Master’s in Sustainability Online

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The best master’s in sustainability programs online place importance on theoretical classes and research, with professional practice integrated throughout. The online sustainability master is suitable for students with time constraints or already employed in their preferred domains. There are various factors based on which to rank the best master’s in sustainability programs online like accreditation, financial aid available, fees vs. career prospects, admission requirements, program requirements, graduation rates, quality of faculty, etc. With these in mind and more, here are some of the best master’s in sustainability online programs in the U.S.: 

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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 3 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 3 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. 

Master’s in Sustainability Degree Types

The online master’s in sustainability encompasses the interdisciplinary approach to education with core knowledge of sustainability 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: 

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, the GRE requirement is determined by the individual graduate majors. This GRE requirement may be waived at the discretion of the department or college on a case-to-case basis. 

Some schools also offer online master’s in sustainability no GRE programs, such as the Arizona State University, School of Sustainability, and Wake Forest University. 

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 5 years instead of the usual 6 years. 

The Arizona State University, Hofstra University, and Columbia University have accelerated master’s programs in sustainability programs that enable students to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 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 take the place of a complete degree program. A few of the available free courses, along with their descriptions and the details of where they may be accessed, are listed below: 

The average cost of a master’s degree is around $29,000. A master’s in sustainability online varies from about $10,000 to $30,000 per annum. However, this varies from school to school. To ease the burden of paying for their graduate studies, prospective students can tap into various sources of financial aid. Financial aid may be in the form of scholarships, grants, student loans, FAFSA, and graduate assistantships. It is advisable to consult the Financial Aid Guide to choose the most suitable financial aid. Here are a few options to consider: 

Scholarships 

Many students of a master in sustainability online may be eligible for scholarships. Scholarships are usually merit-based, and the award amount of the scholarship is contingent on factors such as gender, minority status, major chosen, and professional orientation. Students must exercise caution when they apply and avail of scholarships, as there are numerous Scholarship Scams. 

Grants 

The cost of an MSus degree can be wholly or partially funded through grants a student may be eligible for. Grants are usually not merit-based or based on the student’s accomplishments and academic prowess; instead, they are typically based on the student’s financial need. 

Graduate Assistantships 

Graduate Assistantships are another way to discount the cost of a sustainability master’s online. They are also a great way to gain experience and build a network of people and sources of information that will benefit the student even after the program is completed. Graduate assistants have many responsibilities in helping with teaching activities or research and are accountable to other students as well as the faculty of their program’s department. 

FAFSA,

short for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is another option for students to mark down the price of a master’s in sustainability online. Students can apply to FAFSA to check their eligibility for financial aid from the federal government.

Graduate School Scholarships are usually merit-based and factor in a student’s academic achievements. They are one of the best means to reduce the financial burden of pursuing master’s in sustainability online programs. Here are a few scholarships applicable to sustainability degree programs: 

Eckenfelder Scholarship 

The Wesley Eckenfelder, Jr. Scholarship supports students interested in pursuing a career in ecological protection. Those who major in civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering or one of the environmental sciences (e.g., geology, hydrogeology, ecology) can apply for this scholarship. 

Award/Amount

$5,000 

Application Deadline   

Closed for 2023 | TBA for 2023 

Falk School Scholarships, Chatham University 

Several scholarships are awarded to students applying to Falk School’s full-time graduate programs. Selection is based on materials submitted with the student’s admission application. 

Award/Amount 

Approx. $42,672 x 3 awards & approx. $21,336 x 6 awards  

Application Deadline 

February 01, each year 

RTK Scholars Program 

RTK Scholars Program is administered by the RTK Environmental Group and provides scholarships to students studying environmental science, biology, engineering, or a related physical sciences major. 

Award/Amount

$1,500  

Application Deadline   

May 31, each year 

An online master’s in sustainability can lead to an incredibly fulfilling career both financially and intellectually. 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 as: 

• Environmental Scientists & Specialists 
• Conservation Scientists & Foresters 
• Urban & Regional Planners 
• Zoologist 
• 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: 

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 up to date 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 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 liaison 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, newsletters, and its website that list, discuss, and analyze the latest innovations and protocols in environmental protection, conservation, renovation, and renewal.
2. The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) – (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 have the potential to 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 who share a passion for 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.