M.S. in Sustainability Management

Program Overview

The M.S. in Sustainability Management at Stevens Institute of Technology is a 30-credit master's degree program (typically 10 courses) designed for a broad audience of students with varied undergraduate backgrounds. It aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage sustainability initiatives effectively. The program can be completed in as little as one year for full-time students and offers flexibility through on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. Students gain a deep understanding of the science and technology driving sustainability, as well as the communication and social implementation methods needed to translate ideas into meaningful action. The program also offers a dual MS-MBA option for those seeking a more comprehensive business and management foundation.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Sustainability Management at Stevens comprises five core courses (15 credits) and a minimum of three electives (9 credits), along with two free electives (6 credits) approved by an academic advisor. The core courses typically include: "SM 501/EN 501: Seminar in Sustainability Management" (1 credit, required for 3 semesters), "SM 510/EN 510: Perspectives in Environmental Management," "SM 515/EN 515: Statistical Methods in Sustainability," "SM 530: Sustainable Business Strategies," and "SM 690/EN 692: Project in Sustainability Management." Elective options offer breadth in areas such as "MGT 609 Project Management Fundamentals," "SM 520/EN 517 Environmental Assessment," "EN 586 Hazardous Waste Treatment and Management," "SM 587 Environmental Law and Management," and "SM 531 Sustainable Development." This structure ensures a strong foundation in sustainability principles, analytical methods, and strategic application, with flexibility for individual interests.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Sustainability Management at Stevens Institute of Technology has a strong applied and problem-solving focus rather than a traditional academic research thesis for all students. The program's core goal is to enable students to "develop in-depth insights required for critical thinking in pursuing deeper understanding and concomitant solutions to important sustainability problems." This is achieved through a hands-on approach, including the "Project in Sustainability Management" course and an optional capstone program where students work on real-world sustainability initiatives with industry mentors. Stevens also boasts the Stevens Center for Sustainability, which actively engages in research on topics like green remediation technologies, sustainable materials, smarter power grids, and climate change, offering potential avenues for students to be exposed to or engage with research efforts. The emphasis is on translating scientific and technical knowledge into actionable solutions for environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology's M.S. in Sustainability Management demonstrates robust industry engagement through its curriculum design and experiential learning opportunities. The program prepares graduates for roles like Sustainability Consultant, Corporate Responsibility Manager, and ESG Officer, indicating alignment with market demands. A key feature is the Capstone program, which allows students to work directly with industry experts on real-world projects, providing valuable practical experience. The university also benefits from its location near New York City, a major hub for sustainability initiatives, offering ample networking opportunities with potential employers and thought leaders via events like the weekly Sustainability Seminar Series. Faculty often include experienced professionals from the industry, bringing current challenges and best practices into the classroom, ensuring the curriculum remains relevant and career-focused.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Sustainability Management at Stevens Institute of Technology inherently integrates a strong global perspective, recognizing that sustainability challenges are inherently interconnected and transcend national borders. The program's mission to protect the environment and promote economic development applies globally. While specific courses dedicated solely to "Global Sustainability" might not be individually listed, the curriculum often discusses sustainable development, environmental law, and business strategies within an international context. Concepts like global supply chains, international environmental regulations, and cross-cultural approaches to sustainability are woven into various courses. The university's diverse international student body and faculty further enrich the learning environment, fostering discussions and perspectives that prepare graduates to address complex global sustainability issues effectively in their careers.