Graduate Admissions FAQs
Thank you for your interest in a graduate degree or certificate in the School of Sustainability.
The General frequently asked questions (FAQs) page includes answers that apply to all degrees and certificates. Each degree and certificate also has a separate page with FAQs specific to that degree or certificate. Make sure to review both the general and degree/certificate specific FAQs pages.
General FAQs
The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) apply to all School of Sustainability graduate degree programs and certificates. Make sure to also review the FAQs of the degree program or certificate you are interested in.
The School of Sustainability (SOS) offers the following online programs:
- Sustainability Leadership – Executive, EMSL
- Sustainability Leadership, MSL
- Sustainable Food Systems, MS
In addition, SOS offers the following online certificates:
- Sustainability
- Sustainability and Enterprise
- Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership
Yes, as an international student you need to provide proof of English proficiency. Please visit the admissions website for detailed information.
You can visit the Graduate Student Admissions page to find information about application fees (scroll down to step 2).
At the end of the application, you will be able to enter credit card information to pay the application fee. If you do not have a credit card, you can purchase a pre-paid credit card to use for this purpose.
No, you will not be able to make changes to your application and you will not be able to upload transcripts or replace documents with a newer version after you have submitted it. To provide a transcript to ASU after you have submitted your application, please follow the instructions on the ASU Admissions website. You can change recommenders or update your recommenders’ email on your My ASU page by clicking on Manage Recommenders, 7 days after you have submitted your application. Thereafter, you can make 1 change per week.
You can send an email to [email protected] or fill out a Contact Form here.
If you are interested in an online program, you should contact the ASU Online enrollment center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 866-277-6589.
Master of Sustainability Solutions, MSUS
General information
The link to schedule an appointment can be found on the School of Sustainability graduate booking page. Under select service, choose ‘Admission: MSUS and MSUS 4+1’ to their availability. In the additional information section, you can choose a phone or online (Zoom) appointment.
MSUS students complete a team-based capstone project and MA/MS students complete a research-based thesis. MSUS students collaborate with organizations outside the university, from corporations to nonprofits to city government, to complete and present an original project. The capstone showcases the student’s applied knowledge in sustainability. Courses are focused on applying sustainability solutions and project management. The MA and MS programs are focused on research and the core courses help students prepare to do independent research.
The School of Sustainability only admits students to the MSUS for fall. This allows all new students to start at the same time. Most students then take the same core courses together.
You can view step-by-step videos on the Graduate Admissions website.
Clearly articulate your interests and career goals in sustainability. Be sure to answer all questions of the personal statement prompt. Choose recommenders who can speak to your capability to complete graduate work and your ability to work with others in a group setting. It is advised that applicants have at least one academic reference. Be sure to give your recommender everything they need to write you a good letter (i.e., resume, statement of intent, transcript, and remind professors what class you were in and the semester you took it).
Yes, you can complete a certificate while working on a master’s degree. You can share credits between the master’s and the certificate for the time you are enrolled concurrently. If the certificate has a culminating experience (ex. a capstone, applied project), then this cannot be shared with the master’s program. In some cases, completing a certificate can add to the time needed to complete both programs
In the capstone experience, students team up with a company, government agency, or non-governmental organization to develop a real-world solution to a sustainability problem.
Carried out collaboratively in lieu of a thesis, the capstone provides practical experience positioning graduates for today’s competitive, knowledge- and skill-intensive job market. Here are the links to the project briefs for 2022-2023, project briefs for 2021-2022, and project inventory for spring 2024, which will give you a sense of the scope and type of projects.
Financial information
The School of Sustainability offers graduate scholarships and grants and the university has other funding opportunities.
The Darnall Sustainability Scholarship is designed only for MSUS students. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is March 1, the same deadline as the MSUS application.
Many Sustainability students obtain employment at ASU, including staff positions, GSA (grading positions without tuition remission or benefits), and student worker positions. In the past, MSUS students have found jobs that also provide valuable experience in sustainability. For example, we’ve had students work for ASU’s Walton Sustainability Solutions and ASU’s University Sustainability Practices, Sustainable Cities Network and Greenlight Solutions Foundation. Positions are advertised as they become available on ASU’s job boards, under staff opportunities. The Graduate Support Staff regularly send newsletters with updates about potential job opportunities that are specific to Sustainability students.
