Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Sustainability Leadership
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Sustainability Leadership at UB is a 30 to 31-credit hour program, typically completed within one to three years, offering flexibility for working professionals. It aims to develop leaders who can master the knowledge and techniques required for a wide range of professional sustainability positions. The program emphasizes strategic sustainability and leadership, communications and change management within a global context, and prepares students for careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as academia. Students customize their set of courses based on their educational background, work experience, professional aspirations, and project content, allowing for investigation across a wide variety of disciplines to propose solutions to real-world socio-ecological problems.
Curriculum: The 30 to 31-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Sustainability Leadership includes required core courses (21 credit hours) and electives (6 credit hours), culminating in an applied project (3 credit hours). Core courses often cover topics such as "Mastering the Global Sustainability Context," "Strategic Sustainability and Leadership," "Sustainability Storytelling and Communications," and "Essentials for Transformative Leadership in Sustainability." Students then choose electives from various interdisciplinary areas related to sustainability, which may focus on organizational sustainability assessment, cities, climate, food systems, environmental/ecological aspects, social/cultural/human dimensions, economics/business, tools and data analysis, and communications. The program requires a final capstone project, where students investigate and propose solutions to socio-ecological problems, potentially working independently or as part of a team.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Sustainability Leadership at UB emphasizes applied research aimed at generating actionable knowledge and tools to solve pressing societal problems related to sustainability in both the natural and built environments. The program's research focus is inherently interdisciplinary, encouraging students to investigate complex socio-ecological issues that require insights from various fields. The capstone project is a key component where students engage in practical research, collaborating with governmental, non-governmental, or private entities to propose real-world solutions. Faculty are at the forefront of global sustainability leadership, guiding students in exploring themes such as organizational sustainability assessment, climate change impacts, sustainable food systems, and the integration of sustainability into business strategy.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Sustainability Leadership at UB is designed with a strong emphasis on industry engagement, preparing professionals to drive impactful sustainability results in organizations and communities. The program is developed and delivered by individuals who have worked directly with companies navigating sustainability transitions, ensuring practical relevance. Opportunities for students to engage with governmental, non-governmental, or private entities are often integrated into the capstone project. Graduates are prepared for roles that demand leadership skills to establish sustainability practices in any type of organization, advancing social, economic, and environmental responsibility. The program’s focus on communication and change management also directly prepares students for real-world application in various sectors.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Sustainability Leadership at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing sustainability challenges and solutions within a global context. Core coursework often includes "Mastering the Global Sustainability Context," emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues worldwide. The program prepares leaders to integrate sustainability into both local and international enterprises, recognizing that solutions to global challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality require international cooperation and diverse perspectives. As part of a major public research university with a diverse international student body and faculty, the program benefits from a rich exchange of global viewpoints on sustainable development and leadership.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates of the M.A. in Sustainability Leadership program from UB are equipped to drive impactful change across various sectors, addressing complex environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Sustainability Manager/Director: Lead sustainability initiatives within corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, developing and implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies.
Environmental Consultant: Advise businesses, governments, and other organizations on environmental regulations, sustainable practices, risk assessment, and achieving environmental compliance and performance goals.
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analyst: Evaluate companies' performance on sustainability metrics for investment firms, rating agencies, or corporate sustainability departments, influencing responsible investment decisions.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Develop and manage programs that align a company's business goals with its social and environmental responsibilities, improving brand reputation and stakeholder relations.
Sustainable Development Officer: Work for international organizations, national governments, or NGOs to promote sustainable development practices, often focusing on poverty reduction, resource management, or climate resilience in developing regions.
Renewable Energy Project Developer: Manage the development and implementation of renewable energy projects (e.g., solar, wind), navigating regulatory landscapes and stakeholder engagement for sustainable energy solutions.
Urban Sustainability Planner: Work with municipal governments or consulting firms to develop and implement sustainable urban planning initiatives, focusing on green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and resilient community design.
Supply Chain Sustainability Manager: Oversee and improve the environmental and social performance of a company's supply chain, ensuring ethical sourcing, reduced waste, and responsible labor practices.
Non-profit Program Director (Environmental/Social Justice): Lead programs for non-governmental organizations focused on environmental conservation, social equity, climate advocacy, or community resilience.
Sustainability Educator/Trainer: Develop and deliver training programs on sustainability principles and practices for businesses, educational institutions, or community groups, fostering a culture of sustainability.
