Master of Science in Sustainability

The M.S. in Sustainability program prepares students for exciting careers in the wide-ranging field of sustainability.  By incorporating a multi-disciplinary approach to complex human and environmental issues students will acquire the scientific, economic, social and environmental knowledge they need to become change agents to lead businesses, communities and the world to a sustainable future.

Offered entirely online, the M.S. in Sustainability can be completed in two years.  The program starts by building a solid interdisciplinary foundation in sustainability theory, methods and practice.  Natural, social and economic systems are explored and key relationships, factors and elements of sustainability are identified.  The Communication and Change course familiarizes students with effective tools and skills that will assist them in leading businesses, organizations and communities to a sustainable future.  Elective courses enable students to gain practical skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest.  The culminating capstone course presents students with the opportunity to develop a practical sustainability project that applies the knowledge and skills that they have acquired to a sustainable issue within the natural environment, a business or a community.  This real-world project will endow M.S. in Sustainability graduates with indispensable first-hand experience that will better position them to compete in a globally competitive market.  Furthermore, the exceptionally designed program prepares graduates to be effective sustainability change agents in their businesses and communities.

Application Guidelines

Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution.  Requirements for admission to the program include the submission of the following to the Black Hills State University Graduate Studies Office:

• BHSU graduate online application www.BHSU.edu/Admissions
• Official BS/BA transcript from an accredited college/university with evidence of cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• One letter of recommendation that can demonstrate the applicant’s potential for academic success in graduate studies.
• Official GRE scores (only if your GPA is between 2.5 and 2.75)
• A personal essay of interest (only if your GPA is between 2.75 and 3.0)
• Minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 550 (international students only)
• Submit the $35 (non-refundable) application fee.