Sustainability Studies (MA - MS)
San Marcos, Texas, USA, United States
Sustainability Studies (MA / MS)
Texas State University
Sustainability Studies
Program Overview: Sustainability Studies (MA / MS)
The Sustainability Studies master's program at Texas State University is an interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare committed leaders to address emerging sustainability issues. Students may choose between a Master of Arts (MA) track, oriented toward the humanities, arts, communication, and urban or regional planning, or a Master of Science (MS) track, oriented toward social sciences, natural sciences, economics, policy, and ethics. Each student works with a faculty mentor to design an individualized course of study reflecting their career goals and aspirations.
The program builds interdisciplinary knowledge to support a sustainable world, enabling students to successfully respond to the sustainability challenges facing society in the 21st century. With both thesis and non-thesis (professional project) options available, the program is tailored to accommodate diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The current program draws on more than 40 faculty from 11 departments and schools across five colleges.
Graduates emerge with methodological, statistical, and critical thinking skills that give them a competitive edge in the growing sustainability market. Whether you plan to pursue doctoral studies or enter the workforce directly, this program prepares you for impactful roles in government, education, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, consulting firms, and industry settings.
Key Program Highlights
- Choose between MA (humanities-focused) or MS (science-focused) tracks with thesis or professional project options
- Truly interdisciplinary curriculum with over 40 faculty from 11 departments across five colleges
- Individualized course of study designed with faculty mentor guidance to match your career goals
- Flexible scheduling accommodates both full-time and part-time graduate students
Curriculum and Modules
The Sustainability Studies program requires 36 semester credit hours and offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum. Students complete core sustainability courses, elective coursework from across the university, and a culminating thesis or professional project. The course of study is individually designed with faculty mentorship to align with each student's career aspirations and academic interests.
SUST 5301 - Seminar in Sustainability
3 Credit HoursAn interdisciplinary seminar providing students the opportunity to learn about sustainability issues from a wide-ranging set of perspectives. This foundational course is a core requirement for all students in the program.
SUST 5397 - Directed Study
3 Credit HoursIndividual work with specific guidance from graduate faculty. Work may include participation in research, professional practice, and critical review of related literature. May be repeated once for credit when topics vary.
SUST 5398 - Professional Project
3 Credit HoursIndividual work related to a professional topic or project with specific guidance from graduate faculty. The project requires the completion of a rigorous paper as the culmination of the non-thesis degree track.
SUST 5399A - Thesis I
3 Credit HoursThe initial thesis enrollment for students on the thesis track. Students work closely with their thesis committee to develop and begin executing their research project under faculty supervision.
SUST 5399B - Thesis II
3 Credit HoursContinuing thesis enrollment where students complete their thesis research and prepare for the oral thesis defense. Students continue enrollment until the thesis is submitted for binding.
SUST 5105 - Practicum in Teaching
1 Credit HourAn introduction to key concepts and practices in the teaching of college courses. Required for first-year teaching and instructional assistants in the MA and MS in Sustainability programs. Does not earn graduate degree credit.
Interdisciplinary Elective Areas
Admission Requirements
The Sustainability Studies MA/MS program is open to any qualified graduate student and is particularly relevant for those wishing to develop subject matter competence across multiple disciplines. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu, your single point of contact for a streamlined admissions experience.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeBaccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree.
- Minimum GPA3.0 overall GPA or 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation from professionals competent to assess interest in a sustainability career. Two must assess academic accomplishments or potential.
- Statement of PurposeA written statement outlining your academic interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the Sustainability Studies program
- TranscriptsA copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum overall score of 78
- IELTS (Academic)Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual module below 6.0
- Duolingo English TestMinimum overall score of 110
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Texas State University offers a variety of funding opportunities for graduate students, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships administered through The Graduate College. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for the funding options best suited to your profile and academic goals.
Graduate College Scholarship
USD 1,000 per semester (up to 3 semesters)Available to continuing graduate students demonstrating intellectual, creative, and leadership promise. Requires a minimum 3.5 GPA in completed graduate coursework. Applications are accepted October 1 through February 1 each year.
Texas State Merit Fellowship
Partial tuition coverage (percentage varies)Intended to recruit high-quality master's or doctoral degree-seeking students. The fellowship covers a percentage of tuition for the first academic year and can be combined with graduate assistantships or departmental scholarships.
Thesis Research Support Fellowship
Up to USD 2,000Provided by The Graduate College to support graduate student research at the master's level. Funds cover expenses directly related to conducting thesis research, with two rounds of funding applications available each year.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Sustainability Studies program are well-prepared to lead in the growing sustainability sector across government, education, nonprofit, research, and industry settings. With green vocations in higher demand and the need for environmental protection services expanding, an advanced degree in sustainability studies opens doors to a wide range of rewarding career paths.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Texas State University is a growing public research institution recognized nationally for its academic quality, social mobility impact, and commitment to sustainability. The university has been climbing steadily in major national rankings and has been named a Green College by the Princeton Review for its commitment to outdoor life and sustainability.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainability Commitment | Princeton Review | Green College Designation |
| National Universities | U.S. News & World Report | #257 (2026) |
| Top Public Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #145 (2026) |
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #144 (2026) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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