program-forms-guides. A list of approved electives is also available on the Earth Systems website (https://earth.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Minor%20in%20Earth%20Systems%202018%20Track%20Sheet.pdf) and in the Earth Systems Program office (Y2E2 131). Students may petition to count one relevant freshman or sophomore seminar toward the minor. Please submit your completed Minor Course Plan Proposal to Deana Fabbro-Johnston (Deana@stanford.edu) for an approval signature and acceptance into the Earth Systems Minor Program. 

Coterminal Master's Degrees in Earth Systems

The Earth Systems Program offers current Stanford University undergraduates the opportunity to apply to a one-year coterminal master's program. Earth Systems offers a coterminal Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Earth Systems and a coterminal Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Earth Systems, Environmental Communication; the Environmental Communication subplan prints on both the transcript and the diploma.

Application and Admission

The Earth Systems Program has quarterly coterminal degree application deadlines: October 27, 2020; February 16, 2021; and May 11, 2021. Seniors must apply by Winter Quarter deadline. To apply, students should submit an online application. The application includes the following:

• The Stanford coterminal application
• A statement of purpose
• A resume
• A current Stanford unofficial transcript
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the master's advisor (who must be an Academic Council member; each coterminal M.A. student has two advisors: Thomas Hayden and another approved faculty advisor who is an Academic Council member). These letters are due by the coterm application deadline for the given quarter. 
• Master's Program Proposal: A list of courses that fulfill degree requirements signed by the master's advisor

Note:

1. Applications must be submitted no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the B.S. degree (and within quarterly application deadlines). An application fee is assessed by the Registrar's Office for coterminal applications, once students are matriculated into the program.
2. Students applying to the coterminal master's program must have completed a minimum of 120 units toward graduation with a minimum overall Stanford GPA of 3.4.
3. All applicants must devise a program of study that shows a level of specialization appropriate to the master's level, as determined in consultation with the master's advisor and the Director of Earth Systems. (See also following sections, Master of Science and Master of Arts in Earth Systems Degree Requirements).
4. Students applying from an undergraduate major other than Earth Systems should review their undergraduate course list with Deana Fabbro-Johnston, Richard Nevle, or Thomas Hayden (M.A. only).
5. Students have the option of receiving the B.S. degree after completing that degree's requirements or receiving the B.S. and M.A./M.S. degrees concurrently at the completion of the master's program.
6.  If you would like to change from the M.S. to the M.A. in Earth Systems, or from the M.A. to the M.S. in Earth Systems, you must submit a new application. If accepted, the student must submit a Graduate Authorization Petition through Axess; a $125 fee applies to a successful Graduate Authorization Petition.

University Coterminal Requirements

Coterminal master’s degree candidates are expected to complete all master’s degree requirements as described in this bulletin. University requirements for the coterminal master’s degree are described in the “Coterminal Master’s Program” section. University requirements for the master’s degree are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

After accepting admission to this coterminal master’s degree program, students may request transfer of courses from the undergraduate to the graduate career to satisfy requirements for the master’s degree. Transfer of courses to the graduate career requires review and approval of both the undergraduate and graduate programs on a case by case basis.

In this master’s program, courses taken during or after the first quarter of the sophomore year are eligible for consideration for transfer to the graduate career; the timing of the first graduate quarter is not a factor. No courses taken prior to the first quarter of the sophomore year may be used to meet master’s degree requirements.

Course transfers are not possible after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

The University requires that the graduate advisor be assigned in the student’s first graduate quarter even though the undergraduate career may still be open. The University also requires that the Master’s Degree Program Proposal be completed by the student and approved by the department by the end of the student’s first graduate quarter.

Coterminal Master of Arts Program

Admission

Applications in 2020-21 are due:

• October 27, 2020 to apply for Winter 2020 matriculation.
• February 16, 2021 to apply for Spring 2021 matriculation.
• May 11, 2021 to apply for Autumn 2020-21 matriculation.
• Coterminal application
• A statement of purpose
• A resume
• A current Stanford unofficial transcript
• Two letters of recommendation, one from the M.A. Director (Thomas Hayden) and another approved faculty advisor who is an Academic Council member.
• Master's Program Proposal (M.A.): A list of courses that fulfill degree requirements signed by both the M.A. director (Thomas Hayden) and the proposed faculty co-advisor. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the undergraduate degree. The specific application deadline for each quarter is listed above, or can be obtained from the Earth Systems Program office. An application fee is assessed by the Registrar's Office for coterminal applications once students are matriculated into the program.

