Academics

Sustainability Science

MS • Master's

A student kneels before a garden bed and holds a small plant.

The MS in Sustainability Science is a STEM-Designated interdisciplinary graduate program that integrates science, policy, and practical tools to prepare you for leadership roles in environmental sustainability. You’ll gain advanced knowledge in environmental monitoring, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analysis, and sustainable resource management.

Through research projects, fieldwork, and collaborations with faculty experts, you’ll build the skills to design and implement sustainable solutions for communities, organizations, and ecosystems. Graduates are equipped for careers in environmental management, public policy, nonprofit leadership, consulting, or to pursue further doctoral study.

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Concentrations

This program offers two concentrations: General and Sustainability Leadership. The General track focuses on technical and scientific expertise in sustainability, while the Leadership track combines environmental science with policy, ethics, and communication to prepare you for management roles.

General Concentration

The General track emphasizes advanced environmental science and analytical skills. You’ll focus on environmental monitoring, GIS, geochemistry, and energy systems while developing research expertise. A capstone project allows you to apply technical skills to real-world sustainability challenges, preparing you for roles in environmental consulting, resource management, or doctoral study.

See the curriculum.

Sustainability Leadership Concentration

The Leadership track combines sustainability science with policy, communication, and organizational management skills. You’ll complete core courses in sustainability science, environmental economics, and research methods, along with professional skills courses in environmental law and management. A capstone internship or applied research project provides practical experience preparing you for leadership roles in sustainability policy and management.

See the curriculum.

Admission Requirements

The Office of Graduate Admissions requires the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to apply for a graduate program. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the international applicants page to review the U.S. degree equivalency information.

Application Checklist

In order to make applying for graduate school as seamless as possible for you, we have created an application checklist. This checklist can be a reference point for you during the application process to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps needed to apply, as well as all corresponding supplemental materials for your specific program of interest.

  • Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
  • Submit Online Application: Please create your online account and submit your application by following the general application instructions and pay (or waive) the non-refundable $60 application fee. Once this step has been completed, the online portal will allow you to upload your supplemental materials.

The following is a list of the supplemental materials that will accompany your application for the Sustainability Science (MS) program:

  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Please write one integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees, please visit the International Applicants page to review the US degree equivalency information.

Questions? We’re Here to Help.

If you have any general questions regarding the application process and requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions.

Office of Graduate Admissions

Get guidance on every step of the application process, from admission requirements and deadlines to transcripts, test scores and next steps toward enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions provides the information and resources needed to put forward a strong application.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Yang Deng

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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Montclair Online offers the same nationally recognized faculty, engaging coursework and supportive community as our on-campus classes - designed to fit your life. With multiple start dates each year, you can begin when the time is right for you.

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