Sustainability (MSUS)

Sustainability (MSUS) Overview

Housed on Chatham’s groundbreaking Eden Hall Campus, Chatham’s Master of Sustainability (MSUS) program is experiential and practical. Our highly interdisciplinary faculty members work closely with students on projects that make real differences even as they teach important principles. Students gain not only a professional skill set that prepares them to be the sustainability leaders of tomorrow, but a diverse portfolio of work that shows that they already are.

Program School

Falk School of Sustainability & Environment

Application Deadline

Priority and Regular

Priority deadline for fall is February 1 (all application materials must be received by this date for first consideration of fellowships and assistantships). Regular deadline for fall term is July 1. Regular deadline for spring term is November 1.

Credits Required

42

The MSUS may be completed in two years of full-time study. A part-time enrollment option is also available.

Education Options

Dual Degree

Students may also choose to pursue a dual degree MSUS + MBA.

Meet Us & Learn More

Upcoming Events

Join us for an upcoming event to learn more about the MSUS, and click here to view recordings of past information sessions for Falk School of Sustainability & Environment programs.

Explore the Master of Sustainability Degree:

The MSUS curriculum includes foundation courses (12 credits) that allow students to explore the nature of system analysis and sustainability as it relates to the ecological, economic, social and business world; skills for work and research courses (18 credits); and electives (12 credits) that allow students to explore in depth a particular area of sustainability study.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or better on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with less than a 3.3 who show extreme promise through other achievements may be granted conditional admission.
Completed Application Form, which includes submission of the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Admissions Essay
- 2 letters of recommendation, preferably from an academic source
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, sent directly by the institutions
- Additional writing sample (optional, but encouraged)

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

SUS607: Green and Social Innovation

The class helps students develop skills for managing innovation focusing on Food, Agriculture, Environmental and Social Product and Service innovations. Students will work with actual ideas and or start-ups from local incubators and entrepreneurs. The class focuses on helping students to develop skills to use innovations for solving major social and environmental problems.

SUS640: Sustainable Community Development

Explore how people can engage in creating more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable communities at multiple scales, from the local to the regional. Readings and assignments emphasize sustainable planning theory and practice, as well as sustainable food systems perspectives. Students will engage in practice-based research and community projects.

SUS508: Environmental Statistics

Students in this course will become proficient in executing quantitative methods pertinent to sustainability science, including multiple linear regression, descriptive multivariate statistics, and time series analyses. All assignments aim to generate experience with applied problem-solving and will require scriptwriting in program to maximize analytical and data management efficiency. This course requires a foundation in statistical methods.

View Course Catalog

The MSUS is the degree for students who want to build their own futures and transform society to be healthier and more equitable.

—LOU LEONARD, JD, dean of the Falk School of Sustainability & Environment

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Four Tracks

We offer four custom-fit tracks built for specific interests and growing demand: urban and energy systems; ecology and resource management; business and innovation; and a self-designed track.

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Research

Explore the current faculty- and student-driven research projects and opportunities at the Falk School to see the types of experience students can gain in the program.

Explore Research

Eden Hall Campus

Located 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh, Chatham's Eden Hall Campus is the world's first academic community built from the ground up for sustainability. The grounds and infrastructure support research and learning around energy and climate; water and aquaculture; food and agriculture; community and health; and design and planning. As an MSUS student, you will balance your time between the Shadyside Campus and Eden Hall.

Watch More Videos

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Solution-Based Learning, Year 1

As part of a team, first-year MSUS students work on a project or problem identified by the Falk School. Projects may be internal or external. Students play a supporting role, learning good teamwork and drawing upon previous knowledge and courses to successfully complete or advance a project. Project outcomes are presented to the Falk School community and project sponsor.

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Solution-Based Learning, Year 2

In a leadership role, second-year MSUS students lead a project. Projects may be internal or external. Students play a supporting role, learning leadership and drawing upon previous knowledge and courses to successfully complete or advance a project. Project outcomes are presented to the Falk School community and project sponsor.

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Program Faculty

Chatham's Sustainability faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field. They serve as mentors and advisors and are there for you every step of the way.

Meet the Faculty

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Method Classes

One elective and three required method classes help students develop research and solution-finding skills. These skills support students in any discipline or profession.

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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The MSUS curriculum incorporates the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a roadmap for sustainability adopted by all nations. In addition to links within courses, each student’s thesis addresses at least one SDG. Focused on concrete issues like water, food, and energy, learning through the SDGs helps sustainability come alive.

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Graduate Career Opportunities

MSUS graduates have worked at organizations including Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Homewood Children’s Village; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Allegheny County Health Department; North Museum of Nature and Science; Cleveland State University; Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse; Ioby; Oakland University; the City of Pittsburgh; Quasar Energy Group; University of Pittsburgh; and Scalo Solar.

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MSUS+MBA Option

Not sure the MSUS program is right for you? Chatham also offers a dual-degree MSUS+MBA, which allows students to secure a strong understanding of business administration as a complement to the sustainability focus of the MSUS, while obtaining the credential of an MBA. All of this can be achieved in roughly the same time it would normally take to obtain just one of these degrees.

Learn About MSUS+MBA

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Tuition & Funding

The cost of a graduate degree consists of university tuition (per credit charge), fees, and any other personal expenses you may require for earning your degree. Chatham also offers a 20% corporate partner discount, graduate assistantships, and professional campus work positions for many graduate programs that can help make a Chatham graduate education more affordable. The Falk School provides numerous financial resources to our currently enrolled students, including funds available for research, unpaid internships, conference presentations, and study abroad opportunities. Our Financial Aid and Admissions offices will also work with you to understand loan and financing options available.

Explore Tuition & Funding

Visits & Events

Start the next steps in your graduate journey at Chatham University by visiting campus or attending upcoming events. Join virtual info sessions, open houses, or admitted student sessions to learn about our programs and the application process, interact with faculty, and experience the Chatham community. Click the button below to view the schedule and register, and email graduate@chatham.edu with any questions.

View Graduate Event Schedule

Master of Sustainability (MSUS)

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Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities, One Neighborhood At a Time

Photo of Eden Hall Campus on a bright summer day

Jen Sabol, MSUS '22

Water Science & Sustainability

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Mayor of Sharpsburg, Brittany Reno, MSUS '22

Do you have questions?

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Sustainability (MSUS)