MS in Sustainability Management

Jan 15, 2023

Closed

Mar 15, 2023

Closed

Apr 15, 2023

Priority Registration (Domestic Applicants Only)

Jul 1, 2023

Final Application Deadline (Domestic Applicants Only)

At a Glance

Global sustainability presents a range of critical problems including climate change, environmental justice, resource conservation, and sustainable development. To meet these challenges, companies and organizations seek talented professionals trained in sustainability management. Situated at the intersection of business and sustainability, Kogod attracts students from the US and abroad pursuing careers in the public, private, non-profit, and NGO sectors.

30 Credits

A STEM-Designated Program

The program can be completed in 12-21 months on a full-time or part-time basis, starting in the fall.

$90,667

Average Salary

In 2019, the average salary of Kogod's MS in sustainability management graduates was $90,667, with employers including Deloitte Consulting, EY, Marriott International, World Wildlife Fund,
World Bank Group, and more.

In-Person & Online

Can be Completed 100% Online

Both in-person and online options mostly consist of condensed evening courses to give the necessary flexibility to working students who may need to adjust the pace of their studies to accommodate work and life demands.

Why Kogod?

A Business School Dedicated to Sustainability

Our program is one of the few of its kind that is housed in a business school. We teach the mechanics of sustainable business and empower students to maximize their impact in the field through a variety of cutting-edge courses and experiential learning opportunities. At Kogod, we practice what we preach—we are the first carbon-neutral university in the country and are an AASHE-certified green campus. The campus itself is an arboretum.

Experiential in Nature

Kogod's MS in sustainability management program emphasizes experiential learning. We undertake live projects with sustainability stakeholders in the US and abroad, including an international capstone program in Scandinavia. Through these projects, students apply the tools and methodologies acquired in their studies to critical problems in sustainability.

Three Career Tracks Available

A complex issue requires a multidisciplinary approach. That's why our curriculum incorporates topics like environmental and social science, public policy, and international relations. For additional expertise, you can choose from one of our three career tracks—business, environment, and policy.

Obtain Professional Certificates

Gain an edge in this competitive job market by completing one of our six professional graduate certificates.

Kogod’s Master's in Sustainability Management has opened up my world in so many positive ways; it's enabled me to pursue a career in something that I wake up excited about, inspired by and motivated to create meaningful and impactful change.

Becks Treharne

Kogod/BS Business Administration '14, MS Sustainability Management '15

Add a Graduate Certificate in Analytics

Data plays a crucial role in organizations, both big and small, and analysts are invaluable team members. An analytics graduate certificate will provide you with a suite of in-demand skills needed to solve business challenges. Not only will you prove to be an unbeatable asset in your current role, but your certificate will also help you stand out in the job market.

Learn More

Curriculum

The MS in sustainability management consists of 30 credit hours. The curriculum is divided into 15 credit hours of core curriculum courses and 15 credit hours of electives.

The core curriculum includes:

Social sustainability
Managing for Climate Change
Business Fundamentals
Managerial Economic and Business Strategy
Applied Sustainability Management

Elective courses are available in three tracks:

Business sustainability—including sustainability finance, ESG funds, sustainability systems, sustainable entrepreneurship, urban planning and sustainability, and much more.
Environment—including water resources, international environmental law, environmental sustainability, and more.
Policy—including managing non-profit organizations, environment and politics, international development, and more.

International Capstone

The highlight of our program is our international capstone project in applied sustainability management. Together with your classmates, you'll travel internationally to learn about best practices in sustainability across different industries and cultures.

Degree Requirements

You'll Walk Away With

Functional Business Knowledge—a foundation in each of the functional areas of business, including accounting and financial analysis, production and marketing of goods and services, management of people and organizations, and information and technology management.
Strategic Thinking & Integration—proficiency in strategic decision-making abilities by integrating academic (across disciplines) and experiential learning. Understand critical interrelationships and linkages necessary for developing global business strategy, including connections between strategic and operational issues, and relationships among functional disciplines.
The Power of Kogod’s Network—since its inception ten years ago, the program has graduated an ever-expanding global alumni network, with graduates filling sustainability-related roles in the private, public, non-profit, and NGO sectors.
Analytical Problem Solving—proficiency in applying quantitative information, tools, methods, and professional judgment in solving business problems.
Communication—ability to demonstrate professional competence in oral and written communication skills in a business setting.
Leadership Styles and Teamwork—proficiency to identify different leadership styles and demonstrate the ability to work effectively in diverse teams.
Business & Society—proficiency in understanding the global environment in which business operates, including economic, legal, ethical, and societal dimensions.

