MS in Sustainability and Global Energy Practice

Sustainability challenges to public policy, markets and corporate strategy are expected to be a $10 to $20 trillion opportunity in the coming years as consumers demand sustainably-produced products and climate change, resource depletion, and geopolitical instability demand a new generation of professionals trained to address complex, interconnected issues. Experts expect sustained growth in green jobs and sustainability management processes over the coming decades.

The program prepares you with the policy knowledge, analytical skills, systems engineering ability and hands-on experience to work in government policy, corporate sustainability, clean energy development, global finance, real estate or infrastructure development, climate adaptation, human rights advocacy, corporate sustainability, renewable energy, carbon markets, and consulting, among others.

Market research demonstrates that there is a clear set of skills that are needed for individuals to succeed as professionals in energy and sustainability fields. Leadership roles require education in qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, and research design as well as an understanding of sustainable energy systems, environmental risks, energy policy and technological developments Job candidates need to be proficient in key performance metrics and reporting, project planning and regulatory compliance, and risk analysis and analytics.

A Masters degree like the NYU SPS Masters of Science in Sustainability and Global Energy Practice covers all of these skills and methods and will prepare graduate students to have greater impact within their organizations and wider society.

NYU’s MS in sustainability and global energy practice is a hands-on, practioner-oriented degree that uses a combination of instruction on foundational energy and sustainability concepts with experiential learning on real world problems through internships, global field intensives and consulting practicums with corporations, NGOs, government entities, and multilateral organizations. The degree prepares students to be able to develop and implement comprehensive sustainability solutions across a wide range of economic sectors such as energy, real estate, finance, food systems, tourism, and human rights.

Yes, job postings in this field have  been increasing at a almost double the rate of growth of the supply of green talent according to job platform LinkedIn. Job growth in the field is projected by Lightcast to grow over 9% through 2034. A substantial gap exists between qualified individuals and roles being sought by employers. The NYU School of Professional Studies Master of Science in Sustainability and Global Energy Practice[1]  prepares skilled individuals to bridge the divide between technical and scientific knowledge and practical implementation of energy and sustainability solutions for maximum societal impact. For those looking to further enhance their ability to make data-driven decisions in this area, the Certificate in Data Analytics offers valuable skills in data analysis and visualization to drive impactful outcomes.

NYU’s program is practice-oriented and captures the broad requirements of the entire cross disciplinary field, rather than narrowing in on any particular specialized area that requires specific engineering technical training. Our flexible curriculum enables you to create a custom education tailored to your individual professional goals across a wide range of fields including: the built environment, energy and climate change social justice and inequality, peace and security, food systems, sustainable finance, and economic development. You and your advisor may even choose up to two courses from other schools at NYU. Also a Master’s in Business often misses the social and environmental qualitative aspects of sustainability practice.

Students can choose between internships in a variety of different kinds of institutions including international multilateral organizations, major global corporations and financial institutions, local community based organizations, and real estate developers.

Yes, the Master of Science in sustainability and global energy practice is designated as a STEM degree.

The STEM designation equips sustainability and global energy practice degree graduates with in-demand analytics skills in the growing sustainability and energy industries. Our coursework blends both qualitative and quantitative education with emerging technologies and adaptability—making our graduates fiercely competitive in the job market, especially for international students.

In addition to completing four core courses, students work with their individual faculty advisor to select electives that best meet their career aspirations. Four recommended specializations include:

• Sustainability Fundamentals and Practice
• Energy Systems
• Sustainable Buildings, Urban Systems and Technology
• Sustainable Finance and Analytic

The Master’s in Sustainability and Global Energy Practice is dedicated to supporting students’ academic and personal development throughout their graduate journey. The program offers a wide range of support services, including personalized academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources, to help students choose courses and navigate the demands of graduate study.

Students also benefit from workshops, seminars, and networking events led by sustainability professionals and field experts, providing valuable opportunities to develop practical knowledge and connect with practitioners. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, the program ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally, and to develop the expertise required to excel in their professional studies.

The global alumni network across all the Masters degrees from NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs includes over 1900 graduates working in a broad range of global affairs disciplines.

Applicants need a BA or BS degree plus demonstrated interest in sustainability such as internships, work experience, related coursework or a strong statement of interest and evidence of knowledge of data software and data analysis. 

Applicants must have a related BA or BS degree from a New York state accredited institution of higher education.

Yes, virtual and in-person information sessions are aimed at providing prospective students with program details, curriculum insights, and information about career opportunities, networking opportunities, and experiential learning through global field intensives, consulting assignments, internships. You will have time to ask your questions to admissions and program staff.

See our graduate admissions and financial aid webpages.

The cost of an sustainability and global energy practice master’s degree program varies depending on the number of credits (units) and whether you are attending the university part-time or full-time. 

The sustainability and global energy practice degree program typically takes 1.5 years to complete as a full-time student.

The program offers a robust suite of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students achieve their academic and career goals.