• Students applying to the coterminal master's program must have completed a minimum of 120 units toward graduation with a minimum overall Stanford GPA of 3.4.
• All applicants must devise a program of study that shows a level of specialization appropriate to the master's level, as determined in consultation with the M.A. director and the Director of Earth Systems.
• Students applying from an undergraduate major other than Earth Systems should also review their undergraduate course list with the M.A. director.  a
• Coterminal master’s students have the option of receiving their undergraduate degree after completing that degree's requirements or receiving their undergraduate and M.A. degrees concurrently at the completion of the master's program.
• Students must submit a new application to change from the M.S. to the M.A., or from the M.A. to the M.S. in Earth Systems. If accepted, the student must submit a Graduate Authorization Petition through Axess; a $125 fee applies to a successful Graduate Authorization Petition.
• Applicants will be notified of the admission decision in writing, typically 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.
• A $125 application fee will be assessed by the Registrar’s office for those accepted and matriculated into the program. To apply, students should submit an online application.

Students interested in applying to the Earth Systems Master of Arts, Environmental Communication should contact the M.A. director, Thomas Hayden (thayden@stanford.edu).

Students may apply to the Earth Systems Master of Arts, Environmental Communication degree from any undergraduate major. However, all admitted students are also required to complete the Earth Systems Core, i.e., EARTHSYS 10 Introduction to Earth Systems, EARTHSYS 111 Biology and Global Change, and EARTHSYS 112 Human Society and Environmental Change. These courses may be taken concurrently with the M.A. degree but may not be counted toward the 45 units required for the M.A. degree. In consultation with the M.A. Director, these courses may be actively audited rather than taken for credit. Rarely, additional prerequisites or foundational courses may be required depending on the academic background and intended focus of each student, to be determined in consultation with the M.A. director, faculty co-advisor, and the Director of Earth Systems

Learning Outcomes (Graduate)

The coterminal master's degree in Earth Systems, Environmental Communication provides the student with enhanced theoretical frameworks, analytical tools, and applied skills in various domains of environmental communication. Specialization is gained through courses, independent project work, and a professional practicum placement, supervised by the Earth Systems M.A. director and the faculty co-advisor

University Coterminal Requirements

Coterminal master’s degree candidates are expected to complete all master’s degree requirements as described in this bulletin. University requirements for the coterminal master’s degree are described in the “Coterminal Master’s Program” section. University requirements for the master’s degree are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

After accepting admission to this coterminal master’s degree program, students may request transfer of courses from the undergraduate to the graduate career to satisfy requirements for the master’s degree. Transfer of courses to the graduate career requires review and approval of both the undergraduate and graduate programs on a case by case basis.

In this master’s program, courses taken during or after the first quarter of the sophomore year are eligible for consideration for transfer to the graduate career; the timing of the first graduate quarter is not a factor. No courses taken prior to the first quarter of the sophomore year may be used to meet master’s degree requirements.

Course transfers are not possible after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

The University requires that the graduate advisor be assigned in the student’s first graduate quarter even though the undergraduate career may still be open. The University also requires that the Master’s Degree Program Proposal be completed by the student and approved by the department by the end of the student’s first graduate quarter.

Degree Requirements

These degree requirements are the same for both the Master of Arts degree and the Master of Science degree in Earth Systems, and must be fulfilled to receive an M.A. degree in Earth Systems:

• A minimum of 45 units of course work and/or research credit (upon approval).
• At least 34 units of the student's course work for the M.A./M.S. must be at the 200-level or above.
• All remaining course work must be at the 100-level or above, with the exception of ENGLISH 91 and ENGLISH 191.
• All courses for the M.A. degree must be taken for a letter grade when that option exists; courses not taken for a letter grade must be approved by the M.A. Director and Director of Earth Systems.
• Transfer courses from other institutions are not permitted to count towards the master’s degree.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.4 must be maintained.
• All Earth Systems coterminal master's students are required to take the Master’s Seminar, EARTHSYS 290 Master's Seminar. All Earth Systems M.A. students are required to take EARTHSYS 295 Environmental Communication Seminar.

This Earth Systems Master of Arts degree provides an overview of the theory, techniques, and challenges of communicating about environmental science, policy, and ethics with diverse audiences. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a range of communication modalities including writing and journalism, multimedia production, policy and strategic communications, and environmental and informal education.

The degree program is built on a set of seven required core courses, which include a weekly seminar, a practicum placement, and an independent capstone project. These Core requirements are enhanced with individual selections from a range of Focus and Elective courses chosen either to emphasize a particular topic or modality or to provide greater breadth and diversity of study topics within environmental communication. 

