The Master's degree in Sustainability is structured to train students in the foundational theories and practices of sustainability from a dedicated systems-level approach applying evidence-based research techniques to solve problems at the community, regional, national, and global levels. One of the key goals of the program is to educate students to be able to understand and develop strategies for addressing and mitigating problems in water resources, energy use, management skills in the business community, resolution of social and environmental challenges and inequities, and the effective development and application of policy language and implementation.
As a cohort-based learning experience, the curriculum draws on the diverse expertise of the teaching community at CSUN. The program offers a core curriculum designed to develop a common language in sustainability practice while supporting students in one of four areas of specialization (1) Environmental Science, Water Resources, and Technology; (2) Community Well-being and Social Justice; (3) Corporate Sustainability; and (4) Sustainability Policy and Government. All students will complete a Culminating Experience as a Graduate Thesis or Project under the direction of a chair and faculty committee. Comprised of a diverse range of courses in each specialization, the 33-unit program is designed for completion in two years.