Should I Apply

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 concentrations, 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). In addition, the Department of Environmental Conservation has a number of application fee waivers it can grant to prospective students who have faced adversity, such as societal, economic or academic disadvantages. We will additionally consider application fee waiver requests from applicants who are first generation students and students who have been traditionally underrepresented in graduate education in the field of Sustainability Science. Please submit a request for an application fee waiver to Britt Crow-Miller, Graduate Program Director, at bcrowmiller@umass.edu.

Next...
Ready to Apply? Start your application here. Have more questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions here >

What do I need to apply?