Sustainability Leadership, MSL

Program Overview

The Sustainability Leadership, MSL program at ASU equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to drive high-impact sustainability results in organizations and communities. It covers key areas such as communications, global context, leadership, and strategy, preparing graduates to advance social, economic, and environmental responsibility in various sectors. The program is offered online, allowing for flexibility and accessibility, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to drive high-impact sustainability results in organizations and communities. It focuses on integrating sustainability into existing institutions and new enterprises. Graduates will be prepared to advance social, economic, and environmental responsibility.

Key objectives:

• Understand the global context of sustainability and its implications for organizations.
• Develop leadership skills for driving sustainability transitions.
• Master communication and change management strategies for implementing sustainability initiatives.

Program Description:

The MSL program is designed to provide a holistic understanding of sustainability leadership. It covers four key thematic areas:

• Communications and Change Management: This area focuses on developing effective communication strategies and leading change initiatives related to sustainability.
• Global Context of Sustainability: This area examines the complex social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world and explores how sustainability can address them.
• Sustainability and Strategy: This area explores how to integrate sustainability into organizational strategy and decision-making processes.

Outline:

• The program consists of 30 credit hours, including a required applied project course.
• The curriculum includes core courses, electives, and a culminating experience.
• Core courses cover topics such as mastering the global sustainability context, strategic sustainability and leadership, sustainability storytelling and communications, essentials for transformative leadership in sustainability, pathways to sustainability, and leading sustainability transitions.
• Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas of interest, such as organizational sustainability assessment, cities, climate, food systems, and study abroad opportunities.
• The culminating experience is an applied project that allows students to apply their learnings to a real-world sustainability challenge.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include individual assignments, group projects, presentations, and a final project.
• The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by faculty with extensive experience in sustainability leadership and research.
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, guest speakers, and field trips.
• The program emphasizes active learning and student engagement.

Careers:

• Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in various sectors, including business, technology, science, education, and government.
• Typical career paths include business organization manager, chief executive officer, chief sustainability officer, consultant, director of strategic initiatives, sustainability analyst, sustainability coordinator, sustainability director, sustainability manager.

Other:

• The program is offered online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world.
• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to complete their studies at their own pace.
• The program is open to students from all backgrounds and disciplines.
• The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• The program has a strong alumni network, providing graduates with opportunities for networking and career development.