Coterminal Program

The Stanford coterminal MS degree 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. 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 it 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 and a resume.
2. Request a Stanford transcript on Axess and send it to Deana Fabbro-Johnston, Earth Systems Program, mc: 4215.
3. Secure two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the faculty Master's Advisor.
4. In collaboration with the faculty MS advisor, develop a list of courses in which you intend to enroll to fulfill degree requirements.
5. Meet with Julie Kennedy to review your application package.
6. Arrange a follow-up meeting with your faculty Master's Advisor to incorporate suggested changes and obtain a final signature on the curriculum proposal.
7. Obtain final approval from Julie Kennedy.
8. 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 BS degree and then complete the three quarters required for the MS. 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 BS degree upon completion of that degree's requirements, or of receiving two degrees concurrently at the end of the master's program.

Four levels of requirements must be fulfilled to receive a coterminal MS degree:

1. Stanford minimum GPA of 3.4;
2. All requirements for the BS degree**;
3. 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
4. Participation in the Master's Seminar.
   

**Students applying from an undergraduate major other than Earth Systems or students applying to do a coterminal MS in Environmental Earth System Science should see Julie Kennedy or Deana Fabbro-Johnston for clarification.

The coterminal curriculum 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 the faculty advisors approval, nine of these 22 units may be in the form of directed research (EARTHSYS 250).

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