Graduate Degree Programs
MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability
Solutions to today's complex environmental challenges are informed by the sciences and implemented in the socio-economic-political arena. Lasting solutions require a diverse interdisciplinary understanding of the issues.
At the School of Environmental Sustainability, we are committed to providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to address today's most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. Our master's degree programs offer a unique interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for impactful careers in a variety of sectors. Our graduates are leading the charge in advancing sustainability, working in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and educational and cultural institutions.
Successful graduate students come from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Some join our program immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, while others are seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their credentials or transition into a new career path. Master's students can choose between a research track and a professional track.
Research Track
Graduate students in the research track work with our faculty in various critically essential areas. They conduct original research projects with support from expert mentors, gaining the skills to become independent researchers. Students also explore the scientific, social, political, and business aspects of environmental issues through our diverse core and elective courses. View the curriculum here in the course catalog.
Professional Track
Students in the professional track develop pragmatic workplace skills through coursework focused on today's most critical environmental challenges. The professional track program offers flexibility and customization, allowing students to select courses and formats that work for their schedules. View the curriculum here in the course catalog. Professional track students complete a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Geographic Information Systems
- Sustainable Assessment and Planning
- Sustainable Business
Click here to learn more and apply.
Community Impact
Alumni
Spreading Knowledge to Stop Aquatic Invasive Species
Natalia Szklaruk earned her master's degree from Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability in 2023. She now works as an aquatic invasive species educator at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
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Alumni
From SES to the US EPA
As a graduate student in SES, Carter Cranberg developed methods of studying aquatic plants and crayfish in Chicago-area ponds. He went on to become a project officer at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Alumni
Putting a Value on Clean Water
SES graduate Emma Donnelly received national recognition for her research evaluating the economic impacts of environmental cleanup efforts in some of the most polluted areas in the Great Lakes.
Learn moreProgram Outcomes
The SES graduate programs prepare students for careers in the sustainability field and to live integrated, environmentally sustainable lives with careers in positions such as:
- Research associate
- Grants manager
- Sustainable supply chain manager
- Energy and sustainability researcher
- ESG coordinator/analyst
- Environmental policy analyst
- Project manager
- Sustainability manager
- Communications manager
- Environmental educator
SES graduates work in nonprofits, businesses, cultural and educational institutions, and government agencies such as:
- Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
- Natural Resources Defense Council
- U.S. EPA
- Environmental Defense Fund
- WWF
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- City of Chicago
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- The Field Museum
- A wide range of for-profit businesses
MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability
Solutions to today's complex environmental challenges are informed by the sciences and implemented in the socio-economic-political arena. Lasting solutions require a diverse interdisciplinary understanding of the issues.
At the School of Environmental Sustainability, we are committed to providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to address today's most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. Our master's degree programs offer a unique interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for impactful careers in a variety of sectors. Our graduates are leading the charge in advancing sustainability, working in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and educational and cultural institutions.
Successful graduate students come from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Some join our program immediately after completing their undergraduate studies, while others are seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their credentials or transition into a new career path. Master's students can choose between a research track and a professional track.
Research Track
Graduate students in the research track work with our faculty in various critically essential areas. They conduct original research projects with support from expert mentors, gaining the skills to become independent researchers. Students also explore the scientific, social, political, and business aspects of environmental issues through our diverse core and elective courses. View the curriculum here in the course catalog.
Professional Track
Students in the professional track develop pragmatic workplace skills through coursework focused on today's most critical environmental challenges. The professional track program offers flexibility and customization, allowing students to select courses and formats that work for their schedules. View the curriculum here in the course catalog. Professional track students complete a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Geographic Information Systems
- Sustainable Assessment and Planning
- Sustainable Business
Click here to learn more and apply.
Program Outcomes
The SES graduate programs prepare students for careers in the sustainability field and to live integrated, environmentally sustainable lives with careers in positions such as:
- Research associate
- Grants manager
- Sustainable supply chain manager
- Energy and sustainability researcher
- ESG coordinator/analyst
- Environmental policy analyst
- Project manager
- Sustainability manager
- Communications manager
- Environmental educator
SES graduates work in nonprofits, businesses, cultural and educational institutions, and government agencies such as:
- Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
- Natural Resources Defense Council
- U.S. EPA
- Environmental Defense Fund
- WWF
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- City of Chicago
- Chicago Botanic Garden
- The Field Museum
- A wide range of for-profit businesses