Sustainability, M.S.

Master of Science in Sustainability Concentrations

Master of Science in Sustainability Concentrations

As part of a trans-disciplinary sustainability academic program, concentrations offer the ability to hone specialized knowledge and skills in one area of application. Additionally, concentrations demonstrate a specific student’s academic and professional preparation. Each student must select a concentration, whether it is from the options below, or propose a customized option in consultation with the graduate director. Concentrations should be selected as early as possible, ideally after completing principles of applied sustainability and before selecting electives. All “open topic” course assignments and research paper topics ideally should align with the chosen concentration.

Building and energy systems. Prepare for careers in the built environment related to construction, facilities management, real estate, site design, and other development practices. Required courses: SU 6123 Green Building Design, Construction, and Operation, SU 6133 Renewable Energy Options and Design Applications, 1 applicable SU elective and integration of building and energy systems study in SU 6043 and SU 609v (15 hrs.).

Food systems. Focus on sustainable, organic, local and profitable agriculture systems for production, processing, products, retail, service, distribution and/or trade. Required courses: SU 6143 Sustainable Food Practice, 2 applicable SU electives and integration of food systems study in SU 6043 and SU 609v (15 hrs).

Urban resilience. Earn knowledge and expertise in urban resilience and associated regional and rural systems. Required courses: SU 6183 Urban Planning for Sustainability and Resilience; 2 applicable SU electives from the current curriculum and integration of urban resilience study in SU 6043 and SU 609v (15 hrs).

Renewable energy and energy efficiency. Focus on the adoption, management and maintenance of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency practices. Required courses: SU 6133 Renewable Energy Options and Design Applications, 2 applicable SU electives, SU 6043 and SU 609v (15 hrs).

Customizable concentration. Create a unique concentration of study that is founded on the student’s prior profession and/or undergraduate discipline. Examples include sustainability applications in business performance, health care, hospitality, event management, tourism and water management. Integrate the customized concentration in 3 applicable SU electives, SU 6043, and SU 609V (15 hrs).

General Schedule for Capstone Projects and Special Topics

These study courses follow a semester-long format. The student designs and directs their own course of study, with instruction, guidance and oversight from a course instructors as follows:

• An applied project, professional certification, and/or research topic within an approved  concentration desired for study.
• A routine scheduled class consultation with the instructor who defines the learning objectives and posts assignments outlining the approved study proposal criteria in a learning dashboard. The student develops,  timelines, deliverables, and types of third-party certification experiences to be submitted or earned. All third party certifications/exams must be earned/passed to pass the course.
• The agreed course of study, deliverables, project report and/or verification of third party certification(s), an oral defense/peer presentation, passing grade, and pre-graduation program debrief conclude the course requirements.