Program Overview

Master of Science in Sustainability Management and Policy (MSSMP)

The Master of Science in Sustainability Management and Policy (MSSMP) is a graduate degree program designed to meet the needs of a growing workforce in the field of sustainability. The program is offered by the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) at California State University, Long Beach.

Program Overview

The MSSMP program provides an interdisciplinary graduate degree that empowers students with in-demand technical, managerial, and problem-solving skills to guide the decision-making process in the context of sustainability. Students will engage with regional and national sustainability groups and collaborate with various professionals from a wide array of industries, government, non-government, and academic organizations to excel as active leaders in sustainability fields.

Program Details

• Program Unit Requirement: 36 units
• Required Core Courses:
  • SUST 601: Sustainability and Society
  • SUST 602: Sustainability Science
  • SUST 603: Sustainability Case Studies
  • SUST 604: Data Analytics and Sustainability
  • SUST 605: Sustainability and Organization Theory
  • SUST 606: Environmental Law, Policy, and Ethics
  • SUST 607: Decision-Making and Uncertainty
  • SUST 608: Benefit-Cost Analysis
  • SUST 609: Environmental Economics and Policy
  • SUST 610: Sustainability and Strategic Management
  • SUST 699A: Project Orientation and Support
  • SUST 699B: Applied Professional Project

Features and Benefits

• Technical, managerial, and problem-solving skills to guide decision-making in the context of sustainability
• A balance between theory and application of social, economic, environmental, business, and technical systems
• Mentorships with sustainability professionals
• A culminating capstone project within a professional setting that gives students real-world experience
• Evening courses

What You'll Learn

• How to define and apply sustainability principles and practices within professional responsibilities
• How the interaction of environmental, economic, and social values interact to foster or hinder sustainability and sustainable practices
• How to analyze and experience local, national, and global sustainability across disciplines
• How to apply sustainability principles within the context of personal and professional values
• How to develop proficiency with data collection, analysis, and representation on a range of sustainability-related topics

Topics Include

• Sustainability and Society
• Sustainability Science
• Sustainability Case Studies
• Data Analytics and Sustainability
• Sustainability and Organization Theory
• Environment, Law, Policy, and Ethics
• Decision-Making and Uncertainty
• Benefit-Cost Analysis
• Environmental Economics and Policy
• Sustainability and Strategic Management

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university that includes coursework in some of the following:
  • Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Environmental Science, or Engineering
  • Microeconomics
• Minimum grade point average of 2.75 in the last 60 semester units attempted, and in good standing at the last college attended
• A statement of purpose
• A recent resume
• Two letters of recommendation

How to Apply

To be admitted to the program, you must apply for admission using the California State University admissions portal. By applying online, you can start, stop, and save your application information throughout the process.

Professional Advisory Board

The Professional Advisory Board comprises distinguished sustainability professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the academic community. These leaders are dedicated to supporting students through mentorship, guidance, and a robust professional network.

Instructors

The program features a diverse range of instructors with expertise in various fields related to sustainability, including environmental science, economics, policy, and management.

Program Cost

• Cost per unit: $1,050
• Cost per 3-unit course: $3,150
• Total program cost: $37,800

Location

The program is offered on campus at California State University, Long Beach.

Application Period and Deadline

• Application Period: Fall 2026
• Application Deadline: April 1

Financial Aid

Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver. GI Bill benefits can be used for this program.