Program Overview

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Global Sustainability Science, MS

The Master of Science program in global sustainability science is a two-year, collaborative degree program offered jointly by Arizona State University and Leuphana University of Luneburg, Germany. Students who participate in the program earn a MS in global sustainability science from ASU and a MS in global sustainability science from Leuphana University.

Program Description

Students from both universities collaborate throughout the program and spend one semester together at Leuphana in Luneburg as well as one semester together at ASU in Tempe, Arizona. The program culminates with a capstone project resulting in a publishable scientific journal article. Students have the opportunity to engage with sustainability problems and solutions in an international setting.

The program focuses on value-oriented and transformational aspects of sustainability, linking research with practical implementation of sustainability solutions. Project-based learning offers students opportunities to conduct their research on practical sustainability solutions in collaboration with stakeholders and professionals. In addition, the program facilitates intercultural collaboration, which prepares graduates for working in internationally operating institutions and organizations.

STEM-OPT for International Students

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.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

41 credit hours including the required capstone course (SOS 596)

• Required Core (17 credit hours)
  • SOS 510 Perspectives on Sustainability (3)
  • SOS 511 Advanced Sustainability Problem Solving (3)
  • SOS 525 Social-Ecological-Technical Systems (SETS): Domains and Interfaces (3)
  • SOS 557 Global Sustainability Research Preparation (1)
  • SOS 558 Global Sustainability Research Project (3)
  • SOS 559 Global Sustainability Science Perspectives Seminar (1)
  • SOS 581 Synthesis for Sustainability Research (3)
• Methods Elective (3 credit hours)
• Open Electives (15 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
  • SOS 596 Capstone: Scientific Paper (6)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• GPA requirement: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Application materials:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Letter of intent or written statement
  • Professional resume
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Global Opportunities

• Global degree: With a global degree program, students have the opportunity to receive their ASU degree in partnership with an international institution.

Career Opportunities

Completing a master's degree in global sustainability science can help graduates apply sustainable solutions for a diverse workforce both domestically and internationally. Graduates often enter doctoral studies immediately after completing this program.

• Career opportunities include:
  • Entrepreneur
  • Field director
  • Program manager
  • Sustainability analyst

Additional Information

ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.