Program Overview

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Sustainability Leadership - Executive, EMSL

The Sustainability Leadership - Executive, EMSL program is designed for experienced working professionals who aim to drive high-impact, transformative sustainability results for their company, organization, government agency, community, or career. This program focuses on organizational leadership through the lens of sustainability, providing professionals with the tools and skills necessary to establish sustainability practices in any type of organization.

Program Description

A sustainable future requires leaders who can integrate sustainability into existing institutions and new enterprises. The Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership program prepares professionals to advance social, economic, and environmental responsibility. The program is designed to be completed in 12 continuous months and is created and delivered by people who have worked in and with companies making sustainability transitions and those who continue to be on the forefront of global sustainability leadership.

The curriculum includes coursework in the following synergistic thematic areas:

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

The program also includes opportunities for students to add elective coursework related to their specific area of interest. In addition to the coursework, students also have monthly individual coaching sessions with program faculty to help with career planning and professional development.

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 capstone courses (EMS 515 and EMS 516).

• Required Core (18 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)
  • SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3)
  • SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)
• Electives (6 credit hours)
• Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
  • EMS 515 EMSL Capstone Course I (3)
  • EMS 516 EMSL Capstone Course II (3)

Additional Curriculum Information

Students are encouraged to attend one in-person session in a major metropolitan city in the United States. Students who cannot attend should contact the college for an alternative option. Elective courses must be at the 500 level or above.

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 degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
• 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.

All applicants must submit:

1. Graduate admission application and application fee
2. Official transcripts
3. Personal statement
4. Resume or curriculum vitae
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. Proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants to the program should be interested in and passionate about advancing sustainability in their organizations, either directly or indirectly. Successful candidates are expected to draw from and apply solutions to actual professional challenges and opportunities.

Because this is an executive master's degree for experienced professionals, work and life experience may be taken into account in lieu of additional coursework from past bachelor's degree program experience. Applicants with GPAs lower than 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") may be admitted on a provisional status. Applicants should contact the program for more details if their GPA falls below the 3.00 requirement.

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 offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: Online, 08/01, Final
  • Session A/C: Online, 06/01, Priority

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program advance their leadership skills with practical, actionable tools and can accelerate sustainability throughout their organizations. An EMSL degree enhances career opportunities in a variety of sectors, including business, technology, science, education, and government.

Typical careers include:

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

Conclusion

The Sustainability Leadership - Executive, EMSL program at Arizona State University is designed to equip experienced professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to drive high-impact, transformative sustainability results in their organizations. With its comprehensive curriculum, flexible online format, and focus on practical application, this program is ideal for those seeking to advance their careers in sustainability leadership.