Program Overview
Sustainability Solutions, MSUS
The Master of Sustainability Solutions program is designed to teach students how to analyze and solve sustainability challenges in organizations and communities. Students learn how to apply sustainability principles and approaches, with a focus on developing solutions in concert with stakeholders.
Program Description
The program benefits from both flexibility and guidance in course selection. Students 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 still exploring their options, recommended courses in sustainability analytics are available to help prepare for careers across all sectors.
A distinguishing element of the program is its applied approach. Students begin with a foundation in sustainability frameworks and methods, then 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, government agency, or nongovernmental organization to develop a practical sustainability solution.
STEM-OPT for International Students
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months, allowing international students to gain skills and experience in the U.S.
At a Glance
- College/School: College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT Extension Eligible: Yes
Concurrent Program Options
Students can choose to create their own concurrent degree combination to match their interests by working with their academic advisor. Some concurrent combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum. This degree is also offered as a concurrent program with:
- Legal Studies, MLS
- Mass Communication, MMC
- Public Administration, MPA
- Public Policy, MPP
- Urban and Environmental Planning, MUEP
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
- Sustainability, BA
- Sustainability, BS
Degree Requirements
- 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)
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of the first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program
- Official transcripts
- Statement of intent
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- 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.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: Session A/C, In Person, Deadline: 06/01, Final
Global Opportunities
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit.
Career Opportunities
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 various sectors, including business, education, nonprofit, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations. Career examples include:
- Chief Sustainability Officer
- Environmental Specialist
- Industrial Ecologist
- Sustainability Analyst
- Sustainability Consultant
- Sustainability Specialist
Additional Information
- The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to create sustainability solutions in a variety of sectors.
- 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.
