Sustainability Solutions, MSUS
Administration, Development, Environment, Future, Governance, Green, Interdisciplinary, International, NGO, Policy, Society, Sustainable, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, economic, nonprofit
Do you want to develop and implement solutions to critical sustainability problems and make a lasting difference? Learn more about sustainability, gain practical experience and stand out in today's competitive job market in a growing career field, where you can help create a sustainable future.
The Master of Sustainability Solutions program teaches students how to analyze and solve sustainability challenges in organizations and communities. Students learn how to apply sustainability principles and approaches. The focus is on developing solutions in concert with stakeholders.
Students in the MSUS program benefit from both flexibility and guidance in their course selection. They can choose from faculty-curated course lists, which highlight electives aligned with the employment sectors of MSUS alumni --- namely the private, public and nonprofit sectors. For those who are still exploring their options, recommended courses in sustainability analytics are available to help them prepare for careers across all sectors.
A distinguishing element of the program is its applied approach. Students begin the program with a foundation in sustainability frameworks and methods, then they take electives in an area of interest and ultimately use this knowledge to develop solutions to actual sustainability challenges in real time.
Final courses include learning how to manage sustainability projects. In the capstone experience, students team up with a company, a government agency or a nongovernmental organization to develop a practical sustainability solution. Carried out collaboratively in lieu of a thesis, the capstone provides practical experience that positions program graduates for today's competitive, knowledge- and skills-intensive job market.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor during or after their first semester of study. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum; students should speak with their academic advisor for more details.
This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with the following:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (SOS 593)
Required Core (6 credit hours)
SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3) or SOS 510 Perspectives on Sustainability (3)
SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions or SOS 511 Advanced Sustainability Problem Solving (3)
Other Requirements (15 credit hours)
SOS 582 Project Management for Sustainability (3)
competency mastery courses (6)
methods courses (6)
Focus Area Electives (6 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
SOS 593 Applied Project (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
MSUS students specialize in a focus area and take six credit hours of elective coursework related to that area with approval by their academic advisor.
For a list of approved courses that may fulfill the methods and competency mastery requirements, students should see the academic unit. No more than six credit hours of 400-level coursework can be included in the plan of study.
The Graduate College policies and procedures for fulfillment of degree requirements must also be met.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of intent
- three letters of recommendation
- resume or curriculum vitae
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Letters of recommendation must be from three people who can attest to the applicant's academic and professional achievements. At least one letter should be academic in nature.
The statement of intent should not exceed 600 words and should explain the goals the applicant intends to achieve through the plan of study, describe how the applicant's background will contribute to success in the program, explain how completion of the degree will support long-term career goals, and elaborate on project ideas the applicant wishes to pursue as part of the program of study.
In order to promote access, students may submit a GPA petition if they don't meet the 3.00 GPA requirement for admission. More information can be found on the School of Sustainability graduate admission website.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/01 | Final |
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
Professionals who understand how to solve difficult problems and work with and draw from different disciplines are in high demand across sectors and industries. Graduates of the MSUS program have the knowledge base and skill set needed to create sustainability solutions in a variety of sectors including business, education, nonprofit, governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Graduates are trained to help organizations approach differing values and perspectives in a collaborative way, understand and explore the complexity of systems, plan for various future scenarios and develop strategies for action.
From the School of Sustainability's 2022 alumni employment survey, 94% of master's degree program respondents are either employed or pursuing continuing education. Of those employed, 86% of respondents have jobs directly related to sustainability. Students can learn more about careers in sustainability and where MSUS graduates are now employed by visiting the School of Sustainability alumni employment data website.
Career examples include:
- chief sustainability officer
- environmental specialist
- industrial ecologist
- sustainability analyst
- sustainability consultant
- sustainability specialist
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 3rd floor
SustainabilityGrad@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
