Master of Science in Sustainable Management

Learn to lead the way to a sustainable future.

The online Master of Science in Sustainable Management develops skills and knowledge in sustainability by focusing on the social, economic, and environmental concepts that can be applied across a wide range of sectors and industries.

In the program, you’ll explore topics, such as:

• the relationship of humans with the natural environment,
• public policy and the role of government and business in sustainability,
• triple bottom line accounting, including GRI, CDP, and ESG reporting,
• finance and the economics of sustainability,
• using a systems approach to comprehensive problem solving,
• how to foster change management toward sustainability goals within an organization,
• how to apply ecological principles of sustainability to organizational systems.

In addition, elective courses offer an opportunity to align your studies with specific career goals. Electives include:

• corporate social responsibility (CSR),
• supply chain management,
• sustainable water management,
• waste management and resource recovery, and
• climate change.

Courses are completed entirely online. Watch lectures, participate in online forums with your classmates, and although assignments have deadlines, do homework whenever it’s convenient for you. The program also provides optional networking opportunities for you to connect virtually with your peers, faculty, and professionals.

Universities of Wisconsin partners in the Master of Science in Sustainable Management include: UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stout, and UW-Superior.

Courses in the Master of Science in Sustainable Management focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental concepts central to sustainability. Students must complete twelve courses (34 credits) to earn their degree.

• Eight core courses (3 credits per course)
• Two electives (3 credits per course)
• Capstone prep course (1 credit)
• Capstone project course (3 credits)

In the capstone course, students gain valuable, practical experience through a fieldwork project. Students may be able to complete the project at their current place of employment, or arrange for online project work with an external organization. View examples of past capstone projects.

Sustainability roles within an organization may include entry-level positions, such as sustainability associate, specialist, or coordinator, to more senior-level roles, such as chief sustainability officer and others, depending on the structure and size of the organization. As sustainability is increasingly integrated within organizations, its responsibility is becoming dispersed and shared across positions, and job titles may depend more on whether you are part of the core sustainability team, or in a role that takes this on in addition to other duties.

Since sustainability professionals draw on knowledge and skills across many areas, including business, economics, and environmental science, they may have experience and education from a diverse range of fields and industries.

As a sustainability specialist or manager, you may be responsible for:

• Leading project management and implementation of initiatives
• Setting strategic and material sustainability performance goals
• Measuring, reporting, and optimizing the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives
• Sustainable supply chain, waste management, and minimization
• Marketing and communication
• Sustainable product innovation and development
• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing
• Employee engagement and diversity, equity, and inclusion

With a Master of Science in Sustainable Management, a graduate could pursue positions such as:

• Chief sustainability officer
• Director of sustainability
• Sustainability project manager
• Senior environmental programs specialist
• Supply chain manager, sustainability and energy
• Director of sustainable manufacturing innovation
• Sustainability coordinator
• Vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability
• Director of global environmental affairs

To be eligible for the Master of Science in Sustainable Management, students must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, from an accredited university (min. 3.0 GPA).

Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission and should contact an enrollment adviser for more information.

Aptitude tests, such as the GRE, are not required for admission.

You will also need to submit the following application materials:

• Official college transcripts,
• Your resume,
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic),
• A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing the reasons behind your decision to pursue this degree.

Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.