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Education for Planetary Futures, MA

Education for Planetary Futures, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Education for Planetary Futures, MA

Citizenship, Ecological, Education, Environment, Environmental, Future, Global, Justice, Planetary, Sustainability

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program. Students interested in the intersection of education and sustainability should consider the Global Education, MEd or Education, MA.


Position yourself as an educator and leader who can help transform education systems, promote ecological justice and build a future where people and the planet thrive. Learn to cultivate networks that can unleash the power of collective action though coalition building in this forward-thinking program.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Education for Planetary Futures

The Master of Arts program in education for planetary futures develops students' passion for ecological and social justice into impactful education careers that promote sustainable futures where people and the planet can thrive. It fuses disciplines and creative practices to radically reimagine education, drawing on diverse knowledge traditions to transform how we prepare future generations. Through transdisciplinary coursework, inquiry and community-based work, students build skills to lead change through innovative pedagogies and policies prioritizing intergenerational justice, enact meaningful environmental action, and leverage diverse media for shifting narratives about ecological futures.

The program welcomes educators and education leaders from all settings seeking to harness education's transformative power for social and ecological change.

At a glance
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required capstone course (EPF 681)

Required Core (18 credit hours)
EPF 508 Education for Ecological and Social Justice (3)
EPF 512 Education, Imagination and Futures Thinking (3)
EPF 517 Inquiry for Transformation (3)
EPF 529 Systems Change for Planetary Futures: Pathways for Collective Action (3)
EPF 614 Capstone Proposal Development (3)
EPF 675 Inquiry and Action (3)

Electives (9 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
EPF 681 Capstone: Knowledge Mobilization (3)

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants | International applicants | English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement should be no longer than three double-spaced pages in length. Applicants submit a "Personal Vision for Planetary Futures through Education" in which they are asked to respond to the following prompts:

  • Reflect on your personal and professional experiences and how they have shaped your views on education's role in creating a better future for our planet. How do you see yourself contributing to a new way of thinking about education that supports a healthy planet and society? Consider the following in your response: How have your life experiences led you to recognize the importance of changing how we think about education in relation to environmental sustainability and social justice?
  • Which parts of the MA in education for planetary futures program excite you the most, and how do you plan to apply what you learn to make a positive impact in the field of education and beyond?

Letters of recommendation can come from academic or professional sources who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities and potential for graduate-level study, or who can attest to the applicant's practical skills, work ethic and potential impact in the field of education for planetary futures.

For the professional resume, a traditional resume format is not required. However, it is important the resume includes information that illustrates the experiences, interests and the distinct qualities the applicant brings to the program.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Application deadlines
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C Online 08/31 Final
Session B Online 10/08 Final
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C Online 01/31 Final
Session B Online 03/05 Final
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C Online 07/15 Final
Global opportunities
Global experience

Global perspectives are integrated in all coursework, while global experiences are available in the form of electives to all interested students. Students in the program are encouraged to explore study abroad opportunities offered by other programs at ASU, including study abroad opportunities offered by the school. Elective credit is also offered for internships in nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, community organizations and international agencies working on sustainability-related programs (e.g., UNESCO, UNICEF, Save the Children, Regional Centers of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development).

Career opportunities

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as:

  • community education directors
  • curriculum developers
  • directors of nonprofit organizations
  • directors of environmental conservation local and national governments
  • education policymakers
  • environmental consultants and advisors
  • informal educators (e.g., museum curator) for K--12 education
  • media and communications experts
  • sustainability coordinators in K--12, informal or higher education institutions
  • sustainability directors in K--12, informal or higher education institutions
  • think tank or education startup advisors
Professional licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state. For more information, students should visit the ASU professional licensure webpage.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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