The online sustainability master’s degree educates students to investigate the availability of resources, understand the importance of these resources and their usage, and implement sustainable solutions that best suit the protection, conservation, and utilization of the said resources. Graduates of the master’s in sustainability online find employment in the areas of environmental science and conservation. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Environmental Scientists and Specialists was $76,530 in 2021. This page will give details of the MSus degree, including specialization options, career prospects, ways in which the course may be funded, available scholarships, accreditation, and more.
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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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
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#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 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:
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.
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:
Of these, the predominant two degrees are:
The Master of Arts or MA in Sustainability Online (also known as MAS) is chosen by students inclined towards knowledge generation and designing new ways to address sustainability challenges. This type of degree requires a thesis or academic paper as a culminating submission and is geared toward students interested in the social sciences, such as humanities, the liberal arts, or related fields.
The Master of Science or MS in Sustainability Online is an inter-disciplinary and innovative program that provides students with knowledge that enables understanding of the complex relationship between environmental factors, natural systems, economic models, legal limits, policy protocols, and political and social challenges. This type of degree requires a thesis or academic paper as an end-of-program submission and is designed for students interested in the natural sciences, economics, engineering, or related fields.
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 |
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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 also 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 a variety of fields. |
A few more examples of specializations in sustainability include:
An online master’s in sustainability usually comprises 35 to 48 credits. The curriculum typically covers core courses as well as electives or specializations and follows an interdisciplinary approach to education with knowledge of sustainability 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:
A few other sustainability courses include but are not limited to:
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 of the fields relating to sustainability. These domains have become increasingly important in government, academia, and industry. Among the skills gained from the program, graduates will have the ability to:
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) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), 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:
More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
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 3 years to finish and graduate from their programs.
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:
**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, 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:
Course | Provided by | Description |
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Managing Responsibly: Practicing Sustainability, Responsibility, and Ethics | Coursera | This course is an integrative approach to sustainability, responsibility, and ethics. It empowers managers to deal competently with challenges. |
Systems Practice: Managing Sustainability | OpenLearn | This course introduces ways in which systems processes can help support decision-making amongst stakeholders with different, and usually contradicting, views on sustainable development to generate definite actions to empower change and reduce uncertainty. |
Supply Chain Sustainability | OpenLearn | Organizations need an efficient and effective supply chain for the context in which they operate. While enabling this, they need to consider issues of sustainability in their supply chain strategies. Sustainability concerns in the supply chain will cover environmental sustainability and also encompass social sustainability (ethics and wellbeing), financial sustainability, and network sustainability. |
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:
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 mustexercisecaution when theyapply and avail of scholarships, as there are numerous Scholarship Scams.
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 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.
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:
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
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 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
A master’s in sustainability educates students to investigate the availability of resources, understand the importance of these resources and their usage, and implement sustainable solutions that best suit the protection, conservation, and utilization of the said resources. Sustainability is essential to ensure a similar quality of life for future generations on the earth.
Yes, completing a master’s in sustainability online is possible. Several universities across the country offer entirely online or hybrid programs (combining offline and online classes). Some of the best schools for an online master’s in sustainability are listed on this page.
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:
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 | $63,750 | 7% (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 | $76,530 | 8% (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 | $78,500 | 7% (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 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:
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:
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