Program Overview

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Sustainability Leadership, MSL

The Master of Sustainability Leadership (MSL) program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive high-impact, transformative sustainability results in their careers, companies, organizations, government agencies, or communities. Through this program, students learn about organizational leadership from sustainability experts, with a focus on sustainability.

Program Description

A sustainable future requires leaders who can integrate sustainability into existing institutions and new enterprises. The MSL program prepares professionals to advance social, economic, and environmental responsibility. The curriculum includes four synergistic thematic areas:

• Communications and change management
• Global context of sustainability
• Leadership for sustainability
• Sustainability and strategy

The program is designed and delivered by people who have worked in and with companies making sustainability transitions and who continue to be at the forefront of global sustainability leadership. Students can complete the program in one to three years.

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

The program requires 30 credit hours, including the required applied project course (EMS 593).

Required Core (21 credit hours)

• EMS 522 Mastering the Global Sustainability Context (3)
• EMS 523 Strategic Sustainability and Leadership (3)
• EMS 524 Sustainability Storytelling and Communications (3)
• EMS 525 Essentials for Transformative Leadership in Sustainability (3)
• EMS 589 MSL Capstone Project Preparation (3)
• SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3)
• SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)

Electives (6 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)

• EMS 593 Applied Project (3)

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

• U.S. applicants
• International applicants
• English proficiency

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.

• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• They should also have a minimum of three years of professional or organizational experience or equivalent.
• 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.

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.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: Online, 08/01, Final
• Spring:
  • Session A/C: Online, 12/15, Final

Global Opportunities

Study abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are equipped to drive high-impact sustainability results in organizations and communities. They advance their organizational leadership skills in a variety of sectors, including business, technology, science, education, and government. Typical career paths include:

• Business organization manager
• Chief executive officer
• Chief sustainability officer
• Consultant
• Director of strategic initiatives
• Sustainability analyst
• Sustainability coordinator
• Sustainability director
• Sustainability manager

Additional Information

The program includes opportunities for students to take electives related to their specific area of interest. Elective courses are offered that focus on organizational sustainability assessment, cities, climate, food systems, and other thematic areas. Students may choose to go on an approved study abroad trip to fulfill elective credits.