About the Program

Sustainability issues are being addressed in many industries, nonprofits and governmental agencies and are incorporated broadly into different organizational functions, all with the common goal of creating a sustainable economy, society and environment.

A range of sectors have a growing demand for sustainability professionals and many lawyers, engineers, marketers, communications professionals, policymakers and scientists have some form of sustainability responsibility in their position. Columbia has developed the new M.S. in Sustainability Management program to address the need to formally train and educate these sustainability practitioners. The program draws upon sophisticated environmental measurement tools, cutting edge environmental science and world class management and policy studies to help students fully understand the systematic and organizational role of sustainability in any organization.

Program Objectives

The M.S. in Sustainability Management is co-sponsored by The Earth Institute and the School of Continuing Education. It includes new and existing courses at the University, taught by faculty and researchers who are leaders in the fields of earth science, engineering and environmental management. The program utilizes environmental and sustainable development research to provide practical training to a new generation of professionals who will address critical interdisciplinary issues.

The M.S. in Sustainability Management  is based upon years of experience in bridging research and practice. In response to the increasing global challenges all organizations face, from limiting their carbon emissions to managing their water resources, the program melds academic leadership, scientific rigor, and professional practice to form a unique interdisciplinary community dedicated to making lasting advances in global sustainability practice.

The program takes a bold and innovative approach to sustainability that prioritizes the protection of Earth’s systems and resources as well as the spread of social and economic opportunities for all people. To achieve sustainable development, the Earth Institute is conducting and applying interdisciplinary scientific research to address many cross-cutting issues while training a new generation of problem solvers to tackle these issues in all areas of society. Finding solutions to one problem, involves tackling other related challenges. This is at the core of sustainability management. This new generation of problem solvers need to be able to appreciate complex systems of water, environmental services, climate, waste and energy to be able to maximize efficient usage and minimize their negative impacts.

Currently, The Earth Institute is affiliated with 30 academic programs at Columbia University, and has developed numerous innovative courses training students to understand and address the pressing and complex issues of environment and sustainability management, and provides seminars and events in the field. Students enrolled in the M.S. in Sustainability Management are an integral part of this engaging and forward-looking community.