ASU staff members who work at least 20 hours per week are benefits-eligible; one benefit is the tuition reduction program.
Application
Specific requirements for the MSUS Application can be found on our School of Sustainability admissions page. The deadline for complete applications is March 1st. Applications may be accepted after the deadline as space permits.
Global Sustainability Science, MS
This program is currently not accepting applications. There are currently no plans to reactivate this program.
Sustainability Leadership, MSL
General information
Class sizes are between 30-100 students, depending on the course. At any given time, there are 130-200 students enrolled in the program.
On average, it takes 4-5 semesters to complete the program. It can sometimes be completed in 3 semesters (one year).
- Individuals who have at least 3 years of professional experience and seek additional skills and knowledge in sustainability and leadership to advance their work and their careers would benefit from the MSL program. Applicants with less than 3 years of work experience are also encouraged to apply.
- Students are diverse with varying ages (ages range from mid-20s to mid-60s), occupations, educational credentials, leadership experience, etc.
- Most students do not have a background in sustainability.
- We admit students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The bachelor’s degree does not have to be in sustainability or related to sustainability.
- In addition, there are no particular courses that students need to have taken in their undergraduate degree to gain admissions into the MSL.
Students in the MSL program have access to the School of Sustainability’s Career Services. Typical career paths include:
- Consultant
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Sustainability Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- Sustainability Director
- Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
- Business Optimization Manager
- Training Manager
Please visit the Admissions website to find out when to apply.
Ensure you work with an Enrollment Coach prior to applying. You can connect with an Enrollment Coach, by calling 866-277-6589 or emailing [email protected].
No. Applicants need to submit a separate application for each program they are interested in. You can submit multiple applications for the same semester with just one application fee.
The MSL application will not be used to evaluate admission into other programs at ASU or SOS. Applicants should work with their Enrollment Coach on other options if they are denied admission. You can connect with an Enrollment Coach, by calling 866-277-6589 or emailing [email protected].
Financial information
There are also no dedicated scholarships for MSL students. While there are no dedicated scholarships for MSL, you may complete a scholarship search on the ASU scholarship website.. In addition, students may search for outside scholarships on websites such as www.fastweb.com.
Yes, you should connect with an Enrollment Coach, by calling 866-277-6589 or emailing [email protected]. Additionally, for a comparison between MSL and EMSL, visit our comparison page.
Application
The application deadline for the fall semester is August 1. For the spring semester it is December 15.
All materials such as transcripts and test scores (English proficiency, if required) must be viewable to the school by the application deadline. It may take up to 48 hours to view materials that are uploaded in the application. It may take up to 10 business days to view materials submitted by mail or courier service.
We recommend applicants submit the application and supporting materials at least one month prior to the deadline to allow sufficient processing time.
If an applicant’s file is complete only after the application deadline, then the application will be considered for the next available semester.
Students applying to an online program should visit the ASU Online website and consult with an Enrollment Coach by emailing [email protected] or calling 866-277-6589.
- Transcripts: combine all your transcripts into one PDF and upload them under the name of the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Make sure to include the transcript of your bachelor’s degree. Without it, your application cannot be processed.
- A Statement of Intent. All MSL applicants are required to provide personal statements in response to four questions. Applicants must answer these questions in approximately 300-500 words per question:
- Sustainability explores ways to improve human well-being globally without threatening earth’s life supporting systems. In your own words, explain why sustainability is important to you.
- The Master of Sustainability Leadership is designed to prepare decision-makers for the challenges ahead. Describe a time in which you demonstrated leadership to enact positive change.
- How do you plan to apply the lessons you learn from this degree in the short-term and long-term?
- How have you prepared to manage and accommodate family/work/school life balance while completing this program in two years?
- If low GPA is a question, then it is appropriate to include any circumstances that contributed to the low GPA at the end of the Statement of Intent.
- Resume or CV (3 years of professional work experience is preferred, but not required)
Executive Master in Sustainability Leadership, EMSL
General information
No. However, there is an annual immersive workshop in a major metropolitan US city during the spring break, from Sunday evening through Friday evening.
It takes 12 months to complete the program. All students must complete the program in 12 months. It cannot be done part-time.
- Individuals who have at least 5 years of professional experience and seek additional skills and knowledge in sustainability and leadership to advance their work and their careers would benefit from the EMSL program. Applicants with less than 5 years of work experience are encouraged to apply to the Master’s in Sustainable Leadership.
