Master’s in Sustainability Online

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-sustainability-online/">Sustainability </a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Connecticut 352 Mansfield Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269	$17,532	83%
#2 Pennsylvania State University-World Campus 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802	NA	NA
#3 Arizona State University Digital Immersion 1365 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257	$9,774	26%
#4 University of Denver 2199 S. University Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80208	$53,640	76%
#5 Virginia Polytechnic Institute 210 Burruss Hall, 800 Drillfield Dr., Blacksburg, Virginia 24061	$14,098	87%
#6 Glasgow Caledonian New York College 64 Wooster Street, New York, New York 10012	$36,800	NA
#7 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 1 Aerospace Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114	$8,916	19%
#8 North Dakota State University-Main Campus 1301 12th Avenue North, Fargo, North Dakota 58108	$7,293	65%
#9 Loyola Marymount University One Lmu Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045	$19,642	79%
#10 Thomas Jefferson University 1020 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107	$22,068	71%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Sustainability is essential to ensure a similar quality of life for future generations on the earth. The online sustainability degree studies and documents the social, economic, moral, and political impact of diminishing resources and the communities they support. The master’s in sustainability degree is taught using theoretical classes, research, and practical methods via three models: the regular brick-and-mortar school model, the online university option, or a hybrid option in which most courses will be conducted online, while students will physically attend classes for a specified duration. The program requires between 35 and 48 credits and often culminates with the student having to complete a capstone project. The capstone could be a group project, internship, or thesis. Most colleges need a thesis to be submitted as a part of the program.

The online sustainability degree provides an educational opportunity for three kinds of students: 

• Students who desire to augment their education and eventually obtain a doctorate in sustainability or related fields
• Sustainability practitioners and environmental scientists employed in the field who have completed their bachelor’s degrees and aspire to advance in their respective domains.
• Traditional and non-traditional students seeking to complete a master’s degree in sustainability. 

Comprehensively, on completion of the sustainability master’s degree, graduates will understand ecological science and will also have refined skills in documenting and evaluating evidence, making reasoned arguments, and making informed decisions concerning environmental conservation & sustainability, legalities, and ethics.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Sustainability Online Programs

An online master’s in sustainability usually comprises 35 to 48 credits. The curriculum typically covers core courses and electives or specializations. It follows an interdisciplinary approach to education with sustainability knowledge through science, business, economics, public policy, communication, and social justice. The core courses taught will depend on the college chosen. Examples of courses students can expect in an MSus degree program are: 

• Foundations of Sustainability – This course covers the three foundations of sustainability – the environment, economy, and society. It includes modern challenges facing sustainability and strategies to overcome these challenges to ensure long-term success.
• Quantitative Methods in Sustainability – This course covers statistical methods to quantify the damage caused to the environment and uses these quantitative methods to predict and assess future damage. Statistics may also be used to predict the benefits of proposed remedial and conservation actions. Quantitative methods also assess the sustainability of the resources a company uses.
• Human Dimensions of Sustainability – This course covers the habitats and the people and communities that are dependent on the habitats. Protecting habitats is important to maintain civilized societies free from food, water, and energy shortages.
• Environmental Informatics – This course covers the theory and application of advanced computational and analytical techniques to issues dealing with the conservation of the environment.

A few other sustainability courses include but are not limited to:

• Global Human Systems
• Sustainable Organizational Management
• Natural Science for Sustainability
• Sustainability Law and Policy
• Sustainability and Systems
• Pursuing Sustainability through Governance
• Applied Ecology
• Sustainability: Ethics, Equity, Justice
• Environmental Law and Policy 
• Human Dimensions of Sustainability
• Resource & Environmental Economics

Since the scope of the study is so vast, students of a master’s online sustainability degree usually choose majors or specializations depending on their interests, resources, courses available, and career goals. 

Choosing an online master’s in sustainability can be a socially, intellectually, and financially rewarding career choice. After receiving an education in sustainability, graduates can pick and choose employment opportunities both inside and outside sustainability fields. These domains have become increasingly important in government, academia, and industry. Among the skills gained from the program, graduates will have the ability to:

• understand the ethical issues surrounding sustainability;
• understand the concepts and methods of various disciplines, as well as how these can be used to address sustainability issues;
• create innovative, adaptable solutions to sustainability challenges;
• understand sustainability concepts, issues, and the disciplines required to address real-world problems;
• consider sustainability issues holistically;
• collaborate and work in multidisciplinary teams; and
• examine the role and effectiveness of various methods of inquiry and analysis.

