Degree Requirements

To earn the master’s degree, meet the following requirements.

1. Take the required courses for your concentration.

Ecosystems concentration

You focus on the stewardship of natural assets and the oversight of environmental contaminants. You study impacts on social well-being and economic prosperity. Studies might focus on wetland protection, air and water pollution, forest protection, hazardous waste, energy, or global climate change.

Thesis track

Course requirements: nine courses and a master’s thesis

• ENVR E-101 (required for admission)
• ENVR E-210 (required for admission)
• Three knowledge-set electives (one required for admission)
• Three science electives
• The proseminar (taken after completion of all other coursework, on campus only)
• Thesis

Capstone track

Course requirements: 11 courses and a capstone course

• ENVR E-101 (required for admission)
• ENVR E-210 (required for admission)
• Three knowledge-set electives (one required for admission)
• Three science electives
• Three general electives, which can include an internship
• Capstone (taken after completion of all coursework, on campus only)

Use the degree course search to select required and elective courses.

Sustainability concentration

You focus on developing practices that conserve resources for future generations. Specific areas include carbon and water markets, green design, sustainable management systems, corporate social responsibility, waste and energy technologies, life cycle analysis, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture. 

Thesis track

Course requirements: nine courses and a master’s thesis

• ENVR E-101 (required for admission)
• ENVR E-210 (required for admission)
• Three knowledge-set electives (one required for admission)
• Three skill-set electives
• The proseminar (taken after completion of all other coursework, on campus only)
• Thesis

Capstone track

Course requirements: 11 courses and a capstone course

• ENVR E-101 (required for admission)
• ENVR E-210 (required for admission)
• Three knowledge-set electives (one required for admission)
• Three skill-set electives
• Three general electives, which can include an internship
• Capstone (taken after completion of all coursework, on campus only)

Use the degree course search to select required and elective courses.

2. Take at least one on-campus-only course.

See the guidelines for the residency requirement.

3. Take all courses for graduate credit.

All courses must be taken at Harvard for graduate credit. You take most courses at Harvard Extension School. You also have the options to study at Harvard Summer School and to take a maximum of two courses as a Special Student through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. See enrollment policies.

4. Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Courses earned with grades below a B– do not fulfill degree requirements, but they do count toward your cumulative GPA. Note that a B or higher grade is required in the three preadmission courses. See academic standing policies.

5. Complete all requirements within five years.

Ordinarily, the five-year timeframe begins at the point of admission, but if you delay admission the timeframe begins upon completion of the third degree course (i.e., any course that can count toward the degree). If you are unable to complete the degree within five years, you are retired from the program.