- Cohorts are diverse with varying ages (ages range from mid-20s to mid-60s), occupations, educational credentials, leadership experience, etc.
- Most students do not have a background in sustainability.
- We admit students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The bachelor’s degree does not have to be in sustainability or related to sustainability.
- In addition, there are no particular courses that students need to have taken in their undergraduate degree to gain admissions into EMSL.
Students in the EMSL program have access to the School of Sustainability’s Career Services. Typical career paths include:
- Consultant
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Sustainability Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- Sustainability Director
- Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
- Business Optimization Manager
- Training Manager
Please visit the Admissions website to find out when to apply.
Ensure you work with an Enrollment Coach prior to applying. You can connect with an Enrollment Coach, by calling 866-277-6589 or emailing [email protected].
Financial information
No, there are no TA/RA positions available for online students. There are also no dedicated scholarships for EMSL students. However, you may complete a scholarship search on the ASU scholarship website. In addition, students may search for outside scholarships on websites such as www.fastweb.com.
Yes, you should connect with an Enrollment Coach, by calling 866-277-6589 or emailing [email protected]. Additionally, for a comparison between MSL and EMSL, visit our comparison page.
Application
The application deadline is August 1.
All materials such as transcripts and test scores (English proficiency, if required) must be viewable to the school by the application deadline. It may take up to 48 hours to view materials that are uploaded in the application. It may take up to 10 business days to view materials submitted by mail or courier service.
We recommend applicants submit the application and supporting materials at least one month prior to the deadline to allow sufficient processing time.
If an applicant’s file is complete only after August 1, then the School of Sustainability will contact the applicant to ask if they would like to be considered for the Master’s in Sustainable Leadership for the following spring.
Students applying to an online program should visit the ASU Online website and consult with an Enrollment Coach by emailing [email protected] or calling 866-277-6589.
- Transcripts: combine all your transcripts into one PDF and upload them under the name of the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Make sure to include the transcript of your bachelor’s degree. Without it, your application cannot be processed.
- A Personal Statement. All EMSL applicants are required to provide personal statements in response to four questions. Applicants must answer the following questions in approximately 300-500 words per question:
- At this stage in your career, what are you passionate about?
- What unique experiences and qualities will you bring to the EMSL program?
- What are your intended objectives for the EMSL program and how will completion of the EMSL program support your long-term career goals?
- Please provide any additional information you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee.
- (Optional); If low GPA is a question, then it is appropriate to include any circumstances that contributed to the low GPA as an answer to this question.
- Resume or CV
- Since this is an executive program, the ideal candidate has at least 5 years of work experience. If you have less work experience, you are encouraged to consider the MSL program instead.
- Letters of Recommendation: 2 letters are required.
- You should decide on two professional or academic individuals who can answer questions about your personal qualities, professional success, career aspirations and ability to succeed in the EMSL program.
- References will have a choice to either upload a letter saved in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF or to answer several questions. They may also choose to do both (submit a letter and answer the questions).
The goal is to decide within two weeks of an application being complete. If an applicant is currently enrolled in graduate courses at ASU, an admissions decision will be delayed until all grades are final. This is because all graduate level courses (500 and higher) taken at ASU prior to starting a graduate program will count in the overall GPA. The School of Sustainability needs to ensure that students do not start the EMSL program on academic probation.
Sustainable Food Systems, MS
General information
The MS program includes the curriculum of the graduate certificate in food policy and sustainability leadership plus an additional year to learn more about the field of sustainability and tackle an individual capstone research project.
Yes, you may start in the certificate if you are unsure if you want to pursue the master’s degree. At any point while completing the certificate, you can apply to the master’s degree, which always starts in the fall semester. All 15-credits from the certificate will be transferable into the masters.
The program is cohort-based, meaning students take classes in a specific sequence with the same classmates. Classes that are offered earlier in the program lay a foundation for future courses. It allows you to take advantage of networking opportunities. It is not possible to begin this program in spring or summer.
Financial information
The USDA NextGen program provides ASU students up to $7,500 per semester in scholarship support within the sustainable food system degree programs in the College of Global Futures. Students from traditionally underrepresented populations and first-gen college students are especially encouraged to apply.
Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems or a Graduate Certificate in Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership are eligible for the UDSA NextGen scholarship. After acceptance into either grad program, students will potentially be contacted with an offer to receive the USDA NextGen scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required.