Master’s in Sustainability Degree Types

The online master’s in sustainability encompasses the interdisciplinary approach to education with core sustainability knowledge through science, business, economics, public policy, communication, and social justice. The MSus degree could be a:

• Master of Arts Sustainability Online  
• Master of Science Sustainability Online 
• Master of Business Administration in Sustainability Online (MBA in Sustainability) 

Of these, the predominant two degrees are:

Specializations in Master’s in Sustainability Programs

Students in a sustainability master’s degree online study and document the social, economic, moral, and political impact of diminishing resources and the communities they support. Since the scope for sustainable studies is vast, most students choose specializations depending on their interests and career objectives. Some available sustainability specializations for prospective students to explore and consider are:

Area of Specialization	Description
Sustainable Systems	This specialization covers systems thinking and systems modeling and applying systems modeling to existing and developing environmental problems.
Environmental Informatics	This specialization covers the theory and application of advanced computational and analytical techniques to issues dealing with the conservation of the environment.
Sustainable Food Systems	This concentration focuses on food policy and production. Students learn about food trends and agricultural innovations while networking with farmers, ranchers, and influential policymakers.
Conservation Ecology	This specialization covers local, regional, national, and international environmental problems. The program focuses on concepts and skills to study ecosystems and solve complex problems surrounding said ecosystems.
Behavior, Education, and Communication	This specialization studies the causes, implications, and implications of actions and decisions that impact the environment and natural resources. Students learn to use techniques and resources to encourage conservation and behaviors that save resources among the relevant stakeholders.
Sustainable Leadership	Through the lens of sustainability, this specialization teaches organizational leadership skills. The core areas of study include strategy, communication, leadership & global context, and more.
Sustainable Solutions	This specialization is intended to prepare students to apply sustainability principles and approaches to careers addressing complex human and environmental challenges in various fields.

A few more examples of specializations in sustainability include: 

• Environmental Sustainability or Environment & Sustainability
• Sustainable Global Enterprise
• Sustainability Management
• Sustainable Business Practice
• Sustainability Leadership
• Energy And Sustainability
• Sustainable Business & Innovation
• Sustainable Development
• Urban Resilience & Sustainability
• Sustainable Engineering
• Sustainable Communications & Behavior

Accreditation for Master’s in Sustainability Online Programs

While pursuing an online Master’s in Sustainability, it is always better to choose accredited sustainability colleges. When a school is accredited, it means that the institution has been evaluated by one or more independent accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)^[2] and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)^[3] and the industry. The school is found to have gone through a high educational quality assurance procedure. Some of the most common agencies that accredit colleges are regional ones, such as the: 

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)^[4]
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)^[5]
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)^[6]
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)^[7]
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)^[8]
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)^[9]

More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.

Timeline for graduation from Online Master’s in Sustainability Programs

A master’s in sustainability online usually comprises 35 to 48 credits. Students enrolled full-time in the MSus degree can generally complete the degree in about two years. Some online master’s in sustainability programs can be completed in twelve to eighteen months, depending on the coursework, specialization, whether one opts for Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning and chosen college. Part-time students may require over three years to finish and graduate from their programs.

Online Master’s in Sustainability Programs Admission Requirements

The master’s in sustainability online admission requirements to be met are similar to most other graduate programs. The following is a list of the frequently common sustainability master’s admissions requirements at most colleges:

• Online application for the chosen university, along with the application fee
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.8 on a scale of 4.0 (varies by school)
• Official academic transcripts that show completion of the most recent completed bachelor’s degree**
• A Graduate Résumé
• A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Scores
• College-specific requirements – some colleges will have specific requirements. Students must check with the admissions office at the college/s to which they are applying for exact requirements.

**An unofficial copy of the transcripts indicating completion of the bachelor’s degree can be submitted during the application process. The official copy of the transcript must be submitted once admission is received.

Schools in the United States usually require scores from standardized tests for students to complete the admission process. The two most common standardized tests are the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

For some online master’s in sustainability programs like the Patel School of Global Sustainability at the  University of South Florida^[10], the graduate majors determine the GRE requirement. This GRE requirement may be waived at the discretion of the department or college on a case-to-case basis.

Wake Forest University^[11] and Johns Hopkins University^[12] are excellent examples of universities offering online master’s in sustainability no GRE programs.

Read the GMAT vs. GRE guide to understand their similarities and differences.

Accelerated master’s in sustainability online degrees enable students to earn master’s degrees quicker. This allows students to earn their MSus degrees in around a year. Some schools also provide the option of obtaining an undergraduate and master’s degree in sustainability combined. By using this option, students choose and take courses at the undergraduate level that will help in the master’s program. This helps save time, reduce the cost of education, and acquire a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years instead of the usual six years.

