International and Public Affairs, MA

Program Introduction

The Master of Science in Sustainability Management program at Columbia University provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and manage the balance between environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic prosperity. The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach to address contemporary sustainability challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and social inequality. Students learn to integrate environmental science, policy analysis, economics, and management principles to develop and implement sustainable solutions in both public and private sectors. Offered through a collaboration between the Earth Institute and the School of Professional Studies, the program can be pursued on either a full-time or part-time basis, catering to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and working professionals. The master's program connects the scientific foundations of sustainability with business management principles, enabling students to understand how organizations can reduce their environmental impact while achieving economic performance. Leveraging its strategic location in New York City, the program offers students opportunities for real-world projects and internships with government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations, and international organizations. Additionally, students have chances to learn from world-renowned scholars, industry leaders, and policy makers. Graduates are prepared to take on various roles such as corporate sustainability officers, environmental consultants, policy analysts, CSR (corporate social responsibility) managers, and sustainable development specialists. Through this program, students become agents of change for a sustainable future that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations.