With ongoing crises in global warming and environmental degradation, the need for people with advanced training in sustainability is on the rise.
What kind of online Master's in Sustainability degree should you get?
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Master's degrees in sustainability can be arts, business, or science degrees, depending on the elements of the field the program emphasizes.
In a master of arts program in sustainability, students look at the ways in which policy, research, and social systems can be used to support sustainability goals. If you want to go into fields like public policy or social science research, this degree can support that.
In a master of science in sustainability, students focus more on the design choices that make goods and services sustainable. You should choose a master of science degree if you want to go into environmental science, product engineering, or other STEM-heavy fields.
Business sustainability degrees focus on implementing sustainability in an organizational setting. A degree like this will prepare you for strategic and executive roles in a business, such as chief sustainability officer.
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How much money do people make with an online Master's in Sustainability?
Different sustainability jobs come with different salaries. Sustainability officers, who work to ensure businesses use sustainable practices, make about $80,000 per year on average. Environmental engineers, who use engineering principles to address environmental problems, make just under $88,000. Those who use their sustainability knowledge for public advocacy make more than $60,000 per year.
Job growth prospects for sustainability careers are stable. Job openings in this field, like environmental engineer and environmental scientist, are expected to grow at rates close to the national average for all professions.
What can you do with an online Master's in Sustainability?
Sustainability graduates can work in engineering offices, high-level business positions, or hazardous materials sites, among other environments.
Engineering Office – Sustainability engineers work with urban planners, business leaders, and other professionals to identify design and engineering solutions to environmental problems.
Executive Work – Sustainability officers and business strategists work with other high executives to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and lower the energy requirements of business tools and activities.
Hazardous Materials Sites – Graduates who work directly with environmental scientists and hazardous materials disposal personnel often head to outdoor sites. They may help with issues at polluted rivers, oil spill sites, and other damaged natural sites.
What are the requirements for an online Master's in Sustainability degree?
Undergraduate Study – Students need not have a background in environmental science, STEM, engineering, or business, but generally need to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Some schools expect higher.
Letters of recommendation – Most schools will expect at least two letters of recommendation, and some will expect more.
Experience – Some sustainability master's degree programs target mid-career professionals and require business experience.
GRE Scores – Expect to take the GRE before applying. While schools don't usually set a minimum for the GRE, high scores will improve your chances. Business-centered sustainability programs may require the GMAT instead.
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What are the most affordable online master's in sustainability degrees?
The rankings below highlight the best master's degree sustainability programs online. These rankings use data from U.S. News & World Report and Payscale.com to find the value of online degree programs. Schools that rank highly here provide paths to careers in sustainability without putting a strain on the wallet.
These rankings account for academic quality, student happiness, and affordability. A school's accreditation status and the educational attainment of its faculty can push it higher, as can reasonable tuition rates. These schools also typically have solid retention and graduation rates, indicating that students are happy with the educational experience available.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