Learn more about the USDA NexGen Scholarship here.
The School of Sustainability offers graduate scholarships and grants and the university has other funding opportunities.
Application
You do not need food policy experience to apply. Applicants are accepted from a wide range of backgrounds and professional roles such as dieticians, chefs, farmers, non-profit professionals, policymakers, and more. Past cohort bios can be found here.
This program focuses on US food production and US food policy. Students can apply these lessons in other countries, but the examples, case materials, and other materials will be rooted in US policy. This program may not be a good fit for international students.
You should apply using the ASU Graduate Application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The final deadline to apply is 4 weeks before the start of the fall term. Any applications received after this deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, if space in the program allows.
If you wish to be considered for scholarship funding, you should apply by the scholarship deadline which is in early April. Please refer to information about the USDA NextGen scholarship here.
You should contact the ASU Online Enrollment Center at [email protected] or by phone at 866-277-6589.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the faculty committee. You will generally be notified within two weeks of your complete application being on file. The admissions decision notification comes from the school at the following email: [email protected].
Accelerated Master of Sustainability Solutions
General information
The accelerated MSUS program allows you to complete your bachelor’s and master’s program in 5 years, instead of 6, by giving you the opportunity to share up to 12 credits between the two programs.
Students accepted into the accelerated master’s program share 12 credits of designated 500-level coursework with their bachelor’s requirements during their senior year (or equivalent). This allows the student to complete the master’s in one year after completing their bachelor’s.
The School of Sustainability offers the following joint accelerated programs designed to enable highly qualified undergraduate sustainability majors to earn a Master of Sustainability Solutions degree in one additional year:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability (BA) / Master of Sustainability Solutions (MSUS)
- Bachelor of Science in Sustainability (BS) / Master of Sustainability Solutions (MSUS)
More information on the application process can be found on the on the Master of Sustainability Solutions Accelerated Master’s Program (4+1) page.
If you would like to talk to a graduate coordinator about the program, you can schedule an admission appointment to talk with the MSUS Program Coordinator. The link to schedule an appointment can be found on the School of Sustainability graduate booking page. Under select service, choose ‘Admission: MSUS and MSUS 4+1’ to their availability. In the additional information section, you can choose a phone or online (Zoom) appointment.
If you are currently enrolled in the BA or BS degree programs in the School of Sustainability, you may be eligible. More information on eligibility can be found on the on the Master of Sustainability Solutions Accelerated Master’s Program (4+1) page.
This program is not available to those enrolled in the ASU Online BA or BS in Sustainability; it is offered on Tempe campus only.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for the accelerated master’s and would like to find out, please consult your undergraduate advisor.
Shared bachelor’s/master’s coursework taken in your senior year (or equivalent) includes the following graduate courses:
Fall Semester
SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (register for the section reserved for MSUS students)
SOS 511 Advanced Sustainability Problem Solving
Spring Semester
SOS 582 Project Management
One methods or competency mastery course
The link to schedule an appointment with the graduate advisor can be found on the School of Sustainability graduate booking page. Under select service, choose ‘Admission: MSUS and MSUS 4+1’ to see the advisor’s availability. In the additional information section, you can choose a phone or online (Zoom) appointment.
More information on the application process can be found on the on the Master of Sustainability Solutions Accelerated Master’s Program (4+1) page.
Financial information
MSUS students are not typically awarded TA or RA from the School of Sustainability upon admission. There is no application for incoming students.
The School of Sustainability offers graduate scholarships and grants and the university has other funding opportunities.
There is one scholarship offered to incoming MSUS students, which is the Darnall Sustainability Scholarship, the application has a deadline date of March 1. More information on College of Global Futures scholarships can be found on the CGF Financial Support page.
Many Sustainability students are successful in obtaining employment at ASU as staff, GSAs (graders), and student workers. Staff members who work at least 20 hours per week are eligible for benefits including tuition remission.
In the past, MSUS students have found jobs that also provide valuable experience in sustainability. For example, we’ve had students work for ASU’s Walton Sustainability Solutions and ASU’s University Sustainability Practices, Sustainable Cities Network and Greenlight Solutions Foundation. Positions are advertised as they become available on ASU’s job boards, under staff opportunities. The Graduate Support Staff regularly send newsletters with updates about potential job opportunities that are specific to Sustainability students.
