Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Science in Sustainability Science

The Master of Science in Sustainability Science (MS3) is a professional master's degree program that trains students for sustainability-focused careers in industry, academia, government, and the non-profit sector. The program is grounded in the philosophy that solving societal challenges requires a new generation of leaders who have an understanding of integrated sustainable thinking.

Program Overview

The Sustainability Science program is a one or two-year professional master's degree that features rigorous interdisciplinary academic training, practical career-based experience, and extensive professional development. The program is tailored to prepare students to be highly competitive in the green careers market place.

Key Components of the Program

• Entering students first build a common disciplinary foundation through core knowledge courses.
• They acquire breadth in environmental systems, urban and social systems, economics, and political science through electives.
• Next, students develop specialization in one of five areas:
  • Urban Sustainability
  • Renewable Energy and Efficient Design
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
  • Water Sustainability and Climate Change
  • Environmental Quality
• The program culminates with a 4-credit practicum where students apply their educational training in a real-world professional setting.

Program Outcomes

Students graduate with:

1. A systems thinking approach to understanding the interrelated scientific, social, economic, and political underpinnings of sustainability challenges.
2. Critical thinking and communications skills.
3. Real-world pragmatic training and field experiences.
4. A network of peers and colleagues who are committed to each other's success.

Sustainability at UMass Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to advancing a culture of sustainability where sustainable practices are implemented within all aspects of campus operations. The campus serves as a living laboratory for engaging in sustainable solutions, providing students and faculty with the opportunity to work across organizational silos and act as a resource for sustainability initiatives.

Department and University Context

The Master of Science in Sustainability Science is housed within the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the flagship public university of Massachusetts. This positioning allows students to be part of a thriving intellectual community dedicated to sustainability, with access to a wide range of academic opportunities in the environmental, natural, and social sciences through the School of Earth and Sustainability (SES).