Hofstra University^[13] and Columbia University^[14] have accelerated master’s programs in sustainability, enabling students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

Several free master’s in sustainability online courses are available from various sources. These courses offer additional knowledge of new practices in the sustainability field. Although they may provide additional support and innovations in standards and practices within sustainability, they may not all be recognized or accredited and, therefore, cannot replace a complete degree program. A few free courses, along with their descriptions, are listed below:

Course	Provided by	Description
Managing Responsibly: Practicing Sustainability, Responsibility, and Ethics[15]	Coursera	This course is an integrative approach to sustainability, responsibility, and ethics. It empowers managers to deal competently with challenges.
Sustainable and Renewable Energy[16]	Alison	This course offers a thorough understanding of energy source exploitation, including the best approaches for their adoption and how they contribute to sustainable development.
Supply Chain Sustainability[17]	OpenLearn	Organizations need an efficient and effective supply chain for the context in which they operate. While enabling this, they need to consider sustainability issues in their supply chain strategies. Sustainability concerns in the supply chain will cover environmental sustainability and include social sustainability (ethics and well-being), financial sustainability, and network sustainability.

An online master’s in sustainability can lead to an incredibly fulfilling financial and intellectual career. Graduates who complete a  sustainability master’s are equipped with the knowledge and skills highly sought after by government and private sector employers and by leading university doctoral programs. Career opportunities span a broad range of industries and fields. Graduates can find lucrative employment within and outside the conservation and sustainability industry with their communications, analytical, and critical thinking strengths.

The career path of individuals who pass the MSus degree depends on their specialization. Upon completion of an online sustainability master’s, graduates can look forward to careers such as:

• Environmental Scientists & Specialists
• Conservation Scientists & Foresters
• Urban & Regional Planners
• Zoologists
• Wildlife Biologists
• Climate Change Analysts
• Ecology Specialists
• Environmental Lawyers
• City Planners
• Policy Analysts
• Construction Managers
• Communication Professionals
• Industrial Technologists

Some possible career options, their job descriptions, annual median pay, and potential growth are listed below:

Occupation	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)	Job Description
Conservation Scientists and Foresters	$64,420	4% (as fast as average)	Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of natural resources like forests, parks, and rangelands. Conservation scientists and foresters work for the local, state, and federal government agencies managing forest lands and resources.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists	$76,480	6% (as fast as average)	Environmental scientists and specialists channel their expertise in the natural sciences to protect the environment and safeguard human health.
Urban and Regional Planners	$79,540	4% (as fast as average)	Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create sustainable communities, accommodate sustainable population growth, and revitalize physical facilities

Professional certifications do not require as much time, effort, and financial investment as an academic certification. They are formulated for working professionals who wish to keep current with current practices and knowledge. Certifications are also a great way to enhance career prospects and move up the hierarchy of an organization. Usually, recertification periodically is required to be maintained. A few of the certifications available to graduates of an online master’s in sustainability are:

• Sustainability Excellence Associate (SEA) for beginners and middle-level career professionals
• Sustainability Excellence Professional (SEP) for senior professionals
• Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P) for middle-level career professionals
• CC-P Candidate Pilot Program for young professionals or professionals who have recently transitioned to a career in climate change
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Professional Certification
• Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Credential

A sustainable future will depend on using comprehensive ideas for sustainability challenges. Even after completing the master’s in sustainability online, sustainability professionals will have to liaise and coordinate between different departments as a part of their responsibilities. They will also have to keep abreast with the latest innovations and developments in the sustainability field. To equip themselves to do this, they may tap into various resources. Here are some resources available for sustainability professionals:

1. International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)
   The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is an organization that promotes cooperation and coordination amongst its members. Members can avail of journals and newsletters and access its website for listing, discussing, and analyzing the latest innovations and protocols in environmental protection, conservation, renovation, and renewal.
2. The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO)
   The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) is an organization and cross-sector community of practice for individuals addressing climate change in their organization’s operations and mission. ACCO membership fosters collaboration with leading-edge practitioners, policymakers, climate scientists, and researchers to advance solutions and build capacity in addressing climate change.
3. International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
   The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) promotes research and policy work in areas vital for transformation, where policy shifts can garner positive change and make significant gains in sustainable development. IISD publishes independent, concise, exemplary research on sustainable development issues, including briefs, policy reports, and protocol guidelines.
4. Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW)
   Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) is a non-profit international network of students and professionals passionate about technical sustainability. ESW provides mentoring & support, guides & resources, an active community of peers, and hosts conferences.
5. Net Impact
   Net Impact is a nonprofit membership organization for students and professionals interested in social and environmental causes. Over 300 volunteer-run chapters and 100,000 members support programs and networking events on CSR, nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and international development.