Master of Science Degree Program (MSc)

Gaia University master's degrees are suited to adults making the transition from functioning at an operational level to becoming strategic. They are not suited to young adults who have not yet acquired any hands-on field experience.

At the master's level, taking leadership is an important thread. You will be exploring your capacities for taking on leadership roles and looking for opportunities to challenge yourself using Gaia University's support structures to process any resistances and fears that may arise (we recommend re-evaluation counseling for its insights into developing leadership and creating a leaderful culture).

You have a choice of pathways – Integrative Ecosocial Design (IESD) and Open Topic. Both pathways assist you in developing transferable skill-flexes much in demand by project leaders, non-profits and other employers in the world change field. You will enhance your project design and management skills; develop your digital documentation skills; expand your leadership abilities; develop additional research capacities; hone your action learning skills and more.

Please see the decision model below to assist you in making an appropriate pathway choice and feel free to contact us if you'd like to discuss your options.

Length of Program: 2 Years

All master's associates start in Year 1. However, if an associate has already spent many years working at a strategic level – as an entrepreneur, organizer or designer in the fields of environmental or social change – and has made a substantial contribution at a community or global scale, they may petition to accelerate their program after the completion of their third output packet. The decision to shift an associate to an accelerated master’s program is based on the competence, discipline and project outcomes evidenced in their documentation to date.

Program Requirements and Available Services

The table below outlines the services available to master's associates as well as the minimum requirements that need to be fulfilled to be fulfilled to graduate. It is important to understand that it is up to you to access available services. Your main advisor is your primary and most regular contact point and will assist you in assessing and initiating these  services. Not accessing them, however, does not warrant requests for refunds. If you are in a Premium Program you are purchasing a complete package of services with your Gaia University tuition. It is up to you to maximize your access and utilization.

A standard pattern exists for all programs which you can review on the Program Cycle page. An overview of requirements specific to the master's program follows. You will also receive detailed information regarding all services and requirements during your orientation workshop.

Workshops - Prerequisite, Required and Recommended

• Associates pursuing the Integrative Ecosocial Design (IESD) pathway are required to complete a Permaculture Design Course, Ecovillage Design Course or equivalent design study as prerequisite to program commencement. This does not need to be a course offered through Gaia University; it may be completed at an organization of your choice. Proof of completion and/or certification will be required.
• Highly Recommended: Re-Evaluation Counseling Fundamentals Course (additional fees apply)

Advisory & Other Support Services

The following table represents a typical overview of services available to you as an associate, and the minimum services you would need to access in order to graduate. Please note that the numbers may vary somewhat depending on program and program year. The maximum available per program year refers to the Premium Program.

Annual Output Packet Requirements

• Output Packet 1:
  Year 1 – Life and Career Review PLUS Learning Intentions and Pathway Design
  Year 2 – Learning Goals and Project Proposals
• Output Packets 2 – 5: Project & Learning Reports
• End of Year presentation: Learning Review

Other Requirements

Computer and internet access at regular intervals are required.