You will be charged the undergraduate tuition rate for the graduate courses. Tuition depends on residency status and number of credit hours, but you can find the estimated cost of tuition using ASU’s Tuition Estimator.
Students can estimate tuition charges and fees using this tool. Select College of Global Futures as your college. MSUS students will choose ‘Sustainability Solutions, MSUS admitted summer 2022 or later’ under Academic programs with undergraduate college fee, differential or program tuition. MSUS students enroll in 9 credits for fall and spring semesters.
Students can use their New American University Scholarship for the shared graduate coursework during their senior year, or for eight total semesters, provided they remain eligible. For a student to remain eligible for their New American University Scholarship, they must be admitted and enrolled full time in an ASU immersion graduate degree program (online degree programs not eligible) immediately following their undergraduate degree completion.. More information can be found on the New American University Merit Award Commitment page.
Questions about other grants or scholarships should be directed to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services office at 855-278-5080.
Application
More information on the application process can be found on the Master of Sustainability Solutions Accelerated Master’s Program (4+1) page.
The accelerated master’s application is a two-phase process. You must first be approved to begin the accelerated master’s program. The approval process begins with phase 1, the School of Sustainability approval application, due March 1st of your junior year (or equivalent). Approval is needed to begin taking graduate classes during your senior year (or equivalent). Phase 1 is considered provisional admittance to the accelerated master’s program. To be fully admitted, students must also complete phase 2 of the application process.
Phase 2 is completed in the fall of your senior year (or equivalent). Students previously approved to begin the accelerated master’s program must apply for graduate admission to the MSUS program using the ASU Graduate Application. The ASU Graduate Application and all related materials are due by March 1st. Admission to the accelerated master’s is required to begin graduate classes the following fall, after completion of the bachelor’s degree. More information can be found on the School of Sustainability admissions page.
You need to clearly articulate your interests and career goals in sustainability. Be sure to answer all questions of the personal statement prompt. Your recommendation must be from a School of Sustainability Faculty member, and they should be able to speak to your capability for graduate work and your ability to work with others in a group setting. Be sure to give your recommender everything they need to write you a good letter (i.e., resume, statement of intent, transcript, and remind them what class you were in and the semester you took it).
The School of Sustainability only admits students to the MSUS accelerated master’s for fall. However, those who have applied to phase 1 and were approved to begin taking graduate courses in fall, but have one semester of bachelor’s coursework remaining, may be admitted for a spring semester start for phase 2 (admission to the MSUS graduate program). To make this exception, students must submit an approved curriculum plan for the spring semester as a part of the School of Sustainability application (phase 1) and meet with the graduate advisor prior to submitting the application for spring admission.
Accelerated MS in Sustainable Food Systems
General information
The accelerated program is designed to enable highly qualified undergraduate majors to earn a MS sustainable food systems degree in four additional semesters after their bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate students currently enrolled in the online BS in Sustainable Food Systems may be eligible to apply for the accelerated MS in Sustainable Food Systems. Students can read more about their eligibility on the program website here. Students who do not meet the criteria for the accelerated program may still apply to the MS SFS program through the standard process as they near completion of their undergraduate program.
Students should reach out to their undergraduate academic advisor to determine their eligibility for the program. Students can schedule advising appointments here.
Financial information
The USDA NextGen program provides ASU students up to $7,500 per semester in scholarship support within the sustainable food system degree programs in the College of Global Futures. Students from traditionally underrepresented populations and first-gen college students are especially encouraged to apply.
Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems or Graduate Certificate in Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership are eligible for the UDSA NextGen scholarship. After acceptance into either grad program, students will potentially be contacted with an offer to receive the USDA NextGen scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required.
Learn more about the USDA NexGen Scholarship here.
Application
The accelerated master’s application is a two-phase process. Students must first be approved to begin the accelerated master’s program. The approval process begins with phase 1, the School of Sustainability approval application, due March 1st of your junior year (or equivalent). Approval is needed to begin taking graduate classes during your senior year (or equivalent). Phase 1 is considered provisional admittance to the accelerated master’s program. To be fully admitted, you must also complete phase 2 of the application process.
