About The Program
The Master's degree in Sustainability is structured to train students in the foundational theories and practices of sustainability from a dedicated systems-level approach applying evidence-based research techniques to solve problems at the community, regional, national, and global levels. One of the key goals of the program is to educate students to be able to understand and develop strategies for addressing and mitigating problems in water resources, energy use, management skills in the business community, resolution of social and environmental challenges and inequities, and the effective development and application of policy language and implementation.
As a cohort-based learning experience, the curriculum draws on the diverse expertise of the teaching community at CSUN. The program offers a core curriculum designed to develop a common language in sustainability practice while supporting students in one of four areas of specialization:
- Environmental Science, Water Resources, and Technology
- Community Well-being and Social Justice
- Corporate Sustainability
- Sustainability Policy and Government
All students will complete a Culminating Experience as a Graduate Thesis or Professional Project under the direction of a chair and faculty committee. Comprised of a diverse range of courses in each specialization, the 33-unit program is designed for completion in two years. A part-time option is also available.
Master's in Sustainability
What is sustainability?
Sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of people and organizations today without harming future generations. It combines science, technology, and social and cultural concepts to reduce waste and consumption to preserve natural resources and environments. Sustainability work is performed by trained specialists in government and the private sector at all levels.
The world needs solutions for our energy crisis and the rising impact of climate change. While technology has advanced, we also need leaders to craft new policies and encourage change.
Sustainability is now a division in nearly all large companies, universities and governments. With a master's in sustainability, you will be ready to lead in those positions.
You'll learn how to meet the needs of people and organizations without harming future generations. You'll combine science with ethics to reduce waste and consumption. You'll find novel ways to preserve natural resources and environments. With your degree, you'll be a leader in government and the private sector at all levels.
The Big Picture
CSUN's M.A. in Sustainability will equip you with knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of sustainable practices. You'll learn best practices and the regulatory framework to make pro-environmental decisions. You'll balance structural changes with financial considerations. With this holistic view, you'll find solutions that lead to a brighter future for all.
Interdisciplinary Degree
Our program draws faculty from across CSUN's departments. You will learn about sustainability from experts in a variety of fields. This includes geology, engineering, media, and marketing. You'll also study how environmental issues impact the economy, global health, and local communities.
In the Sustainability M.A., you'll gain the knowledge and skills to find solutions on a leadership level. In your core courses, you'll learn the fundamentals of sustainability. You'll study how to find environmental solutions within business spheres and government regulations. You will also choose a specialization track to focus your electives. Finally, you will complete a culminating experience.
In your core courses, you will take:
- Foundations of Sustainable Systems
- Resource Use and Management
- Regulatory Framework for Sustainability
- Mixed Methods in Sustainability Research
- Sustainable Business Practices
The rest of your courses will depend on your specialization.
Earning a master’s degree in sustainability will demonstrate your mastery of foundational theories and practices and will help distinguish you from other applicants pursuing careers in sustainability fields.
Sustainability experts are employed in the public and private sectors in positions such as:
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Sustainability Director
- Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
- Community Organizer
- Non-Profit Director
Full-Time (2-year plan)
Year 1: Fall Semester
- SUS 500 Foundations of Sustainable Systems
- SUS 520 Regulatory Framework for Sustainability
- Elective #1
Year 1: Spring Semester
- SUS 510 Resource Use and Management
- SUS 530 Mixed Methods in Sustainability Research
- Elective #2
Year 2: Fall Semester
- SUS 540 Sustainable Business Practices
- SUS 698 Thesis or Graduate Project
- Elective #3
Year 2: Spring Semester
- SUS 698 Thesis or Graduate Project
- Elective #4
Part-Time (3-year plan)
Year 1: Fall Semester
- SUS 500 Foundations of Sustainable Systems
- SUS 520 Regulatory Framework for Sustainability
Year 1: Spring Semester
- SUS 510 Resource Use and Management
- SUS 530 Mixed Methods in Sustainability Research
Year 2: Fall Semester
- SUS 540 Sustainable Business Practices
- Elective #1
Year 2: Spring Semester
- Elective #2
- Elective #3
Year 3: Fall Semester
- SUS 698 Thesis or Graduate Project
- Elective #4
Year 3: Spring Semester
- SUS 698 Thesis or Graduate Project
Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 33
0 - 6.0 Units:
| Mandatory Fee Category | SPR '24 | FALL '24 |
| Tuition Fee | $2,082.00 | $2,208.00 |
| Associated Students Fee | $123.00 | $127.00 |
| Student Union Fee | $321.00 | $326.00 |
| Instructionally-Related Activities Fee | $22.00 | $23.00 |
| Health Facilities Fee | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Health Services Fee | $79.00 | $80.00 |
| Campus Quality Fee | $126.00 | $128.00 |
| Total tuition and other fees for Graduate/Post Baccalaureate: | $2,756.00 | $2,895.00 |
6.1+ Units:
| Mandatory Fee Category | SPR '24 | FALL '24 |
| Tuition Fee | $3,588.00 | $3,804.00 |
| Associated Students Fee | $123.00 | $127.00 |
| Student Union Fee | $321.00 | $326.00 |
| Instructionally-Related Activities Fee | $22.00 | $23.00 |
| Health Facilities Fee | $3.00 | $3.00 |
| Health Services Fee | $79.00 | $80.00 |
| Campus Quality Fee | $126.00 | $128.00 |
| Total tuition and other fees for Graduate/Post Baccalaureate: | $4,262.00 | $4,491.00 |
For the most up-to-date information regarding tuition and other fees, refer to the Student Finance website.
Our 4 Specializations
Environmental Science, Water Resources, & Technology
The Environmental Science, Water Resources, and Technology program provides an interdisciplinary approach for students to develop the technical skills needed to apply scientific principles underpinning sustainable management of natural resources, to learn geospatial science tools geared for big data collection and analysis, and to utilize field-based skills for understanding the function of water science, ecosystem management, and landscape change in response to climate shifts.
Community Well-being & Social Justice
The Community Well-Being and Social Justice program offers students an in-depth, change-driven systematic approach to understand the causes of inequities in vulnerable communities, and to develop creative and long-lasting behavioral changes which address challenges in health care, mobility, shelter, food security, and access to clean energy, air and water, through effective education and communication.
Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability
The Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability program is designed to train students to effectively implement management systems & apply corporate sustainability practices through financial analysis and investment; quantitative skills in energy demands, waste management, & renewable resources; the application of business ethics to community responsibility; & the economics of organizational change.
Sustainability Leadership & Public Policy
The Sustainability Leadership and Public Policy program offers students the tools to become effective and innovative leaders in policy and planning, to participate in practical field experiences in the planning community, and to acquire the critical professional skillsets needed to develop and implement sustainability-based goals at the local, national and global levels.