Coterminal Program

The Stanford coterminal degree plan enables an undergraduate to embark on an integrated program of study leading to the master's degree before requirements for the bachelor's degree have been completed. An undergraduate majoring in Earth Systems may apply to work simultaneously toward bachelor's and master's degrees. The master's degree in Earth Systems provides the student with enhanced tools to evaluate the primary literature of the discipline most closely associated with the student's track, and allows an increased specialization through additional course work that may include nine credits of thesis research. Integration of earth systems concepts is furthered by participation in the master's seminar.

How to apply*:

1. Complete an application which includes a statement of purpose.
2. Request a Stanford transcript on Axess and send it to Deana Fabbro-Johnston, Earth Systems Program, mc: 2210.
3. Secure two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the Master's Advisor.
4. Develop a list of courses in which you intend to enroll to fulfill degree requirements.
5. Meet with Julie Kennedy with your application package prior to the final meeting with your Master's Advisor.
6. Arrange a meeting with your Master's Advisor for a final signature on the course proposal.
7. Deliver the final application package to Deana Fabbro-Johnston in the Earth Systems office.

*Please note that a $50 application fee is assessed by the Registrar's Office for coterminal applications.

Students may be admitted as early as their eighth quarter at Stanford, or after earning 105 units, but no later than their eleventh quarter. Students may either 1) complete 180 units required for the B.S. degree and then complete the three quarters required for the M.S. degree, or 2) complete a total of 15 quarters during which the requirements of the degrees are fulfilled concurrently. The student has the option of receiving the B.S. degree upon completion of that degree's requirements, or of receiving two degrees concurrently at the end of the master's program.
Three levels of requirements must be fulfilled to receive a M.S. degree:

1. all requirements for the B.S. degree;
2. further course work (and/or thesis research), all of which should be at the 100-level or above, and including 22 units at the 200-level or above, leading to further focus within the student's track; and
3. participation in the master's seminar.

Prior to formal application, the student must devise a program of study that shows a level of specialization appropriate to the Maser's level as determined in consultation with and approval by the Master's Advisor.

The program must consist of a minimum of 45 units of course work and or/thesis research, at least 22 of which must be at the 200-level or above. With advisor's approval, nine of these 22 units may be in the form of directed research (Esys 250). All Masters students must take part in the Master's Seminar (Esys 290). A more detailed description of the coterminal master's degree may be obtained from the Earth Systems' office.

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