SUSTSCI-MA - Sustainability Science and Practice (MA)

Transfer credit may not be counted toward the MA in Sustainability Science and Practice.

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.

The primary purpose of the master's advisor in the Sustainability Science and Practice (SUST) program is to serve as a mentor, helping to guide students in their academic development and support them as they prepare for their careers. Because SUST is an interdisciplinary program and does not have its own faculty, the program relies upon faculty in relevant departments to advise its students. The program greatly appreciates this advising support, and our staff are readily available to answer questions and assist as needed. Advisors are not expected to know the details of program policies or degree requirements; the program staff take the lead on communicating and advising students on these matters and are also available to support students with course selection, practicum guidance, and more.

Confirming an Advisor

Prior to applying to the Sustainability Science and Practice coterminal master’s program, all candidates are required to identify a faculty member who will serve as their master’s advisor. The coterm advisor must be a member of the Academic Council. Faculty on Academic Council typically hold a title of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor, whereas instructors with the title of lecturer, adjunct professor, or professor of practice are generally not on Academic Council. If unsure whether a prospective advisor is on Academic Council, please contact the SUST Student Services Officer to verify. In limited cases, a student may also be permitted to engage a co-advisor who is not on Academic Council. Candidates who would like to explore a co-advising relationship should consult with the SUST Student Services Officer in advance.

In seeking out potential advisors, students are encouraged to research faculty backgrounds to identify those with shared interests and academic focus areas that they would like to emphasize in their own studies. Candidates are welcome to seek out an advisor from any part of the University. As a starting point, students may wish to consult the SUST program website, which includes a list of faculty members who are affiliated with the SUST program (note that not all who are listed are on Academic Council). Once a candidate has developed a short list of carefully considered ideas, the student should contact the faculty member to ask for a meeting to explore whether an advising relationship could be a good fit for both parties.

Advising Expectations

A prospective faculty advisor meets with a student prior to application submission to:

• Discuss the student’s interests and motivation for applying to the program;

• Discuss what the advisor/advisee relationship will look like; and

• Review, discuss and sign the student's SUST Master's Program Proposal. The advisor’s signature on the completed Program Proposal is required at the time of application and serves as confirmation of the faculty member’s willingness to serve in the advising role. The student must also review their Program Proposal with the SUST Student Services Officer to ensure alignment with program requirements.

Once admitted, the student is responsible for scheduling quarterly advising meetings to discuss the following:

• Consider the student’s proposed courses for the upcoming quarter;

• Discuss career goals and practicum ideas;

• Help connect the student with sustainability networks outside of Stanford in support of the student’s practicum and/or career;

• Review the student’s practicum proposal and attend (if possible) the student’s final practicum presentation. The SUST Lecturer is an additional resource for students, specifically for practicum planning, mentoring and completion. Students are expected to talk with their advisor and with the SUST Lecturer about this aspect of the program.

• Engage the student in relevant research opportunities and projects;

• Discuss the student’s well-being and any support they may need.

Addressing Mental Health

Pursuing a master’s degree at Stanford University is one of the many exciting but challenging endeavors students may be taking on. The pressures of academic work, external projects, and family affairs can at times cause students mental, physical, and emotional stress. The program encourages academic advisors to provide resources to students who may show signs of struggling with mental health, including extreme levels of anxiety and depression, or battling issues such as grief.

Resources:

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers crisis counseling. Walk-in appointments are available, and clinicians are always on call at (650) 723-3785.

• The Graduate Life Office is available during office hours at (650) 736-7078, or 24/7 at (650) 723-8222, pager ID number 25085.

• The Bridge Peer Counseling Center offers counseling by trained students 24/7 at (650) 723-3392

• The Office for Religious Life offers spiritual guidance for students. Call (650) 723-1762 or visit the Round Room at Memorial Church.

• The Faculty and Staff Help Center, located in Kingscote Gardens, offers confidential help for Stanford faculty and staff.

• If you are aware of someone in distress, contact CAPS, the Department of Public Safety or the Office of the Dean of Students.

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