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Program Overview
Sustainability, MS
The Master of Science in Sustainability is a research-oriented degree program that culminates in writing either a thesis or publishable scientific paper. This program focuses on knowledge generation and investigating potential solutions to sustainability challenges, preparing students for designing and conducting transdisciplinary research.
Program Description
The Master of Science in sustainability is best suited to students inclined toward natural sciences, economics, engineering, or related quantitative fields and who are interested in a career in research or academia. Students learn how different disciplines view and approach the challenges of sustainability in theory, research, and practice. They develop academic and technical skills as well as the ethical insights that help them understand, research, and provide solutions to complex sustainability challenges at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
At a Glance
- College/school: College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
Degree Requirements
- 35 credit hours and a thesis, or
- 35 credit hours including the required capstone course (SOS 596)
- Required Core (14 credit hours)
- SOS 510 Perspectives on Sustainability (3)
- SOS 520 Research Design and Methods for Sustainability (3)
- SOS 525 Social-Ecological-Technical Systems: Domains and Interfaces (3)
- SOS 581 Synthesis for Sustainability Research (3)
- SOS 589 Community of Graduate Student Scholars (2)
- Electives (15 credit hours)
- methods (3)
- normative dimensions of sustainability (3)
- general electives (9)
- Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
- SOS 596 Capstone: Scientific Paper (6) or
- SOS 599 Thesis (6)
- Additional Curriculum Information
- SOS 589 is taken twice for two credit hours total.
- The taught-course element of the program is evaluated through course-specific examinations, research papers, or applied projects and is considered to have been successfully completed if the student obtains a GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher.
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements:
- All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
- Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
- Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- 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 in an applicable master's degree program.
- All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- 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 to find out which will work best for them.
Application Deadlines
- Fall:
- Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 12/15, Type: Final
Global Opportunities
Studying abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Career Opportunities
Professionals with expertise in sustainability frameworks, interdisciplinary research, and strong research skills are in high demand across industries, including business, academia, and government. Skills in critical thinking, teamwork, sustainability problem-solving, and research are valuable to businesses and institutions burdened by wicked sustainability problems.
- Career opportunities for graduates of this program include:
- chief sustainability officer
- energy analyst
- environmental economist
- industrial ecologist
- natural science manager
- operations consultant
- research associate
- sustainability specialist
- zero waste consultant
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. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
