Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sustainability

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The M.A. program in Sustainability addresses some of the most pressing concerns of the 21st century. Students learn innovative approaches to understand, research, and provide solutions to complex sustainability challenges. Although the graduate-degree programs emphasize the integration of a broad range of expertise in student training, the M.A. degree (vs. the M.S.) is best suited to students inclined towards social sciences, humanities, planning, and related fields.

Learning Outcomes

M.A. graduates will be able to think in a holistic way about different types of sustainability problems using a dynamic systems framework. They will have the technical skills to formulate and solve problems at the appropriate scale, and the breadth of vision to recognize the interconnectedness of coupled social and environmental systems. They will also be able to produce policy-relevant results. In addition to the common learning outcomes, M.A. students will be able to:

• Understand the concepts and methods of environmental economics, sociology, anthropology, environmental politics, ethics, design, and human geography relevant to the sustainability of environmental resources and social institutions.
• Lead others in applying these concepts and methods to developing sustainable institutions for water, land, air, and urban management at the local and global level.
• Evaluate the sustainability of environmental institutions, legal frameworks, property rights, and culture.
• Research particular problems in the sustainability of social institutions.

Careers

Graduates will be able to move on to a doctoral degree or gain employment in areas such as:

• Education
• Local, State, and Federal Government
• Intergovernmental Organizations
• International Nongovermental Organizations
• Consultancy
• Industry
• Utilities
• Regulatory Agencies

To explore career options in sustainability, visit the Careers section.