Energy and Sustainability Concentration
Training the sustainability professionals of the future
Other Concentrations
Catalog Year: 2023-2024
Banner Code: LA-MAIS-ISIN-EAS
The MAIS in interdisciplinary studies is for students who seek a master's degree that integrates knowledge from several disciplines. It addresses the rapidly evolving demand for unique graduate study by promoting advanced scholarship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students can pursue one of the following structured interdisciplinary concentrations and also have the opportunity to design an individualized concentration to meet the special needs of their careers.
The MAIS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability is a Green Leaf program.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 36
This is a Green Leaf program.
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate coursework. Students must submit a curriculum worksheet that has been approved by their concentration head and the director. Some concentrations require a project or thesis.
Concentration in Energy and Sustainability (EAS)
This concentration is designed for students interested in careers in energy and sustainability-related positions in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, including law, national and international policy, media, government, and business. As one of the University's Green Leaf academic programs, the concentration in energy and sustainability focuses on finding ways to meet present needs for energy and material goods without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainability education lies at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, economics, business, public policy, social justice, and many other areas. Energy required to fuel all of these endeavors is a crucial component of sustainability.
Core Courses in Energy and Sustainability
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EVPP 533 | Energy Policy | 3 |
| GGS 507 | Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | 3 |
| Natural Science Course | ||
| PHYS 581 | Topics in Renewable Energy | 3 |
| or GEOL 521 | Geology of Energy Resources | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Energy, Sustainability or Environmental Policy
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| National Security Technology and Policy | ||
| Special Topics in Economics 1 | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (take 3 credits) 2 | ||
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Topics in Policy and Government (when topic involves environmental or sustainability policy) | ||
| Topics in Public Policy 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
| 1 |
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability policy. |
| 2 |
When the topic involves energy or sustainability policy. |
| 3 |
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues. |
Humanities or Social Science Approaches to Sustainability and Environmental Issues
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns | ||
| Special Topics in Economics 2 | ||
| International Environmental Politics | ||
| Problems in American History 1 | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
| 1 |
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues. |
| 2 |
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability policy. |
Planning, Modeling, or Management
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Infrastructure Modeling | ||
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling | ||
| Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy (take 3 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 3-4 | |
Natural Science
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Scientific Basis of Climate Change | ||
| Fundamentals of Ecology | ||
| Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
Students who elect to complete a project or thesis will not need any elective credits. Students who do not complete a project or thesis will take 3 elective credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 0-3 credits from the following: | 0-3 | |
| National Security Technology and Policy | ||
| Infrastructure Modeling | ||
| Transportation Engineering and the Environment | ||
| Scientific Basis of Climate Change | ||
| Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns | ||
| Special Topics in Economics 1 | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (take 3 credits) 1 | ||
| Fundamentals of Ecology | ||
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling | ||
| Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management | ||
| Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy (take 3 credits) | ||
| International Environmental Politics | ||
| Geology of Energy Resources | ||
| Problems in American History 2 | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | ||
| Experiential Learning 3 | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Topics in Renewable Energy | ||
| Topics in Public Policy 2 | ||
| Transportation Economics | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Total Credits | 0-3 | |
| 1 |
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability policy. |
| 2 |
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues. |
| 3 |
Students may fulfill their elective credits with experiential learning. Experiential learning opportunities can include internships, service-learning, consulting projects, and field studies or research (including overseas). Because the intention is to develop and apply newly acquired skills, students may not use work done previously or their current employment to fulfill this requirement. All experiential learning projects must be approved by the energy and sustainability concentration head the semester before registering for the course. |
Research Methods Course
Students choose one of the following courses or other relevant courses in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods for Environmental Scientists | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling | ||
| Multivariate Data Analysis for Ecology and Environmental Science | ||
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Computational Methods in Engineering and Statistics | ||
| Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government | ||
| Topics in Public Policy 1 | ||
| Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
| 1 |
When topic is Analytical Methods for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. |
Integrative Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Optional Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students have the option to select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
- Global Affairs, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
- Philosophy, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (Concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
- Sociology, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking global affairs or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Global Affairs, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Global Affairs and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Global Affairs MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 54 credits rather than 66 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's program see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Total credits: 54
Required Global Affairs Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 600 | Global Competencies | 3 |
| GLOA 610 | Economic Globalization and Development | 3 |
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization | 3 |
| GLOA 710 | Seminar Abroad | 3 |
| Select three courses from the chosen specialization for the global affairs MA | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Required Women and Gender Studies Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| Select one course in critical race studies from the following: | 3 | |
| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following: | 3 | |
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Select 9 credits in elective courses chosen from the following and not used to fulfill another requirement: | 9 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Required Methods Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Feminist Research Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Capstone
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Capstone Research Seminar | ||
| Integrated Learning Experience | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Total Credits: 54
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking philosophy or interdisciplinary studies (women and gender studies concentration) and a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Philosophy, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (Concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Department of Philosophy and the Interdisciplinary Studies Program offer a dual master's degree program where students can earn both the MA and the MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 55 credits rather than 67 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's degree see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Students pursuing dual master's study linking the Philosophy MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS with a concentration in women and gender studies will complete WMST 630 Feminist Theories across the Disciplines/PHIL 658 Feminist Theory and 3 additional credits of WMST courses approved by the Department of Philosophy to apply to the philosophy degree as elective credit. Six credits of approved PHIL credits will apply to the MAIS degree as elective credit.
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking sociology or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Sociology, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Sociology MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 57 credits rather than 69 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's degree see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Total credits: 57
Required Sociology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 601 | Proseminar in Public and Applied Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 620 | Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry | 3 |
| SOCI 711 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOCI 712 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| Elective Methodology and Analysis Course | 3 | |
| Survey Research | ||
| Evaluation Research for Social Programs | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Statistical Reasoning | ||
| Feminist Theory | ||
| Ethnography | ||
| Historical and Comparative Sociology | ||
| Analytic Techniques of Social Research | ||
| Methods in Anthropology | ||
| Select three advanced courses (500-800 level) in sociology | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Required Women and Gender Studies Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
| Select one course in critical race studies form the following: | 3 | |
| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following: | 3 | |
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Seminar for Supervision in Teacher Education | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Select three courses from the following that address the study of women and gender and that are not taken as part of the core focus. | 9 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Internship | ||
|
Other relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with concentration head
|
||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Required Methods Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 610 | Feminist Research Methods | 3 |
Capstone, Project, or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Master's Capstone Paper | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
