If you seek a high-level career as a sustainability professional and you’re ready to pursue a rigorous graduate program, then you’re in the right place! From community-focused NGOs to multinational Fortune 500 companies, from local government to state and federal agencies, there is growing demand for those with an advanced sustainability degree and real-world training. Our 1 (or 2) year program positions students to seize these opportunities and build careers that are personally meaningful and socially impactful.
What kind of students are you looking for?
We're looking for students from diverse backgrounds and professional levels; ranging from highly motivated recent undergraduates to those with extensive professional experiences. We recognize sustainability as a broad discipline and encourage applicants from a variety of undergraduate fields. This diversity in experience and academic backgrounds creates a rich multi-disciplinary learning environment for our students.
Is this the right program for me?
Our streamlined 1-year program is designed for highly motivated students who want a tailored graduate school experience and a professional sustainability career. The program is organized around five specializations, but students enjoy wide discretion in selecting courses that best fit their individual interests and aspirations. This blending of clear milestones with maximum flexibility is combined with faculty advising and applied professional opportunities.
Students graduate with: (1) a systems thinking approach to understanding the interrelated scientific, social, economic, and political underpinnings of sustainability challenges; (2) critical thinking and communications skills; (3) real-world pragmatic training and field experiences; (4) a network of peers and colleagues who are committed to each others’ success.
Our alumni are helping to change food and energy systems and make impacts in advancing sustainable business practices across New England and the U.S..
What do I need to apply?
To apply, prospective students must submit an online application to the UMass Amherst Graduate School. Required application materials include a personal statement, resume, transcripts, and at least two letters of recommendation. International students are also required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. GRE test scores are not required. A non-refundable $85 application fee is payable online via credit card or by check drawn on a U.S. bank (made payable to UMass Amherst).
Can I request an application fee waiver?
The application fee is automatically waived for current UMass Amherst and Five College undergraduates. The UMass Amherst Graduate School lists a number of other categories of applicants that may qualify for a fee waiver (see Application Fee Waivers here).
The first step in applying to the Sustainability Science Masters program is to complete the online application through the graduate school. During this process, applicants must submit two references for letters of recommendation, a personal statement, resume, and transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, undergraduate and graduate, where nine or more credits were earned. International students are required to submit scores from a standardized English language proficiency test, unless you meet one of the waiver conditions. Accepted proficiency tests, thresholds, and waiver conditions can be seen here. The deadline for Fall admission is February 1. GRE scores are not required.
Graduate school is a challenging, fun, rigorous, and rewarding experience. You’ll learn new ideas and skills, develop an incredible network of friends and colleagues, and position yourself for career success. This educational investment also entails a significant commitment of time, effort, and financial resources.
Tuition and Fees can be found on the UMass Amherst Bursar website here.
Full-time students are typically registered for 12+ credits per semester. Estimates of the cost of living in our area can be found here.
Financing
To help fund graduate education we encourage students to apply for the MS3 Leaders in Sustainability Fellowship as well as outside scholarships and fellowships.
MS3 Leaders in Sustainability Fellowship
The Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst seeks to create a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment in which graduate students from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed. We are committed to increasing access to graduate education for students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the field of sustainability science, including but not limited to those based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. In line with this commitment, The Leaders in Sustainability Fellowship Program supports the recruitment, retention, and success of outstanding Sustainability Science graduate students from groups historically underrepresented in the field. This fellowship provides financial support in the amount of $7,500 for students during their first year enrolled in the Masters of Science in Sustainability Science (MS3) Program. Students who wish to be considered for the fellowship should complete the fellowship application available at the link provided by the MS3 program after the application deadline in February.
Financial assistance is also available through the University's financial aid services.
As a 1-year professional program we do not offer Teaching or Research Assistantships. The intensive pace makes it difficult for students to take on outside TA commitments. In addition, the professional orientation of the program means there is no required research component, thus we do not have RA positions.
Click here to find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.