The MS in Sustainability Management program at Kogod is one of the best. The professors are very supportive, the materials shared are very relevant and easily relatable, the cohorts are highly diverse in terms of all demographic elements, and hence conversations are very enriching."

Vivian Moyana

Current Master's in Sustainability Management Student

Check Out Kogod's Podcast, Kogod in the Know

This season is all about sustainability, what it is, why it's important, how it fits into our everyday lives and careers, and, ultimately, how to get a job that makes a difference in the world. We'll be speaking to alumni with some fascinating jobs in the sustainability space and we'll find out how they got into sustainability, what drove them to want to make a difference, and what the job is really like.

Take a Listen!

Students learning how to operate machinery

STEM-Designated Program

STEM-designated programs equip students with technological expertise and leadership skills vital to the US economy. The designation also allows international students to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training, granting them the ability to work in the US for up to 3 years.

International Capstone Experience

During the spring semester, students will participate in a Global Consulting project. Over spring break, you will travel abroad with your team to learn first-hand about sustainable practices in another country and meet in person with your consulting clients. Past locations include Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmo and Stockholm in Sweden.

Looking up at columns at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC.

City at the Forefront of Sustainability

Washington, DC, has been named the first Platinum LEED city in the world for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, innovating around clean energy, and implementing other green initiatives.

sustainability

Kogod School of Business Deepens Investment in Flagship MS in Sustainability Management Program

American University is further deepening its investment in sustainability by redesigning its flagship MS in sustainability management program with a new curriculum, new online modality, and expanded faculty expertise.

From Commitment to Practice →

3.43

Average GPA

67%

Women

3.1 Years

Average Work Experience

Meet with Ally, One of Our MS in Sustainability Management Students!

Ally joined us from her hometown of Santa Clara, CA and has a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from University of California, Santa Cruz. Why did Ally choose Kogod? So many reasons but her top 3 are! Kogod stood out to me due to its innovative culture, resources, and collaborative community. But don't take our word for it! Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Ally to learn more about her reasons and experience at Kogod.

Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment

Meet with Bhagyashree, One of Our MS in Sustainability Management Students!

Bhagyashree joined us from her hometown of Mumbai, India and has a bachelor's degree in commerce from University of Mumbai. Why did Bhagyashree choose Kogod? Two reasons! The business school is dedicated to sustainability and the location! Washington DC is a city known in the world for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing other green initiatives. But don't take our word for it! Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Bhagyashree to learn more about her reasons and experience at Kogod.

Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment

Meet with Brendan, One of Our MS in Sustainability Management Students!

Brendan joined us from Pen Argyl, PA and has a bachelor's degree in forest resources management from West Virginia University. Why did Brendan choose Kogod? Kogod checked all the boxes for Brendan, with an immersive curriculum to offer and feeling personally valued by the school. But don't take our word for it! Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Brendan to learn more about his reasons and his experience at Kogod.

Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment

Kareem Ihmeidan_Student Ambassador_Fall22

Meet with Kareem, One of Our MS in Sustainability Management Students!

Kareem joined us from his hometown of Fort Smith, Arkansas and has a bachelor's degree in energy management from The University of Tulsa. Why did Kareem choose Kogod? Three reasons! The school's location, reputation as a leading innovator in business and sustainability. But don't take our word for it! Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Kareem to learn more about his reasons and experience at Kogod.

Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment

Meet with Inken, One of Our MS in Sustainability Management Students!

Inken joined us from Berlin and has a bachelor's degree in international tourism management from the Saxion University of Applied Sciences. Why did Inken choose Kogod? Many reasons, including the sustainability curriculum that is taught at a business school and small class-sizes. Inken recalls speaking to an ambassador and the program's professors before making the decision and learned quickly about the supportive and collaboritve community Kogod offers. But don't take our word for it! Schedule a one-on-one appointment with Inken to learn more about her reasons and experience at Kogod.

Schedule a 1-on-1 Appointment