Global Sustainability Science, MS
Ecology, Economy, Energy, Environment, Global, Global Sustainability, International, Pollution, Science, Society, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ethics, resources, sustainability, urban
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
If you want to explore sustainability through a multicultural lens, this program provides a valuable opportunity to study with international counterparts in Germany.
The MS in global sustainability science is a two-year, collaborative degree program offered jointly by Arizona State University and Leuphana University of Luneburg, Germany. Students who participate in the program earn a Master of Science in global sustainability science from ASU and a Master of Science in global sustainability science from Leuphana University.
Students from both universities collaborate throughout the program and spend one semester together at Leuphana in Luneburg as well as one semester together at ASU in Tempe, Arizona. The program culminates with a capstone project resulting in a publishable scientific journal article. Students have the opportunity to engage with sustainability problems and solutions in an international setting.
The program focuses on value-oriented and transformational aspects of sustainability, linking research with practical implementation of sustainability solutions. Project-based learning offers students opportunities to conduct their research on practical sustainability solutions in collaboration with stakeholders and professionals. In addition, the program facilitates intercultural collaboration, which prepares graduates for working in internationally operating institutions and organizations.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe
41 credit hours including the required capstone course (SOS 596)
Required Core (17 credit hours) Methods Elective (3 credit hours) Open Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
SOS 510 Perspectives on Sustainability (3)
SOS 511 Advanced Sustainability Problem Solving (3)
SOS 525 Social-Ecological-Technical Systems (SETS): Domains and Interfaces (3)
SOS 557 Global Sustainability Research Preparation (1)
SOS 558 Global Sustainability Research Project (3)
SOS 559 Global Sustainability Science Perspectives Seminar (1)
SOS 581 Synthesis for Sustainability Research (3)
SOS 596 Capstone: Scientific Paper (6)
Students should see the academic unit for elective coursework approval.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- letter of intent or written statement
- professional resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Applicants who don't meet the minimum GPA requirement may still be considered, but the college will require a GPA petition.
References should be from educators (this is preferred) or professionals familiar with the applicant's experience and capability for graduate work. It is highly recommended that the recommendations are academic in nature and address the applicant's experience and potential for success in a graduate program; however, professional recommendations also are accepted. If possible, at least one recommendation should be academic in nature.
All applicants must upload a statement of intent when completing the online application. In no more than 600 words, applicants must explain the goals they intend to achieve through their program of study at the College of Global Futures. Applicants should describe how their background will contribute to their success in the program and how completion of the degree program will support their long-term career goals. Finally, applicants should elaborate on key research questions they wish to address or problems they wish to solve as part of their program of study and identify potential faculty advisors.
With a global degree program, students have the opportunity to receive their ASU degree in partnership with an international institution. Students and faculty can create and share knowledge, combining two institutions' strengths in research and teaching to solve pressing global and societal challenges. Global degree programs also give students exposure to international academic experiences and content. Students should contact the academic unit directly for more information about this global degree program.
Completing a master's degree in global sustainability science can help graduates apply sustainable solutions for a diverse workforce both domestically and internationally. Graduates often enter doctoral studies immediately after completing this program.
According to the School of Sustainability's 2021 alumni employment survey, 94% of master's degree program respondents are either employed or pursuing continuing education. Of those employed, 75% of respondents have jobs directly related to sustainability.
Career opportunities include:
- entrepreneur
- field director
- program manager
- sustainability analyst
School of Sustainability
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WCPH 3rd floor
sustainabilitygrad@asu.edu
480-727-6963
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
