Online Master’s In Sustainability

Earning a master’s in sustainability online can help professionals advance or change their career. Many governments, companies, and organizations employ master’s degree-holders as sustainability managers, advisors, analysts, and program directors. According to PayScale, professionals with an MS in sustainability earn an average of $60,000 per year, while individuals with a BA in the field earn an average of $44,000 per year.

This guide includes information about common academic requirements for master’s in sustainability programs, including typical courses, project requirements, and specializations. The following sections also detail funding options, professional organizations, and career opportunities for graduates.

Students earning a master’s in sustainability online explore current environmental issues such as fossil fuels, global warming, loss of biodiversity, and resource scarcity. Degree-seekers learn sustainability methods, the science behind climate change, and techniques for protecting endangered resources.

Master’s in sustainability programs typically offer specialization areas such as biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, and soil science. Many graduates become industry leaders, consultants, policy makers, engineers, and scientists. Earning a master’s degree can lead to career advancement, helping professionals obtain leadership positions in the field.

Degree-seekers in most programs gain practical experience during an internship with a business, government agency, research facility, or nonprofit organization. Students gain advanced communication, writing, and research skills. Learners also examine management techniques and develop scientific expertise. Some programs encourage students to develop marketable skills through courses in areas such as business, engineering, urban planning, public policy, and law.

Each online master’s program offers different classes, and students should research the curricula of prospective programs. However, the common courses listed below are available in many sustainability master’s programs.

Students earning a master’s in sustainability online must typically complete a capstone project. This final project generally involves in-depth research culminating in a thesis. Students choose a sustainability issue to research and analyze, and they draw conclusions supported by data. Degree-seekers usually work with an academic advisor to choose their topic and write a paper.

A graduate degree in the field prepares students for careers in areas including engineering, the sciences, education, and consulting. Some career paths may require additional exams or certification — particularly jobs in engineering, the sciences, and education. Students should research their prospective career to determine whether they may need additional credentials.

Many learners obtaining a master’s in sustainability online specialize in a certain area of the field. Earning a specialization can make graduates more competitive for related positions. Specialization options and titles vary by program, but many master’s in sustainability programs offer the following concentration options.

After earning a master’s in sustainability online, graduates can pursue careers in the areas of engineering, business, law, consulting, education, and the sciences. A sustainability master’s degree prepares graduates for advanced leadership roles. The table below details three potential careers for degree-holders. However, no degree guarantees a particular position or salary.

Industrial ecologists use their knowledge of physical sciences, social sciences, and natural ecosystems to design efficient and sustainable models for industrial businesses and systems. These professionals strive to use natural resources effectively and sustainably. Industrial ecologists need expertise related to technical systems, natural systems, economic systems, and societal issues.

Median Annual Salary: $71,130

Job Growth 2018-2028: 7%-10%

Environmental engineers often solve problems associated with waste treatment, site remediation, and pollution control. These engineers need strong research, design, analysis, and planning skills. Some environmental engineers work as consultants. Others work full time for a company or government agency. Many environmental engineers have expertise in an area such as law, construction, business, or science.

Median Annual Salary: $87,620

Job Growth 2018-2028: 4%-6%

These professionals help businesses, communities, governments, and nonprofits create environmentally friendly policies and practices. Sustainability consultants may specialize in a certain type of industry, law, or business. Consultants typically work in office settings, but some professionals may travel, work in the field, and/or perform onsite inspections of factories and workspaces.

Median Annual Salary: $70,530

Job Growth 2018-2028: 4-6%

Sustainability is a relatively new, independent field of study. Students researching master’s in sustainability online degree programs should look for regionally accredited universities and colleges.

Students can also look for programmatic accreditation from field-specific agencies such as the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. This organization develops guidelines and standards for higher education institutions regarding environmental health science and protection.

Students can pursue many funding opportunities to help defray the cost of earning an online master’s in sustainability. Below are three common methods for covering the cost of tuition and fees.

Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled full time in a graduate program at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be studying environmental engineering or environmental science.

Amount: $5,000

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Applicants must be studying a field related to natural resources management — specifically fish, wildlife, or water. The foundation only considers Missouri residents, but recipients do not need to attend an in-state institution.

Amount: $600

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Graduate students who apply for this scholarship must attend an accredited institution and enroll in at least nine credits. Applicants must be studying sustainability with a focus on agriculture.

Amount: Varies

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This fellowship supports graduate research and study in ecological restoration. Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited institution and plan to research biodiversity, ecological processes, or sustainable practices.

Amount: $8,000

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Learners pursuing a graduate-level education in environmental studies or a related field may qualify for this merit-based award. Applicants must submit a 350-500-word letter of intent describing their target career path and passion for their intended field.

Amount: $1,000

Apply for Scholarship

Many professional organizations offer membership to students and professionals. These associations often provide educational resources, job boards, career advancement tools, and networking opportunities. Members may also receive information about new research in sustainability and related scientific and engineering fields.