Do you want to drive high-impact, transformative sustainability results for your career, company, organization, government agency or community? You'll learn about organizational leadership from sustainability experts, through the lens of sustainability.
Program description
A sustainable future requires leaders who can integrate sustainability into existing institutions and new enterprises. A particular knowledge base and skill set are required to drive this kind of transformational change. Professionals with tools and skills learned in sustainability leadership specifically are in a prime position to establish sustainability practices in any type of organization.
In the Master of Sustainability Leadership program, professionals are prepared to advance social, economic and environmental responsibility. The program is designed and delivered by people who have worked in and with companies making sustainability transitions and who continue to be at the forefront of global sustainability leadership. Students can complete the program in one to three years.
The curriculum includes four synergistic thematic areas:
- communications and change management
- global context of sustainability
- leadership for sustainability
- sustainability and strategy
The program includes opportunities for students to take electives related to their specific area of interest. Elective courses are offered that focus on organizational sustainability assessment, cities, climate, food systems and other thematic areas. Students may choose to go on an approved study abroad trip to fulfill elective credits.
At a glance: program details
- Offered by: College of Global Futures
- Location: Online
Degree requirements
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (EMS 593)
Required Core (21 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)
EMS 589 MSL Capstone Project Preparation (3)
SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3)
SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)
Electives (6 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
EMS 593 Applied Project (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Elective courses must be at the 500 level or higher.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. They should also have a minimum of three years of professional or organizational experience or equivalent.
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. Applicants who have a GPA lower than 3.00 may submit a statement that describes contributing circumstances and reference personal experience to be considered for admission.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of intent
- resume or curriculum vitae
- 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.
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Career outlook
Graduates of this program are equipped to drive high-impact sustainability results in organizations and communities. They advance their organizational leadership skills in a variety of sectors, including business, technology, science, education and government. According to the School of Sustainability's 2022 alumni employment survey, 96% of master's degree program respondents are either employed or pursuing continuing education. Of those employed, 75% have jobs that are directly related to sustainability.
Typical career paths include:
- business organization manager
- chief executive officer
- chief sustainability officer
- consultant
- director of strategic initiatives
- sustainability analyst
- sustainability coordinator
- sustainability director
- sustainability manager
Global opportunities
Study 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.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students. Taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites include information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for funding for international research, study and professional development through ASU's Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement.
Attend online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form above and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.