In this program, you’ll gain the skills to lead initiatives that positively impact society, foster organizational success and reduce environmental harm. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: communications and change management, strategy, global context and leadership. Courses will prepare you to devise equitable solutions, advocate for sustainable practices and implement meaningful changes in domestic and international organizations.
Sustainable leadership skills are increasingly sought after by public and private organizations, with career paths ranging from sustainability coordinator and analyst to sustainability manager and chief sustainability officer. As a graduate, you’ll be pivotal in enhancing organizational reputations, building consumer trust and positioning sustainable practices as the gold standard for success.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
Ideally, you’re eager to deepen your knowledge of sustainability and leadership to advance your career. This program can complement your background, whether it’s in sustainability or another industry. An undergraduate degree in any field is required, and three or more years of professional experience — even outside sustainability — provides a strong foundation for success.
You’ll graduate prepared to lead transformations in climate change, zero waste, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, impact investing and more. Employers value professionals who can articulate a sustainability vision, drive tangible environmental improvements, and champion environmentally and socially responsible practices.
How does this program compare to a master’s in sustainability?
This online sustainability leadership master’s stands out with its applied, practical focus, contrasting the research emphasis of ASU’s Master of Science and Master of Arts in sustainability. Designed for professionals, this program develops skills tailored to the growing green and greening job sectors. Courses are led by experienced practitioners with active industry connections, ensuring content aligns with current trends.
In comparison, ASU’s MA and MS in sustainability are thesis- and research-based, suitable for candidates interested in strengthening their research expertise. Offered exclusively on campus, these degrees prepare graduates for careers in think tanks or research-focused roles in academia, government, nonprofits or the private sector. They also provide essential knowledge for pursuing a PhD in sustainability.
If you’re ready to embrace innovative approaches to sustainability and leadership, Arizona State University’s Master of Sustainability Leadership online is a great choice. This transdisciplinary program develops leadership skills while focusing on sustainability strategy and communication. You’ll graduate equipped to advance your career and drive socially and environmentally responsible results for companies, public institutions and community organizations.
Core courses emphasize collaboration, featuring team assignments throughout most weeks. You’ll gain practical tools and best practices for driving change while exploring key topics, such as leading sustainability transitions, transformative leadership and sustainability storytelling.
Elective courses allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, with options to learn about entrepreneurship, green energy, urban planning, sustainability accounting tools such as ESG accounting and more. This program concludes with two capstone courses, one involving an applied team project.
The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best global universities.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements for the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability.
Applicants are eligible to apply if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 semester hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program. Or, applicants must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants with a lower GPA may address this in their statement of intent. They should describe contributing circumstances through their personal experiences. The admission committee will consider these applicants for admission.
The admission committee will consider lower GPAs for provisional admission. Provisional admission applies to applicants with decent work experience and/or good reasons why their GPA was low. If provisional, the student must maintain a “B” or better in the first semester of the program. Students who are admitted provisionally must take at least two courses in their first semester.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Statement of intent in response to four questions.
- Official transcripts.
- Up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae.
All candidates must provide a statement of intent in response to four questions. Applicants must answer the following questions in approximately 300–500 words per question.
- Sustainability improves human well-being globally without threatening the earth’s life-supporting systems. In your own words, explain why sustainability is important to you.
- The Master of Sustainability Leadership prepares decision-makers for the challenges ahead. Describe a time you demonstrated leadership to enact positive change.
- How do you plan to apply the lessons you learn from this degree in the short- and long-term?
- How have you prepared to manage family, work and school life during this program?
Applicants with a low GPA can explain why at the end of the statement.
Work history
A wide array of academic backgrounds will be considered in combination with professional and life experience. Applicants with a minimum of three years of professional or organizational experience or the equivalent are given priority. Work experience does not need to be related to sustainability, nor does the applicant need management or supervisory experience. Applicants with less than three years of work experience will be considered and are encouraged to apply.
Applicants may provide their current employer’s name, address, phone, job title, industry category, occupation category and years/months of experience. The applicant may also provide their current salary, but it's not required.
The School of Sustainability admits students with less than three years of work experience. These applicants must show how the master’s degree will benefit them and discuss how they'll incorporate sustainability in current or future roles. If applicants have a bachelor's degree in sustainability or environmental science, they're likely good candidates, however, most students do not have a bachelor’s degree in sustainability or environmental science.
English proficiency
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
International applicants will need to meet ASU’s English proficiency requirements. Additionally, applicants should have a TOEFL Score of 100 or greater to meet course prerequisite requirements for the program. They may also have an 80% or greater in ASU Global Launch’s English for Graduate Admissions course.
Graduate transcripts
Applicants will be required to submit graduate transcripts if any graduate courses were taken within 5 years of the admit term. If graduate transcripts are not uploaded during the application process, the application will be placed back into In Progress status until ASU receives official graduate transcripts.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”