Stanford University
AC-4: Graduate Program

The Sustainability Science and Practice program (SUST for short) is an interdisciplinary coterminal master's program hosted by the School of Earth, Energy and Environmental Sciences. The goal of the program is to prepare leaders to radically accelerate the transition to a sustainable and just society. As the global human population climbs toward 11 billion, consumption demands increase, and disparities in wealth and opportunity persist, society must learn to equitably meet existing human needs in ways that do not forgo possibilities for future generations. These sustainability challenges are marked by extreme complexity, urgency, conflicting demands, and often a paucity of resources or political will to address them. Transforming these challenges into powerful opportunities requires a new kind of leader — one who can both envision a prosperous future for all and who can design practices and cultivate partnerships essential to building that future. The SUST program equips students with the theoretical and conceptual knowledge and the mindsets and practical skills needed to advance sustainability, securing human well-being around the world and across generations.

Our Master of Science program is intended to be a terminal degree for those seeking advanced knowledge in a focused discipline of civil and environmental engineering to pursue a career in industry or another professional degree (e.g., law, business). It is based on the completion of coursework focused on a theme within the discipline. No thesis is required, nor is research required.

This Masters program is co-terminal, so all students must also complete the Civil Engineering undergraduate program requirements. The undergraduate program has seven areas of focus, three of which are environmental, energy/climate, and sustainable water.

The department of Civil and Environmental Engineering also offers the following focused programs of study leading to a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering:

- MS Degree Program
- Atmosphere and Energy
- Environmental Engineering
- Structural Engineering and Geomechanics
- Sustainable Design & Construction

See the documentation provided for the Learning Outcomes credit for a full list of sustainability related degree programs.

The Stanford Graduate School of Business social innovation curriculum prepares students to lead global social and environmental change. The Certificate in Public Management and Social Innovation, created by former Dean Arjay Miller in 1971, is an academic option within the MBA and MSx programs.

Students may choose to focus their elective coursework on a particular social-innovation field, such as economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, health, or education. They can also shape their academic efforts based on their preferred approach to social impact: e.g., responsible business, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, social impact funding, or public policy.

The Certificate is evidence of a student’s preparation for and commitment to addressing public issues. It serves as an important signal to future employers.

Uniquely situated in the heart of Silicon Valley and part of one of the world’s preeminent research universities, Stanford’s award-winning Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program (ENRLP) has earned its reputation as a leading program for education and research in this dynamic field. Indeed, with a nationally renowned faculty praised for its cutting-edge research and practice, the program has revolutionized environmental education.

Students develop their skills in analyzing and solving problems through situational case studies, learn effective teamwork through Stanford’s Environmental Law Clinic, and master mediation and multiparty negotiation techniques through in-class simulations. Clinical programs and courses foster collaborative solutions to real-world problems. Many courses involve other Stanford departments, and all integrate multidisciplinary materials. The program also provides access to a broad spectrum of practitioners, regulators, and academics in Silicon Valley and beyond, and to hands-on involvement in research, environmental advocacy, and collaborative dialogues. Beyond the classroom, students pursue a wide array of extracurricular activities, such as membership in the Stanford Environmental Law Journal and the Environmental Law Society.

Stanford Law School graduates pursue a variety of distinguished careers in environmental and natural resources law. Alumni currently hold positions—covering the spectrum from staff attorney to executive leadership—at national environmental organizations, federal and state agencies, the White House, major corporations, law firms with strong environmental practices, and academia.

All links and content reported for this submission are based on the current programs for academic year 2021-2022.