Since 1985, when the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) became the first environmental school to offer master’s projects as a capstone option, student teams have made impacts for real-world clients throughout the region, and around the globe. The interdisciplinary teams combine expertise from every specialization at SEAS—providing collaborative engagement that prepares students for careers in sustainability fields. Many of our alumni report that their master’s project proved to be one of their most rewarding experiences at SEAS.

All SEAS master's students complete a capstone: a traditional master’s project, thesis, or practicum.

Master's Capstone Options
Master's Thesis Course

Student research + Impact

The Rio Grande isn’t just a border—it’s a river in crisis
The Rio Grande Isn’t Just a Border—It’s a River in Crisis
Vianey Rueda is a second-year SEAS PhD student. Her research is focused on the 1944 Water Treaty between the U.S. and Mexico and uses an interdisciplinary lens to find alternative water delivery mechanisms for the Rio Grande that reduce treaty non-compliance and protect community needs in the face of climate change.
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Mapping Environmental Justice and Uplifting Community Survival in Southwest Detroit (6994)
Mapping Environmental Justice and Uplifting Community Survival in Southwest Detroit
SEAS master's students sought to bring awareness to the 48217 community in Detroit, known as the most polluted ZIP code in Michigan, through their master’s project. It included creating additional data layers for MiEJScreen, the Michigan Environmental Justice Screening Tool, as well as a community resilience plan.
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Encouraging electric vehicle adoption at the local level
Encouraging Eectric Vehicle Adoption at the Local Level
Electric vehicle adoption has lagged far behind where it needs to be in the U.S. A master's project with the EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality was an opportunity for SEAS master's students to study cities, towns, and utilities across the country to find out how they are pushing electric vehicle adoption forward.
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Featured Projects