Each student in the Earth Systems Master of Arts, Environmental Communication, program has two academic advisors: the Director of the M.A. program and a faculty co-advisor. The faculty co-advisor is an Academic Council member selected by the student in consultation with the M.A. director.

Earth Systems M.A. students complete a minimum of 45 units for the degree, including 22 units of required core courses, a minimum of 10 units of approved focus courses, and up to 13 units of elective courses, to be selected in close consultation with the M.A. director and the faculty co-advisor. At least 34 units of the student’s coursework must be at the 200-level or above. Students may include up to 9 units total of directed research or independent study, including the required EARTHSYS 294 Environmental Communication Capstone units.

Core Courses

Core courses are intended to give students a solid foundation in environmental communication theory and practice and exposure to the broad range of research and the variety of disciplines, approaches, genres, and expressions in environmental communication.

Environmental Communication Core Courses

Focus Courses

Focus courses are communication-specific courses that contribute to students’ intended focus for the M.A. degree. Each student should select 10 units or more of focus courses. The following list includes pre-approved focus courses across a number of disciplines. Many other courses will also qualify as Focus courses, depending on the individual student’s goals and with the approval of the M.A. director. These include many courses offered by the Graduate School of Education (EDUC), the Department of Communication (COMM), and the Sustainability Science and Practice Program (SUST).

Environmental Communication Focus Courses

Elective Courses

Some Earth Systems M.A. students build a course plan exclusively out of core and focus courses. However, environmental communication is a broad and inherently interdisciplinary field and students come to the M.A. with a wide diversity of backgrounds and goals. Students may select other courses from across campus to fill out their 45-unit degree requirement. These elective courses may be chosen to deepen knowledge about specific environmental topics, for example environmental science, policy, ethics, or history courses; to increase breadth or specialization in areas of communication practice or theory; or to add diversity to the student’s overall graduate experience.

Some examples of potential elective courses include the English Department’s Creative Nonfiction series (ENGLISH 91 and ENGLISH 191 Intermediate Creative Nonfiction), courses in Art Practice (ARTSTUDI) or Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS), courses associated with the Stanford Storytelling Project and the d.school, and a wide variety of the courses offered by Earth Systems (EARTHSYS), the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (ENVRES), Earth System Science (ESS), Stanford Earth (EARTH), Human Biology (HUMBIO), and other associated departments and programs.

Elective courses can be selected from virtually any Stanford department or program, pending permission to enroll and a strong case for including the course in an individual student’s cohesive degree plan. All electives must be approved by the M.A. director.

Coterminal Master of Science in Earth Systems

Admission

Applications in 2020-21 are due:

• October 27, 2020 to apply for Winter 2020 matriculation.
• February 16, 2021 to apply for Spring 2021 matriculation.
• May 11, 2021 to apply for Autumn 2020-21 matriculation.
• Coterminal application
• A statement of purpose
• A resume
• A current Stanford unofficial transcript

Applications must be submitted no later than the quarter prior to the expected completion of the undergraduate degree. The specific application deadline for each quarter is listed above, or can be obtained from the Earth Systems Program office. An application fee is assessed by the Registrar's Office for coterminal applications once students are matriculated into the program.

• Students applying to the coterminal master's program must have completed a minimum of 120 units toward graduation with a minimum overall Stanford GPA of 3.4.
• All applicants must devise a program of study that shows a level of specialization appropriate to the master's level, as determined in consultation with the M.A. director and the Director of Earth Systems.
• Students applying from an undergraduate major other than Earth Systems should also review their undergraduate course list with the M.A. director.  a
• Coterminal master’s students have the option of receiving their undergraduate degree after completing that degree's requirements or receiving their undergraduate and M.A. degrees concurrently at the completion of the master's program.
• Students must submit a new application to change from the M.S. to the M.A., or from the M.A. to the M.S. in Earth Systems. If accepted, the student must submit a Graduate Authorization Petition through Axess; a $125 fee applies to a successful Graduate Authorization Petition.
• Applicants will be notified of the admission decision in writing, typically 3-4 weeks after the application deadline.
• A $125 application fee will be assessed by the Registrar’s office for those accepted and matriculated into the program. To apply, students should submit an online application.

University Coterminal Requirements

Coterminal master’s degree candidates are expected to complete all master’s degree requirements as described in this bulletin. University requirements for the coterminal master’s degree are described in the “Coterminal Master’s Program” section. University requirements for the master’s degree are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

After accepting admission to this coterminal master’s degree program, students may request transfer of courses from the undergraduate to the graduate career to satisfy requirements for the master’s degree. Transfer of courses to the graduate career requires review and approval of both the undergraduate and graduate programs on a case by case basis.

