Master of Science in Sustainability Management

Lead Faculty: Dr. Shekar Viswanathan

The term “sustainability” began with the 1987 publication of the World Commission on Environment and Development report, defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” A combination of forces-including unprecedented growth in population, economy, urbanization, and energy use is imposing new stresses on the earth’s resources and society’s ability to maintain or improve environmental quality. In addition, these pose a major threat to economic viability of many corporations. Starting within the last decade, a movement began inside business to change the way companies operate by eliminating things such as hazardous chemicals as well as the entire concept of waste. The same business practices that increase social and environmental capital also improve the long-term profitability of companies. These win-win situations for the natural world, the community, and business have given traction to the next industrial revolution. To meet these new challenges, many corporations, cities and states and countries are introducing new policies and programs from an emphasis on pollution control to pollution prevention to sustainable practices. This concept of sustainability encompasses ideas, aspirations and values that continue to inspire public and private organizations to become better stewards of the environment and that promote positive economic growth and social objectives. The principles of sustainability can stimulate technological innovation, advance competitiveness, and improve our quality of life.

This program is designed to provide methods and theory appropriate to the study of sustainability by exploring the concepts of sustainability and systems approaches across disciplines.

Career Tracks
The following job titles were taken from a search of various sustainable job postings. Possible types of positions include: Project Manager, Sustainability Manager, Sustainability Analyst, Sustainable Design Professional, Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Consultant, Energy Efficiency Analyst, Operations Manager, Development Specialist, Resource Manager, etc.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Understand the importance of sustainability concepts.
• Acquire scientific knowledge and methods required to evaluate the sustainability of systems.
• Learn to design, manufacture, and operate processes in an environmentally conducive manner.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills required to analyze problems in their social and environmental context.
• Develop economically, environmentally, and socially sound sustainable decisions.
• Evaluate the impact of products, processes, and activities through life cycle assessment.
• Communicate through graduate level oral and writing skills.
• Demonstrate understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

Requirements

To receive a Master of Science in Sustainability Management, students must complete 49.5 quarter units involving eleven courses. A total of 9.0 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at an another institution, as it applies to this degree, and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Students should refer to the section in the graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.

Program Prerequisites
Candidates for the program must possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, sciences, business, management or a closely related area from an accredited university. Interested students from other disciplines may be admitted to the program but may be required to complete additional courses. Non-degree students will not be allowed to enter this program. For those who have a general non-science and non-engineering degree, admission is based on relevant experience and the following program prerequisite:

CSC 220 - Applied Probability and Statistics (or equivalent)

This course may be waived if its equivalent has been completed at the undergraduate level with a grade of “C” or better.

Core Requirements (11 courses; 49.5 quarter units)
Students enrolled or seeking admission to the program can start any course; however, it is recommended to take the courses in the order specified below:

SEM 601 - Introduction to Sustainability
SEM 602 - Enterprise Excellence (Prerequisite: CSC 220 or equivalent)
SEM 603 - Sustainable Innovation
SEM 604 - Life Cycle & Risk Assessment
SEM 605 - Energy Management
SEM 606 - Environmental Management
SEM 607 - Watershed Management
SEM 608 - Sustainable Buildings
SEM 609 - Sustainable Supply Chain
SEM 610A - Capstone Project Course
  (Prerequisite: SEM 601 through SEM 609)
SEM 610B Capstone Project Course (Prerequisite: SEM 610A)

Program Information

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