M.S. in Sustainability

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $38

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 79 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.

The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.

Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.

International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.

Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.

Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.

A Master of Science (M.S.) in Sustainability from the University of South Dakota (USD) equips graduates with a unique interdisciplinary skillset to address complex environmental, social, and economic challenges. This program is designed to create solutions-oriented professionals who can drive positive change across various sectors, from governmental agencies to corporate sustainability departments. The demand for sustainability professionals is rapidly growing, with a significant increase in organizations embracing sustainable practices and a rising need for "green talent" across industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and technology.

Sustainability Manager/Director: These professionals are responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing an organization's sustainability initiatives and strategy. They ensure compliance with environmental regulations, set reduction goals (e.g., carbon footprint), and integrate sustainability into overall business objectives for corporations, non-profits, or governmental bodies.

Environmental Consultant: Sustainability consultants advise clients on how to manage environmental issues, comply with regulations, and implement sustainable practices. They identify problems, recommend solutions, and evaluate environmental policies across various industries.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Analyst: Often found in the finance sector, ESG analysts evaluate companies' performance on environmental, social, and governance factors to assess their sustainability and ethical impact for investors. This is a rapidly growing field driven by increasing demand for responsible investing.

Environmental Policy Analyst: These professionals research policy developments related to environmental problems, analyze data, and propose solutions to address issues like climate change, resource management, and pollution. They often work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups.

Urban/Regional Planner (Sustainability Focus): Urban planners with a sustainability background develop plans for land use that prioritize sustainable development, integrate green spaces, optimize transportation, and minimize environmental impact in urban and regional areas.

Renewable Energy Specialist/Manager: These roles focus on the development, implementation, and management of renewable energy projects (e.g., solar, wind, hydropower). Graduates contribute to the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources.

Natural Resource Manager/Conservation Scientist: Working for government agencies, non-profits, or private land owners, these professionals manage and conserve natural resources, including water, forests, wildlife, and ecosystems, often focusing on sustainable use and restoration.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project Manager: CSR managers ensure that an organization's operations are ethically and sustainably managed. They coordinate initiatives related to environmental protection, social equity, and community engagement, often engaging stakeholders and reporting on impact.

Sustainable Supply Chain Manager: These specialists focus on optimizing the entire supply chain process, from sourcing raw materials to delivery, to ensure it is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. They work to reduce waste, emissions, and ethical risks.

Environmental Educator/Outreach Coordinator: Graduates can develop and deliver programs to educate the public, businesses, or specific communities about environmental issues and sustainable practices. This can involve working for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or governmental agencies.