In this master’s program, courses taken during or after the first quarter of the sophomore year are eligible for consideration for transfer to the graduate career; the timing of the first graduate quarter is not a factor. No courses taken prior to the first quarter of the sophomore year may be used to meet master’s degree requirements.

Course transfers are not possible after the bachelor’s degree has been conferred.

The University requires that the graduate advisor be assigned in the student’s first graduate quarter even though the undergraduate career may still be open. The University also requires that the Master’s Degree Program Proposal be completed by the student and approved by the department by the end of the student’s first graduate quarter.

Undergraduate Preparation for the Program

For the Master of Science degree in Earth Systems, the following courses must be taken if not completed in the undergraduate degree program. These courses do not have to be completed before applying to the coterm program. These may not be counted as part of the 45-unit master's degree:       

Degree Requirements

The master of science degree in Earth Systems allows specialization through graduate-level course work that may include up to 9 units of research with the master’s advisor. This may culminate in the preparation of a M.S. thesis; however, a thesis is not required for the degree. The process of building mastery in the field is enriched through steady communication with a faculty advisor. 

The following are required of all M.S. students:

• A minimum of 45 units of course work and/or research credit (upon approval).
• At least 34 units of the student's course work for the master's program must be at the 200-level or above.
• All remaining course work must be at the 100-level or above.
• All courses for the master's program must be taken for a letter grade; courses not taken for a letter grade must be approved by the master's advisor and Director of Earth Systems.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.4 must be maintained.
• All coterminal master's students are required to take the capstone course, EARTHSYS 290 Master's Seminar.

COVID-19 Policies

On July 30, the Academic Senate adopted grading policies effective for all undergraduate and graduate programs, excepting the professional Graduate School of Business, School of Law, and the School of Medicine M.D. Program. For a complete list of those and other academic policies relating to the pandemic, see the "COVID-19 and Academic Continuity" section of this bulletin.

The Senate decided that all undergraduate and graduate courses offered for a letter grade must also offer students the option of taking the course for a “credit” or “no credit” grade and recommended that deans, departments, and programs consider adopting local policies to count courses taken for a “credit” or “satisfactory” grade toward the fulfillment of degree-program requirements and/or alter program requirements as appropriate.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Grading

For all courses taken during the 2020-21 academic year, the Earth System Program will allow grades of ‘CR’ (credit) or ‘S’  (satisfactory) grades in classes retaining the S/NC basis, in addition to letter grades, to count towards fulfillment of requirements for the Earth Systems Undergraduate Major and Minor. 

Graduate Degree Requirements

Grading

For all courses taken during the 2020-21 academic year, the Earth System Program will allow grades of ‘CR’ (credit) or ‘S’  (satisfactory) grades in classes retaining the S/NC basis, in addition to letter grades, to count towards fulfillment of requirements for the Coterminal M.S. and M.A. Degrees.

Graduate Advising Expectations

Purpose of Advising

The primary purpose of the faculty adviser in the Earth Systems coterminal M.S. and M.A. programs is to help guide the academic development of their advisees. Faculty advisers help advisees design comprehensive, rigorous, interdisciplinary curricula that enable each student to acquire mastery of their chosen field(s). A small number of coterm students may also choose to conduct research and write a master’s thesis under the guidance of their adviser. Earth Systems staff members can provide additional guidance on the selection of courses, navigating policies and degree requirements, and preparation for future employment and exploration of professional pathways.

Expectations

All candidates for coterminal master’s programs in Earth Systems (M.S. and M.A.) are required to secure an academic adviser prior to applying to the coterm program. Coterm advisers must be members of the Academic Council. Each student is expected to meet with their adviser at least once per quarter to discuss degree progress and new course selections. Students must obtain their adviser’s signed approval on their course plan each quarter as courses taken may differ from the original course plan submitted with the coterm application. The final curriculum must stay true to the scope and rigor of the originally approved curriculum even if some of the individual courses change.

Because Earth Systems is an interdisciplinary program, and does not have its own faculty, the program relies upon faculty in related departments to advise its students. This is particularly important for coterm students who are embarking on advanced studies and need the expertise of their advisers for curriculum planning and academic development. The program greatly appreciates this advising support, and the Earth Systems staff is available for any questions and to help in whatever way we can.

For a statement of University policy on graduate advising, see the "Graduate Advising" section of this bulletin.

