Online Master of Arts in Education for Planetary Futures
Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in education for planetary futures explores innovative approaches to education that prioritize sustainability, ecological justice and planetary well-being. Through transdisciplinary coursework, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to become a changemaker in your community, school or organization.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Turn your passions for global ecological justice and education into an impactful career
This program is designed to empower you to address critical sustainability challenges, advocate for ecological literacy and justice, and imagine a future where all people, communities and nature can thrive. Through transdisciplinary coursework, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead change through education in the face of ecological and social complexity. You'll learn how to enact critical and ecologically attuned pedagogies, influence educational policy and practice and change how people think about the future of education. This program provides a platform for you to harness your passion and drive, equipping you with the tools to become a changemaker in your community, school or education organization.
Connect and collaborate with peers at other universities and networks
Throughout this program, you'll have the unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers at other universities and networks, both nationally and internationally. This cross-institutional networking feature enriches your academic and professional journey, providing a platform for dynamic exchanges of ideas, cultures and perspectives. Engaging with a diverse international community not only expands your professional network but also deepens your understanding of global climate and sustainability education issues. By fostering collaboration and innovation, this aspect of the program prepares you for a global career, equipping you with the insights needed to address complex challenges from a multicultural perspective.
How does this program compare to a master’s in environmental education?
When comparing this program to a master's in environmental education, you'll find a distinct difference in perspective and focus. While environmental education delves deeply into understanding environmental systems, biodiversity and human impacts on nature, this planetary futures program takes a more holistic and forward-thinking approach. It not only addresses environmental concerns but also integrates technological, sociocultural and ethical dimensions of coexisting harmoniously with all beings—human and non-human—and the planet itself. This program aims to equip you with the ability to navigate and shape the future by understanding the role of education in sustaining intricate global systems.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Tailor your master’s studies to your interests
In addition to core courses, you'll have the opportunity to tailor your coursework to your interests and passions through elective options grouped into themes, including:
- Arts, humanities and planetary well-being.
- Biomimicry and bio-inspired design.
- Climate and environmental science.
- Global and transdisciplinary perspectives.
- Human-nature interactions.
- Indigenous perspectives.
- Participatory and action-oriented research methods.
- Sustainability and complex systems.
These electives provide diverse perspectives and knowledge to enrich your learning experience. Additionally, the program features a two-part capstone experience, where you'll develop a proposal to transform education and lead change for a sustainable future, analyze your project impacts and communicate findings to stakeholders. These courses not only provide practical skills but also connect you to networks engaged in climate action, creating opportunities for meaningful engagement in your capstone project.
Prepare for jobs in environmental education
Upon graduation, you'll be prepared for a variety of impactful careers focused on sustainability, education and environmental advocacy. This program equips you to transform education systems to promote ecological justice and sustainable futures through innovative pedagogies, curriculum development and policy influence. Whether you aspire to be an educator, leader, administrator, policymaker or community organizer, this program prepares you to be a changemaker dedicated to building a more sustainable and equitable future for all. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn from experts in the field of environmental education
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Learn from experts in the field of environmental education
The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Arts in education for planetary futures program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