Phase 2 is completed in the fall of your senior year (or equivalent). Students previously approved to begin the accelerated master’s program must apply for graduate admission to the MS in Sustainable Food Systems using the ASU Graduate Application. The ASU Graduate Application and all related materials are due by April 1st. Admission to the accelerated master’s is required to begin graduate classes the following fall, after completion of the bachelor’s degree. More information can be found on the School of Sustainability admissions page.
Yes, you will need to provide the names and emails of two recommenders when you apply to the master’s program.
Yes, students previously approved to begin the accelerated master’s must apply for graduate admission to the MS SFS program using the ASU Graduate Application no later than April 1st of their senior year. The application opens on September 1 of the previous year.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once the application is complete. Students will be notified of their admission decision from the school at the following email: [email protected].
Sustainability PhD and Sustainable Energy PhD, FAQ
General information
Students in the PhD in Sustainable Energy focus specifically on research and solutions that guide society toward a sustainable energy future.
Students enrolled in the PhD in Sustainability complete research in a variety of fields including heat, water, climate change, transportation, international development, policy and governance, institutions and social change, behavioral change and education, etc.
Completing a PhD program is a rigorous endeavor, which requires much time and dedication. In our experience, students who have been employed full-time have usually not been successful in completing the program. We therefore discourage students from being employed full-time.
Students who are admitted without a recognized master’s degree usually take 5-6 years to complete the program. Students who are admitted with a recognized master’s degree usually take 4-5 years to complete the program.
The School of Sustainability only admits students to the PhD programs for fall. This allows all new students to start at the same time. Most students then take the same core courses together.
The best way to make your application stand out is to clearly articulate your research interests and how our program is a strong fit for you. We look not only at grades and recommendations, but at how a student will fit into our program and be supported by faculty. Can we support you in meeting your goals? Be very clear in your application that we are a good match for you. In addition, we want excellent, specific recommendations that speak to your ability to do the work you aim to do in our program and beyond.
Financial information
The School of Sustainability only admits applicants if we can offer financial funding in the form of a Teacher Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) position (unless they do not require such funding). This covers tuition, health insurance and a stipend. These positions only cover the fall and spring semesters. Summer is not included. In return, as a TA/RA, a student is required to work for 20 hours per week.
The School of Sustainability offers graduate scholarships and grants and the university has other funding opportunities.
Application
Yes, you should use the SOS Faculty website to find faculty who specialize in the topic you want to research. You then contact the faculty on that list to express your interest in applying to the program
First, it is important to be specific about your research question and why you think that the faculty member is a good fit to guide you in that research. You should personalize each message for the person to whom you send it. They are more likely to respond if the connection to your research goals is clear and they know that you have done the necessary work to identify why they are a good fit for the topic.
Second, you should ensure that your email is respectful and professional. Address them as Dr. or Prof. and sign off with your name and contact information. You can draft your message in Word to check your spelling and grammar before sending it or ask a friend to review it.
And finally, remember that they are very busy, so keep your message brief. Introduce yourself, tell them to which degree you intend to apply, give a brief summary of your research question and methodology and attach your CV. Explain what you want – would you like follow-up via email? Do you want to schedule a Zoom call? And make it easy for them to reply. For example, if you say, “I am available most mornings, Arizona time,” they can suggest a morning when they are also available.
You can view step-by-step videos on the Graduate Admissions website.
The application deadline is December 15 for the fall semester of the following year. By this deadline, you need to have a complete application on file, including your transcripts, resume or CV, Statement of Intent, 3 Letters of Recommendation, and proof of English proficiency, if applicable.
We recommend applying no later than November 15, so there is time to have a complete application on file by December 15. We suggest this because you must submit your completed application before your recommenders will be contacted and because it gives time for any documents you mail to be added to your application by Admission Services.
Yes, in your application you will need to provide the names and email addresses of 3 recommenders who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least two recommendations should come from people who know your academic abilities. The recommenders will be contacted electronically to submit their recommendations.
Energy and Sustainability, Graduate Certificate
General information
The Energy and Sustainability Certificate is offered on campus only. The courses are mostly offered on the Tempe campus.
This graduate certificate can be taken on its own or added to any graduate degree at ASU. However, given the availability of the courses, it may not be the best choice if you wish to enroll in only this certificate. Most of the certificate classes are offered during the day and only once a year.
International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the USA on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
Financial information
Your residency status and number of credit hours will impact your tuition. You can calculate it using ASU’s Tuition Estimator. Be sure to select the Tempe campus. Select ‘College of Global Futures’ on the drop down for My College in the ‘My College’ menu. There are no additional fees for courses in this certificate.
Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring semester. It’s recommended that applicants submit a completed application at least one month prior to the semester beginning.
Application requirements are listed on the program page of our website.
The application requires a personal statement using the following prompt: In no more than 500 words, applicants must explain the goals they intend to achieve by earning the graduate certificate in energy and sustainability. Applicants should elaborate on key research questions they wish to address in their program and explain how completion of the certificate will support their long-term research and career goals.
After applying for the certificate, please notify the School of Sustainability Graduate Admissions advisor at [email protected] to ensure timely application review.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will likely be notified of your admission within a few weeks of having a complete application on file (all transcripts and recommendations are received).
You will receive correspondence about your admissions decision from the school. The email generally comes from [email protected].
Environmental and Sustainability Economics, Graduate Certificate
General information
The Environmental and Sustainability Economics certificate is offered on campus only. To pursue this certificate, students must be concurrently enrolled in a graduate degree-granting program.
Prospective students for this certificate include current master’s and doctoral students in fields with a sustainability, environmental science, or policy focus — including sustainability, public affairs, biology, environmental social science, applied mathematics and agribusiness — in which training in environmental and resource economics may be complementary to research interests or career development.
International students who need an F1 or J1 visa need to apply to and be admitted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the USA on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
In addition to the core courses, students choose one elective course in each of the following categories: microeconomic theory, statistical and econometric modeling, environmental and resource economics, and modeling and empirical methods.
These are the pre-approved courses for each elective area:
Choose Microeconomic theory:
- SOS 598: Microeconomics of Behavior
- AGB 701: Advanced Agribusiness I
- ECN 510: Microeconomic Theory and Applications
- PAF 504: Microeconomics for Public Policy I
Statistical and economic modeling:
- SOS 540: Statistical Modeling for Sustainability
- AGB 702: Advanced Agribusiness II: Applied Econometrics
- ECN 725: Econometrics
- PAF 573: Applied Econometrics
Environmental and resource economics:
- ECN 791: Topics in Environmental Economics
- ESS 513: Institutions
- PUP 642: Urban Economics
- SOS 591: Collective Action and the Commons
- SOS 598: The Economics of Water
Modeling and empirical methods:
- ECN 726: Econometrics II
- AGB 703: Advanced Agribusiness III: Advanced Empirical Models
- SOS 591: Modeling with Game Theory
- SOS 591: Agent Based Modeling for Sustainability
- SOS 591: Dynamic Modeling of Social and Ecological Systems
- SOS 574: Data Analytics for Sustainable Energy
Financial information
Your choice of campus, residency status and number of credit hours will impact your tuition. You can calculate it using ASU’s Tuition Estimator. Be sure to select which campus you plan to attend (this certificate is not available online and most of the courses are offered on the Tempe campus). Select ‘College of Global Futures’ on the drop down for My College. in the ‘My College’ menu. There are no additional fees for the courses in this certificate.
Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring semester. It’s recommended that applicants submit a completed application at least one month prior to the semester beginning.
Application requirements are listed on the program page of our website.
The application requires a personal statement using the following prompt: In no more than 600 words, applicants must explain the goals they intend to achieve by earning the graduate certificate in environmental and sustainability economics. Applicants should elaborate on key research questions they wish to address in their program and explain how completion of the degree will support their long-term research and career goals.
There is no prerequisite coursework; however, it is strongly recommended that students have at least one semester of calculus or the equivalent such as MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences, MAT 265 Calculus for Engineers or SOS 211 Calculus and Probability.
After applying for the certificate, please notify the School of Sustainability Graduate Admissions advisor at [email protected] to ensure timely application review.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your admission typically within a few weeks of having a complete application on file.
After applying for the certificate, please notify the School of Sustainability Graduate Admissions advisor at [email protected] to ensure timely application review.
Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership, Graduate Certificate
General information
The MS program includes the curriculum of the graduate certificate in food policy and sustainability leadership plus an additional year to learn more about the field of sustainability and tackle an individual capstone research project.
Yes, students may start in the certificate if they are unsure if they want to pursue the Master’s. At any point while completing the certificate, they can apply to the master’s degree, which starts only in the fall semester. All 15-credits from the certificate will be transferable into the masters.