Director: Karen Casciotti

Deputy Director: Richard Nevle

Associate Director: Deana Fabbro-Johnston

Director of Graduate Studies: Karen Casciotti

Director of Undergraduate Studies: Richard Nevle

Affiliated Faculty and Lecturers: Michelle Anderson (Law), Patrick Archie (Earth Systems, Earth System Science), Nicole Ardoin (School of Education, Woods Institute for the Environment), Kevin Arrigo (Earth System Science), Gregory Asner (Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution), Greg Beroza (Geophysics), Barbara Block (Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Woods Institute for the Environment), Alexandria Boehm (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Gordon Brown (Geological Sciences, emeritus), Marshall Burke (Earth System Science), Ken Caldeira (Earth System Science), Liz Carlisle (Earth Systems), Karen Casciotti (Earth System Science), Page Chamberlain (Geological Sciences), Larry Crowder (Biology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Danny Cullenward (Earth Systems), Lisa Curran (Anthropology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Gretchen Daily (Biology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Jenna Davis (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Woods Institute for the Environment), Anne Dekas (Earth System Science), Mark Denny (Biology, Hopkins Marine Station), Noah Diffenbaugh (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment), Rodolfo Dirzo (Biology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Robert Dunbar (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment), Debra Dunn (Earth Systems, Hasso Plattner Institute of Design), William Durham (Anthropology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Louis Durlofsky (Energy Resources Engineering), Stefano Ermon (Computer Science), Gary Ernst (Geological Sciences, emeritus), Walter Falcon (Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, emeritus, Woods Institute for the Environment), Scott Fendorf (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment, Precourt Institute for Energy), Christopher Field (Woods Institute for the Environment), Christopher Francis (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment), Zephyr Frank (History, Woods Institute for the Environment), David Freyberg (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Woods Institute for the Environment), Tad Fukami (Biology), Margot Gerritsen (Energy Resources Engineering), Elizabeth Hadly (Biology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Thomas Hayden (Earth Systems), George Hilley (Geological Sciences), Suki Hoagland (Earth Systems), Robert Jackson (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment), Michael Kahan (Urban Studies), David Kennedy (History, emeritus, Woods Institute for the Environment), Alexandra Konings (Earth System Science), Karl Knapp (Atmosphere and Energy Operations), Rosemary Knight (Geophysics, Woods Institute for the Environment), Jeffrey Koseff (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Anthony Kovscek (Energy Resources Engineering), Eric Lambin (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment), Jim Leape (Center for Ocean Solutions), David Lobell (Earth System Science, Woods Institute for the Environment), Evan Lyons (Earth System Science), Gilbert Masters (Civil and Environmental Engineering), Pamela Matson (Earth System Science, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Woods Institute for the Environment), Anna Michalak (Earth System Science), Fiorenza Micheli (Hopkins Marine Station, Center for Ocean Solutions), Stephen Monismith (Civil and Environmental Engineering, Woods Institute for the Environment), Harold Mooney (Biology, emeritus, Woods Institute for the Environment), Rosamond Naylor (Earth System Science, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Woods Institute for the Environment), Richard Nevle (Earth Systems), Julia Novy-Hildesley (Sustainability Science and Practice), Stephen Palumbi (Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Woods Institute for the Environment), Jonathan Payne (Geological Sciences), Kabir Peay (Biology), Emily Polk (Program in Writing and Rhetoric), Thomas Robinson (Medicine), Matt Rothe (Earth Systems, Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, Graduate School of Business), Jennifer Saltzman (Geological Sciences), Dustin Schroeder (Geophysics), Paul Segall (Geophysics), Deborah Sivas (Law), George Somero (Biology, Hopkins Marine Station), Jenny Suckale (Geophysics), James Sweeney (Management Science and Engineering, Woods Institute for the Environment), Leif Thomas (Earth System Science), Barton Thompson, Junior (Law, Woods Institute for the Environment), Tiziana Vanorio (Geophysics), Peter Vitousek (Biology, Woods Institute for the Environment), Virginia Walbot (Biology), Paula Welander (Earth System Science), Cindy Wilber (Jasper Ridge), Michael Wilcox (Anthropology), Mikael Wolfe (History), Jane Woodward (Atmosphere and Energy Operations), Mark Zoback (Geophysics)

Overseas Studies Courses in Earth Systems

The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) manages Stanford international and domestic study away programs for Stanford undergraduates. Students should consult their department or program's student services office for applicability of Overseas Studies courses to a major or minor program.

The BOSP course search site displays courses, locations, and quarters relevant to specific majors.

For course descriptions and additional offerings, see the listings in the Stanford Bulletin's ExploreCourses or Bing Overseas Studies.

Due to COVID-19, all BOSP programs have been suspended for Autumn Quarter 2020-21. All courses and quarters of operation are subject to change.

Environmental Courses List