نظرة عامة على البرنامج

---

Introduction to the Sustainable Communities MS Degree Program

The Sustainable Communities MS degree program is designed to prepare students for diverse professional careers in promoting environmental protection and social responsibility. With a focus on sustainability, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the most pressing sustainability challenges.

Study Sustainable Communities at Michigan Tech

The program offers students the opportunity to join a global community of professionals and scholars engaged in research that drives solutions to address pressing societal, environmental, and resource sustainability challenges. Students develop hands-on skills through community projects and gain knowledge in policy analyses, law, community engagement, social data analysis, and methodological training in cultural and industrial heritage, built environments, social justice, and comparative perspectives on sustainability.

Program Curriculum

The Sustainable Communities curriculum gives students the opportunity to combine courses across multiple departments and programs on campus. Students can choose to earn two graduate certificates through their coursework. Many classes are built around transdisciplinary and innovative projects that address sustainability issues, including social and economic development, built environments and infrastructures, food, energy, and water systems, and community-driven change.

Gain Skills and Partner With Diverse Teams of Stakeholders

Students learn how to work with local stakeholders on the front lines of solving sustainability challenges. As a Sustainable Communities Master's student, you will join a community of sustainability leaders and researchers with expertise in:

• Climate change policy and commitments
• Community-based and participatory research methodologies
• Energy conservation and renewable energy policy
• Environmental and rural sociology theory and methods
• Environmental change and life course epidemiology
• Faith-based development practices and policies
• Human rights
• Public policy
• Renewable energy policy
• Resource economics
• Sense of place social movements and social change
• Urban environments and population health
• Watershed change and water quality

Receive Funding and Work With Partners

Most master's students in the Sustainable Communities MS program fund their own educational experience, using various sources such as work study, graduate research, student loans, Employer Education Benefits, fellowships, and grants. Michigan Tech partners with government and industry sponsors, offering real-world problems in need of solutions.

Application and Admission Requirements

Applications submitted to the SSSC MS program are considered on a rolling basis between January 16th and October 14th. However, only applications submitted between October 15th and January 15th for admission to enter the program in the following fall semester will be considered for the limited and competitive funding opportunities available through the Social Sciences Department.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free and fast. The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

• Have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
• Be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record

Program Specific Requirements

• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Résumé / Curriculum vitae
• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• Preferred majors: Any discipline
• GRE not required

International Students

• TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 79 iBT
• IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of at least 6.5

Program Requirements

The MS in Sustainable Communities requires:

• 27 credits of coursework within 3 categories:
  • Social Science Foundations: 9 credits
  • Applied Research and Inquiry Skills: 9 credits
  • Socio-ecological and socio-technological systems: 9 credits
• Report/Capstone: 3 credits
• Students will be limited to no more than one 4000-level course in each of the categories

Progressing Through the Program

Once admitted to the program, students will be expected to meet the following requirements:

• Complete 30 credits of coursework
• Students can complete this degree using a coursework only path or by completing a report; both options provide opportunities to work with faculty on projects and have the potential for engagement with internship experiences

Career Opportunities

Your future career options are limitless with an MS in Sustainable Communities. Some popular jobs graduates go into include:

• Social and Community Service Manager
• Administrative Services and Facilities Manager
• Urban and Regional Planner
• Sustainability Director

Salary and Projected Growth for Popular Jobs

Job	Mean Annual Salary	Projected Job Growth
Social and Community Service Manager	$86,100	8%
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager	$121,920	6%
Urban and Regional Planner	$89,730	4%
Sustainability Director	$120,217	Not available