Stanford's Earth Systems Program is the result of discussions that began in the 1980s about the possible design of an interdisciplinary, undergraduate, environmental sciences program. The Program was authorized in 1992 by the Faculty Senate to nominate candidates for the B.S. degree. Authorization was given to nominate candidates for the M.S. degree in 1993, and the M.A. degree in 2015.

Since its inception in 1992, the Program has undergone significant change.  With input from Program Leadership, our Executive Committee, affiliated faculty (approximately 50 faculty), and declared students, we regularly revisit the curriculum and build new classes and programs that take advantage of faculty additions and new areas of research at Stanford.

One aspect of the Program that has not changed through time is our committment to active and engaged advising of our students. We offer a tiered advising network that starts with an annual cohort of six peer advisors and includes committed staff and faculty.