Online Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership

Are you eager to drive new sustainability initiatives within your organization? Arizona State University’s Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership online equips you to overcome challenges and lead impactful change. You’ll gain a global perspective on sustainability strategy, communication and leadership, preparing you to apply sustainable practices immediately and effectively.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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An executive master’s focused on leadership for sustainability

Sustainability is top-of-mind in today’s workplace, and advancing your skills can position you to meet the growing demand for leadership in this field. In this program, you’ll tackle real-world sustainability challenges using case studies from your own workplace. You’ll explore global strategies for sustainability communication, leadership and decision-making to gain practical tools for creating meaningful change. Leadership-focused electives further refine your ability to drive initiatives forward.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills to:

  • Apply solutions-based knowledge and tools for institutional development.
  • Build and communicate cases for sustainability initiatives in organizations.
  • Gain critical knowledge, approaches and tools for sustainability leadership.
  • Lead institutional change and development toward sustainability.
  • Understand the emerging global sustainability context.

Interact with executive-level sustainability managers and strategists

This program features an immersive, weeklong, three-credit course in a major U.S. metropolitan city. This experience connects you with top sustainability leaders who share insights on overcoming challenges and implementing solutions. Site visits to corporations, nonprofits and government agencies provide real-world context, while collaborative sessions with your cohort offer opportunities to brainstorm strategies and build practical consultancy experience.

You’ll also be guided by experienced faculty with expertise in sustainability science, business and governance. They’ll mentor you throughout the program and share integrated, practical knowledge on how to implement sustainable practices effectively.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program is designed for professionals with at least five years of experience who want to advance their sustainability expertise. Whether you work in business, engineering, education, health care or another field, this program equips you to lead sustainability efforts and elevate your career.

If you’re early in your career or need more flexibility, our Master of Sustainability Leadership program may be a better choice. The curriculum is almost identical, but it doesn’t offer an immersive experience in a major U.S. metropolitan city.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Sustainability leadership executive master’s courses

Courses are designed to deepen your understanding of sustainability and its real-world applications. You’ll explore strategies for implementing impactful initiatives and discover how to navigate the balance among social, environmental and corporate priorities in decision-making.


The roles you’ll be prepared for

Upon graduation, you’ll have diverse career options in sustainability leadership. You can use your solutions-based knowledge to enhance your current role or pursue new opportunities in sustainable development across a variety of industries. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Executive education created and taught by leaders in sustainability

The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.

Executive education created and taught by leaders in sustainability

The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.

How to apply

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution. They should also have a minimum of five years of professional or organizational experience or the equivalent.

Study at the nation’s first School of Sustainability

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.

#1


university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.

Top 10%


best global universities.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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