The Master of Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology (M.S. in ISAT) is a 33-credit accelerated program offering a concentration in Environmental Management and Sustainability that prepares graduates to be leaders that drive innovation and commerce while positively impacting the well-being and sustainability of our planet and its people. Our graduates share a holistic understanding of sustainability and the environment and bring a systems-based, problem-solving approach to their work in private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations.

The Environmental Management and Sustainability concentration is a dual-degree, international master’s program with the University of Malta. 

During the accelerated 12-month program, students will receive one semester of instruction at James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, VA (fall) and one semester of instruction at the University of Malta campus in Msida, Malta (spring), providing unique opportunities to learn, explore and compare experiences in different geographic, environmental and social contexts. Both JMU and the University of Malta faculty contribute equally to instruction and project supervision. Students who successfully complete the degree requirements are awarded both:

• A Master of Science degree in Integrated Science and Technology (M.S. in ISAT) from James Madison University, and
• A Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability (MSc in EMS) from the University of Malta 

The program is designed to build holistic thinking and problem-solving skills using systems perspectives directed to environmental and sustainability challenges. The curriculum explores principles of sustainability science, incorporating perspectives from Earth systems, natural resources management, ethics, policy and law, and social sciences, among others. It also builds a suite of analytical methods and competencies including GIS, data science, cross-cultural project management, field techniques, statistics and data science. Elective coursework allows students to develop a specialization by opting for either of two pathways:

• Sustainable Technological Systems, or
• Food Systems and Biodiversity 

All students will complete a 6-credit capstone project at a location of their choosing. The capstone project allows students to continue to build specialized knowledge through research on the topic of their choice. Exceptional students may opt to complete a master’s research thesis. This option requires approval from the program’s Board of Studies. 

Admission Criteria

Applications are being accepted for the M.S. in ISAT international dual degree master’s program with a concentration in environmental management and sustainability. This program is taught collaboratively at both JMU and the University of Malta.

The program seeks a diverse student body with a grounding in the natural or social sciences. Qualified applicants may have a background in such fields as engineering, mathematics, economics, environmental studies, natural science, political analysis, operations research, geography, sociology, international relations or selected areas of education, among others. Individuals with experience in industry, government or the non-profit sector are especially valued. Applicants should have demonstrable competence in both natural and social science by having completed a minimum of 15 semester credit hours in the natural sciences and mathematics and an equivalent amount in the social sciences or humanities. Work experience can be substituted for academic experience.

Admission decisions will be holistically based on the following considerations:

• An undergraduate or graduate degree awarded by an accredited college or university which must be completed prior to the start of the program.  (Acceptance may be contingent on degree completion.)
• Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended that includes a listing of coursework and grades demonstrating competence in subjects studied.
• Graduate entry test scores are optional; however, these may be submitted for added consideration. 
• Educational, industrial, business and/or government experience as indicated by a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and will be evaluated as applicable.
• At least two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who are able to evaluate the applicant’s ability and preparedness for graduate study.  These may be from an academic advisor, an instructor or an employer.
• A 400-600 word personal statement discussing the applicant’s academic and career goals and how the ISAT master’s program will help achieve them. Highlight any unique experiences or qualities that the applicant brings to the program.
• Evidence of proficiency in English. A high level of proficiency is expected to ensure that the applicant is in a position to follow lectures, engage in discussions, and submit clear and well-written deliverables. Students may be asked to submit TOEF, IELTS, Duolingo scores or Cambridge Certificate indicating their English language proficiency.

The Program Admissions Committee may request interviews with applicants prior to acceptance.

Applicants to the program should follow the instructions detailed on The Graduate School’s online application system.

Mission

The mission of the Integrated Science and Technology’s (ISAT) master’s program is to provide diverse and experienced professionals with an education that facilitates in-depth knowledge and skills by integrating a variety of scientific and technological disciplines and by utilizing a systems approach to analysis and problem-solving.

Unique characteristics of the program include:

• Curriculum and teaching methods that are in constant touch with the realities of professional careers related to science and technology.
• Graduates skilled in information technology and knowledge management tools applicable to a broad range of professional careers.
• A curriculum and graduates that are flexible, versatile and able to stay current with critical technologies and compelling social problems related to science and technology.
• Interdisciplinary and integrated applied problem solving that use systems perspectives to analyze problems and the feasibility of their solutions, including the considerations of non-technological factors such as politics, economics and ethics.

Accreditation

James Madison University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. University of Malta is not accredited by the Commission on Colleges and the accreditation of James Madison University does not extend to or include the University of Malta or its students. Although James Madison University may accept certain course work in transfer toward a credential from University of Malta, or collaborates in other ways for the generation of course credits or program credentials, other colleges and universities may or may not accept this work in transfer, even if it appears on a transcript from James Madison University. This decision is made by the institution subsequently considering the possibility of accepting such credits.

Continuation and Graduation Requirements

Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the ISAT program and the ISAT master’s curriculum. Graduation requires successful completion of core and elective program coursework in a sequence approved by the student’s graduate advisor. To graduate, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and may not have received a “C” grade in more than any two graduate courses; at least half of the credit hours in the student’s program of study must be at the 600-level or higher. A student will be dismissed from the program if the student receives an “F” or “U” in any graduate course or a total of three “C” grades in their graduate program. Time limitations for completion of the program, continuous registration requirements and thesis preparation guidelines must follow the regulations of The Graduate School.