This program provides you with the skills needed to act as a social change agent through policy analysis and community-based action, such as:
Administrative and legislative strategies.
Ethics.
Mindfulness practices.
Research methods.
Social justice and human rights perspectives.
These skills and competencies will equip you to formulate strategies that advance social, economic and environmental justice, use social media and cyberactivism for advocacy efforts and evaluate the success of advocacy intervention efforts. You’ll develop a deep understanding of how social policies have adversely affected marginalized or oppressed populations, such as different racial/ethnic groups, individuals struggling with mental illness, elderly individuals and more. You’ll also acquire the community advocacy tools needed to address the social problems impacting these populations, with an emphasis on past and present challenges facing various groups in the southwest.
Tailor your studies to fit your career goals
In this program, you’ll choose 10 courses to match your career goals and interests from two key focus areas:
Diversity and oppressed populations: This focus explores oppressed or marginalized populations and systems of oppression and domination.
Social problems and interventions: This focus specializes in social problems that disproportionately affect members of oppressed populations and change strategies.
Both focus areas include five related courses. Regardless of the courses you choose within these focus areas, you’ll graduate with a deeper understanding of social problems and issues, how these issues have historically impacted society, how they have evolved and how they continue to influence the world today.
How does this program compare to a bachelor’s in social work?
While this community advocacy and social policy bachelor’s provides a deep social work foundation, it’s different from a bachelor’s in social work (BSW). This program is regionally accredited, but it isn’t accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) as a bachelor’s in social work would be. This program won’t lead you to social work licensure or prepare you for social work roles that require a CSWE-accredited degree. However, you may pursue a master’s degree in social work after graduation.
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in community advocacy and social policy provides you with the opportunity to explore issues of diversity, oppression and privilege. You’ll graduate with the advocacy and intervention strategies needed to make informed decisions, engage in social change and advocate for the communities you seek to serve.
You’ll take a variety of courses covering topics including introductory ethics, diversity and oppression in a social work context, advocacy strategies and more. This program culminates in a final capstone project where you’ll explore your interests within the context of community advocacy and social policy.
Total Classes
39
Total Hours
120
Total Classes Tooltip
Class number may be less for transfer students.
Total Credit Hours
120
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Program Fee Code
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions - Undergraduate Programs
Community advocacy and social policy program courses
CIP code
44.02
Title
Learn from instructors who have experience solving important social problems
Description
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Related Career Title
The jobs you’ll be prepared for
Related Career Description
This program prepares you to work within the social services sector across a variety of settings, including child welfare and human service agencies, mental health clinics, schools, hospitals and more. Additionally, this program provides a path to pursue graduate education. Common career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
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Accolade title
A college that’s dedicated to the public good
Accolade Description
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
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#2
Accolades Description
best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & Report.
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#2
Accolades Description
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.
Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.
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Top 10
Accolades Description
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description
of graduate programs in social workd, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description
best graduate public affairs programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
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.”
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.
Total Classes
10
Total Hours
35
Total Classes Tooltip
Multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Total Credit Hours
30
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Learn from top-tier experts in sustainability leadership
Description
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.
Related Career Title
The roles this program prepares you for
Related Career Description
Graduates of this online sustainability leadership master’s program can explore a wide range of career opportunities. With solutions-oriented expertise and advanced change management skills, you’ll be equipped to lead sustainability initiatives in both new and established organizations. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Related Career Image
Related Careers Examples
Career Item Title
Business optimization manager
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Chief executive officer (CEO)
Career Item Title
Chief sustainability officer (CSO)
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Consultant
Career Item Title
Director of strategic initiatives
Career Item Title
Sustainability analyst
Career Item Title
Sustainability coordinator
Career Item Title
Sustainability director
Career Item Title
Sustainability manager
Career Item Title
Training manager
Accolade title
Study at the nation’s first School of Sustainability
Accolade Description
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.
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Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
Accolades Title
#1
Accolades Description
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description
best global universities.
Admission requirement title
How to apply
Admission requirement description
Applicants must fulfill the requirements for the Graduate College and the School of Sustainability.
Admission requirement item
Title
Application requirements
Description
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.
Title
Additional admission information
Description
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.
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.”
