Online Master of Sustainability Leadership

Are you ready to drive high-impact sustainability results for your company or organization? The Master of Sustainability Leadership prepares you to advance social and environmental responsibility. In this sustainability leadership program, you'll gain organizational leadership skills with a focus on sustainability strategy and communication. These skills are in high demand as workplace sustainability initiatives continue to grow.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/22/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Sustainability Leadership (MSL)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is a master’s in sustainability leadership?

A sustainable future requires leaders who can find ways to benefit companies, societies and the environment. In the master’s in sustainability, you’ll acquire the unique skills needed to drive this kind of transformational change. Courses are taught by faculty with direct experience in sustainability science, business, governance and working with mission-driven organizations, offering a perspective available nowhere else. Upon graduating from this sustainable leadership program, you’ll be prepared to lead and integrate sustainability initiatives into new and existing enterprises.

What will I learn in this sustainable leadership program?

 

In the master’s in sustainability, you'll learn to lead organizational change with social and environmental responsibility top of mind. You’ll also analyze sustainable leadership, communication and strategy from a global perspective. Additionally, through your required coursework, you’ll become skilled in:

  • Applying solution-based knowledge and tools for institutional development and change for sustainability.
  • Building and communicating cases for sustainability, including opportunities and challenges.
  • Leading institutional change and development toward sustainability.

As part of this sustainable leadership program, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose electives related to your specific interests. Elective topics range from green energy and urban planning to law, military and more. You can work with the School of Sustainability to build a focus area best suited to your career or future plans.

Am I a candidate to earn a master’s in sustainability leadership?

 

The sustainable leadership program is ideal for students with at least three years of professional experience and any number of academic credentials. While most potential students won’t have a background in sustainability, they should have an interest in increasing their knowledge of sustainability practices to advance their careers.

Students with five or more years of work experience may consider the Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership program. This is a lockstep, full-time accelerated program for working professionals. With a nearly identical curriculum, the executive program offers an immersive experience in a major U.S. metropolitan city.

Does my master's in sustainability leadership 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Sustainable leadership graduate courses

In your core courses, you’ll gain an understanding of sustainable leadership, acquire tools and best practices to promote change and apply your skills to real-world problems. You may also take electives that pique your interests and complement sustainability. Core courses include:


Core

Essentials for Transformative Leadership in Sustainability


Core

Leading Sustainability Transitions


Core

Mastering the Global Sustainability Context


Required core

Pathways to Sustainability


Core

Strategic Sustainability and Leadership


Core

Sustainability Storytelling and Communications


Culminating experience

Capstone Preparation


Culminating experience

Applied Project


What can you do with a sustainable leadership degree?

The career options for graduates with a master’s in sustainability leadership are diverse. You can apply your solutions-based knowledge and tools for sustainable development across industries. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Business optimization manager

Chief executive officer (CEO)

Chief sustainability officer (CSO)

Consultant

Director of strategic initiatives

Sustainability analyst

Sustainability coordinator

Sustainability director

Sustainability manager

A program created and taught by leaders in sustainability

ASU’s School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest minds and practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a vast array of disciplines, such as business and policy, renewable energy and environmental science. Through use-inspired research, our faculty strives to make our world more sustainable.

A program created and taught by leaders in sustainability

ASU’s School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest minds and practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a vast array of disciplines, such as business and policy, renewable energy and environmental science. Through use-inspired research, our faculty strives to make our world more sustainable.

Apply to earn your master’s in sustainability leadership

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

Application requirements

Additional admission information

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. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.

#1


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

#1


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

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 5


 

best online bachelor’s programs.

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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