Apply Science to Real-World Sustainability Challenges
M.S. IN SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
Sustainability Management Program Overview & Curriculum
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. 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.
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The program brings the Earth Institute's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory expertise into the classroom. Students complete 36 credits, or twelve courses, across five curriculum areas:
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Within these areas, students complete three required courses and have the flexibility to choose from a variety of courses to best prepare for professional advancement. Explore the Sustainability Science curriculum.
*Applicants interested in management careers based on strategic, financial, and policy analyses may also be interested in the M.S. in Sustainability Management program.
Sustainability Science at Columbia
COLUMBIA'S EXCELLENCE
Columbia's excellence and reputation in sustainability education, globally recognized for strength in Earth Science by the National Research Council
OVER 200
ENVIRONMENTAL
CLASSES
Over 200 environmental and sustainability classes taught every year by the world’s best practitioners and researchers, more than any other university
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
Sustainability Science Program Details
The M.S. in Sustainability Science is designed for current and aspiring leaders who want to help organizations understand the technical aspects of sustainability. An undergraduate degree is the only formal prerequisite for admission. Below are key details about the program's structure, format, and admission requirements.
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Credits: 36 credits (twelve courses), including three required courses.
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Program Length: Three semesters full-time, or as many as nine semesters part-time.
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Format: In-person, full-time or part-time, with the flexibility to switch from one to the other each semester.
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Thesis: Not required. Students complete the Capstone Workshop in Sustainability Science.
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GRE: Not required, but scores may be submitted.
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Offered By: Columbia University School of Professional Studies in partnership with the Columbia Climate School.
Stay in the Know
Stay connected with the M.S. in Sustainability Science for the latest program news, upcoming events, and updates on the curriculum and career pathways in sustainability science. Follow the program on social media to keep up with what's happening at Columbia.
Upcoming Events & Information Sessions
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Watch recordings of past events and conversations from Columbia's sustainability programs, featuring Columbia faculty and leading practitioners discussing the scientific, policy, and business issues shaping the field.
WHAT'S THE STATE OF THE PLANET?
State of the Planet is the official news site of the Columbia Climate School.
The M.S. in Sustainability Science 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.
The Columbia Climate School
CONTACT US
If you have a quick question or would like to receive more information about the M.S. in Sustainability Science program, please contact us via the prospective student interest form.