Program Overview

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE

The Master of Science in Sustainability Science program is designed for current and aspiring leaders who wish to help organizations understand the technical aspects of sustainability, including predicting and addressing environmental impacts. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in science, engineering, math, or related fields will benefit from a cutting-edge curriculum designed by the world’s top sustainability scientists. Graduates will be skilled in the practical application of scientific skills and tools to address the sustainability issues impacting everything from local environments to the global climate. Full- and part-time options are available for those with current professional obligations.

Program Overview

• The program is offered by Columbia’s School of Professional Studies in partnership with the Columbia Climate School, which includes Columbia’s Earth Institute and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and all their affiliated research centers and educational programs.
• The climate crisis is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, presenting challenges that are immense and urgent. In response, Columbia has created the Climate School to develop innovative education, support groundbreaking research, and foster essential solutions, from local to planetary in scale.

Curriculum

• The curriculum combines the study of management with classes in state-of-the-art sustainability practice and science.
• The program includes:
  • Area 1: Integrative Sustainability Science
  • Capstone Workshop
  • Area 2: Earth Observation and Measurement
  • Area 3: Environmental Analysis and Modeling
  • Area 4: Scientific Response Tools
  • Area 5: Sustainability Policy and Management

Research Areas

• The program focuses on the technical aspects of sustainability, including predicting and addressing environmental impacts.
• Research areas include:
  • Sustainability science
  • Earth science
  • Environmental analysis and modeling
  • Sustainability policy and management

Career Opportunities

• Graduates will be skilled in the practical application of scientific skills and tools to address the sustainability issues impacting everything from local environments to the global climate.
• Career opportunities include:
  • Sustainability management
  • Environmental consulting
  • Policy development and implementation
  • Research and development

Program Benefits

• Study with the top minds in the field at the world’s leading sustainability institution, with more sustainability experts and course options than at any other school.
• Flexible curriculum, part-time option, and evening classes to personalize your experience.
• Global alumni network with more than 3,000 environmental and sustainability professionals from various partner programs working at the world’s most influential organizations.
• Over 200 environmental and sustainability classes taught every year by the world’s best practitioners and researchers, more than any other university.