Sustainability is not divisible into independent and disconnected components, such as environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Reductionist approaches and myopic lenses of environment, social and economic sustainability have been the main causes of sustainability issues. Social, environmental, economic, and other aspects of sustainability are interconnected and interdependent, and therefore issues related to sustainability can be addressed only through a lens of sustainability that is holistic, inclusive, long-term focused and equity-centric in nature.
The application of a sustainability lens requires systems, integrative, and critical thinking, multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary approaches. It also requires the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, and the combined use of classroom and experiential learning.
Given this perspective, the Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM) program uses the lens of sustainability to integrate business management, natural science, and social science to study sustainability at different levels. The program represents a departure from traditional graduate-level programs in environmental sustainability, social sustainability and “green” Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs and occupies a unique niche at the interface of three major streams –natural science, social science, and business management.
The MScSM is a course-based professional master’s program, and consists of 11 required core courses, 5 elective courses and an experiential learning (internship) placement of 10 to 16 weeks. Students also complete a major research paper, capstone project, and have the option to go on exchange to Europe. The program is full-time and 20 months in length (five semesters - four academic and one work term).
Read more about MScSM’s distinguishing features here!
Director's Message
We are facing a crisis of biblical proportion that is threatening the existence of human and other species on this planet. We, however, are still accelerating our speed towards climate hell. There is no doubt that climate change is the biggest risk, but the issues of indigenous and human rights, gender inequality, modern slavery, racial discrimination, poverty, hunger, and health are also critical for the sustainability of humans and the planet. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include all these social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability.
We have been aware of these challenges for some time and many efforts are being made to address these issues at all levels. The Conferences of Parties (COPs) have been organized every year, since 1994, to craft a global path to reduce the risks of climate change, but our progress in terms of reducing global carbon emissions has been dismal. For example, the recently concluded COP27 (November 2022) agreement failed to go beyond the 2021 Glasgow climate pact and could not extend their promise from “phase down unabated coal power” to the phase down of all fossil fuels. In addition, 2022 is expected to make a new record of CO2 emissions. With this trend, limiting global warming to 1.5°C will be beyond our reach very soon. It has been well established that the cost of our inactions will be much higher than the cost of our actions to reduce CO2 emissions. Similarly, the costs of our inactions on other issues, such as indigenous and human rights, gender inequality, racial discrimination, and modern slavery, are tremendous and much higher than the costs of actions. Generally, these costs are environmental and social costs and are transferred to future generations.
We cannot continue to be silent observers of these trends. We are in a new era which is about saving the planet and humanity and not about saving or serving special interests. This will require a new vision about our society, culture, economy, and our relationships with other living beings and with the planet. We have to move from national to planetary citizenship. The desired transformation is possible only through the unique and dynamic leadership of young generations.
MScSM program is for students who have an inner desire to transform the current values and systems rooted in colonization to values and systems required for a sustainable world. The new leadership will be rooted in social and planet’s wellbeing rather than in individual’s wealth maximization, and the MScSM program is a home for students who want to make this world a better place for everyone. The program is designed to create an environment where the educational, social, cultural, emotional, and leadership skills of each student can flourish and inner dignity, instead of external identity, becomes a driving force of each person’s leadership style.
The basic premise of program is that sustainability is not divisible into independent and disconnected parts. Social, environmental, economic, and other aspects of sustainability are interconnected and interdependent, and therefore sustainability issues can be addressed only through a lens of sustainability that is holistic, inclusive, long-term focused and equity-centric. The application of a sustainability lens requires systems, integrative, and critical thinking, multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary approaches. It also requires the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, and the combined use of classroom and experiential learning.
The program occupies a unique niche at the interface of three major streams –natural science, social science, and business management. The required courses build a very strong foundation in sustainability management while elective courses, internship, and open choices of the selection of capstone project and research paper topics offer the possibilities of specialization in almost any topic related to sustainability management. The exchange programs with three European universities open the door for learning about sustainability in different cultures.
The program places a very high importance on the growth of every student as a human being. We encourage every student to nurture their “inner dignity” and explore “individual identity” rather than superimposing uniform “external identity”. The program is known for its distinct culture focused on intrinsic curiosity, collaboration, care for others, respect, trust, and a family-style environment. We call ourselves Sustainability Management Family.
In 2012, when program was conceptualized, there were many who were skeptical about the idea of a program in sustainability management, but today almost all organizations are focusing on sustainability, and seeking the support of sustainability experts. It seems that 21st century will be the century of sustainability.
Our graduates have made a tremendous impact during the last 7 years and are in a very high demand in every sector. We have 100% placement for paid internships and all graduates find employment within a 3-4 month of post-graduation. Every graduate is a great ambassador of our program.
We look forward to welcoming individuals who are committed to make this world a better place for everyone and want to lead the world by their inner strength and not by external identity.
With very best wishes and love,
Dr. Shashi Kant
Director, MScSM