The program is cohort-based, meaning students take classes in a specific sequence with the same classmates. Classes that are offered earlier in the program lay a foundation for future courses. The program’s pace allows for students to take advantage of networking opportunities.
Courses are offered online only. Students do participate in two one-week long, in-person immersive experiences.
Students who are interested in pursuing this certificate concurrently with another master’s program at ASU should meet with their current academic advisors to discuss this process. They can also speak to the Graduate Support Coordinator at the School of Sustainability by booking time on the Remote Graduate Advising Booking Link.
Financial information
The USDA NextGen program provides ASU students up to $7,500 per semester in scholarship support within the sustainable food system degree programs in the College of Global Futures. Students from traditionally underrepresented populations and first-gen college students are especially encouraged to apply.
Graduate students pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems or Graduate Certificate in Food Policy and Sustainability Leadership are eligible for the UDSA NextGen scholarship. After acceptance into either grad program, students will potentially be contacted with an offer to receive the USDA NextGen scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required.
Learn more about the USDA NexGen Scholarship here.
Application
Applicants are evaluated using the ASU graduate application. Factors that are considered include the applicant’s cumulative GPA, work experience, and professional goals.
You do not need food policy experience to apply. Applicants are accepted from a wide range of backgrounds and professional roles such as dieticians, chefs, farmers, non-profit professionals, policymakers, and more. Past cohort bios can be found here.
This program focuses on US food production and US food policy. Students can apply these lessons in other countries, but the examples, case materials, and other materials will be rooted in US policy. This program may not be a good fit for international students.
Students should apply using the ASU Graduate Application. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The final deadline to apply is 4 weeks before the start of the fall term. Any applications received after this deadline will be considered on a rolling basis, if space in the program allows.
Students wishing to be considered for scholarship funding should apply by the scholarship deadline which is in early April. Please refer to information about the USDA NextGen scholarship here.
Interested students should contact the ASU Online Enrollment Center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 866-277-6589.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the faculty committee. You will generally be notified within two weeks after a complete application is on file. The admissions decision notification comes from the school at the following email: [email protected].
Sustainability, Graduate Certificate | Sustainability and Enterprise, Graduate Certificate
General information
It is offered in person or through ASU Online. The core courses, SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability and SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions, are offered only online. The choice of campus can affect access to elective courses.
International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the USA on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
Following standard pre-admission policies, all ASU credit hours earned in a certificate program may also be used towards a degree program and credits earned in a degree program may also be used towards a certificate. Consult your program advisor or program handbook to determine what courses might be shared.
To transfer coursework, students will need to apply and be admitted to a graduate program. Students can utilize all 15 credits from the certificate if it is applied to the Master of Sustainability Leadership (MSL) (Online) or Master of Sustainability Solutions (Tempe Campus).
The MSL program only allows 6 credits of electives, so students should plan on taking at least one class that has an EMS subject (e.g., EMS 522, EMS 523, EMS 524, EMS 525). The pre-admission rules apply to these courses (i.e., the graduate classes must have been taken within 3 years of admission, and the student must have earned a B grade or higher). For more information on pre-admission credits, refer to the Graduate Policies and Procedures Handbook and be sure to check with your advisor.
On-campus students must start at the beginning of the fall or spring semester. ASU Online students can begin in either A or B session. However, it’s recommended that Online students begin taking classes in A session because SOS 508 is a prerequisite for many other graduate courses offered by the School of Sustainability and SOS 508 is offered only in the A session.
Financial information
Campus, residency status, and the number of credits you enroll in affect the total cost. You can calculate the cost using ASU’s Tuition Estimator. Be sure to select which campus you plan to attend. Select ‘College of Global Futures’ on the drop down for My College in the ‘My College’ menu. In the section called ‘Academic programs with undergraduate college fee, differential or program tuition’, select ‘sustainability, graduate certificate admitted fall 2024 or later’. Please note, there is a per credit program fee.
Application
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring semester. It’s recommended that applicants submit a completed application at least one month prior to the semester beginning.
Application requirements are listed on the program page of our website.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your admission typically within a few weeks of having a complete application on file (all transcripts and recommendations received).
You will receive correspondence about your admissions decision from the school. The email generally comes from [email protected].
For questions about the online certificate, you should contact ASU Online by phone at 866-277-6589 or email: [email protected].
For questions about the Tempe campus certificate, you should contact [email protected].