M.A. in Sustainability at CSUN

"When I first got to CSUN, this was 8 years ago now, there was an idea of having an M.A. Sustainability program and they said we were just waiting for the new dean to come in and decide whether it was going to get a thumbs up or thumbs down. Well, it was clearly a thumbs up.

To see another cohort come through and the 1st cohort under Amanda's leadership is wonderful. I'm feeling deeply because of what you expressed about the program - about the relationships that you built, the promises that you made with each other, and promises to the future – this is the best experience of Higher Education.

You built community here, you built family here, you shared ideas, there’s intercultural exchange here - this is the best of the human condition. You had good people align with other good people and you came together and you formed this bond that is unbreakable – when you put good people together with good ideas and kindness - this is what the world needs now. Kindness for the environment and kindness for each other - and what we get is truly something remarkable. It's notable, it's needed.

And you also shared that most unscientific of experiences you shared something that the scientific method can’t measure. You said love. Love of each other, love of this program, love of learning - and so, Wonderful Class of 2026: Well done!"

-Dean Yan Dominic Searcy, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, CSUN

Only three info sessions remaining before the July 1 deadline to apply for the M.A. in Sustainability Program!

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Monday, June 8, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

During the info session, students learn about opportunities to get involved with sustainability research and practice at CSUN, see a typical course schedule, learn about elective tracks and thesis/professional projects, and learn about funding opportunities.

You'll also get to meet our program director, Amanda Baugh - our brilliant, magnetic head professor and author of Falling in Love with Nature: The Values of Latinx Catholic Environmentalism - and get all your questions about the program sorted.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Monday, June 8, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdobx3irP75mYDhGTmpPEFu5jiLfG4hNdYYg3bllQiKWL_eaw/viewform

Congratulations to the CSUNPosium Winners from the 2nd Year Cohort!! (To be featured Monday night, 4/27 starting at 4pm!)

First Place - Analisa Cassidy
Session 11, Colleges of Health and Human Development & Social and Behavioral Sciences - Graduate Students, Preliminary/Proposal
Title of Presentation: Sort it out! A Journey into Student's Waste Choices

Second Place - Jen Yu Li
Session 14, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences - Graduate Students, Completed Stage
Title of Presentation: Monetizing Sustainability in Impact Investing: Challenges, Opportunities, and Unique Dynamics

All 1st Place Winners of the CSUNPosium win $200 and 2nd Place Winners receive $100!

Big congrats to Jalen Bolden on joining the CSUN Sustainability team as Sustainability Program Coordinator! 🎉

Jalen has been a CCAC fellow, volunteer, and Sustainability MA student - launching hard‑to‑recycle programs, supporting Matador Move‑Out/Move‑In, advancing EV charging efforts, and researching carbon mitigation.

"One piece of advice I’d give to a new student: get work experience early. That’s been the biggest key to getting where I am today."

He credits his own early work experience, mentors like Austin Eriksson, and the support of the Sustainability team (including Aspen Coty, Rachel Singleton, and Sarah Johnson) for helping him grow.

Jalen's favorite place on campus to unplug: the stream at the Orange Grove. 🌿

CSUN Community Engagement