These Are Some of the Best Master's Programs in the U.S. to Study Sustainability

A strong educational background can be influential in becoming a prominent voice in the fight for greater sustainability initiatives in industries throughout the U.S.

Luckily, there is no lack of environmental education college programs that provide students with a proper education in sustainability.

We've collated several master's programs in the U.S. in no particular order for you to check out as you consider advancing your education in sustainability matters. Here's a brief look at some of the nationally recognized programs in sustainability education.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a top university in Best College Reviews, with excellent educational merits and greater affordability than similarly ranked institutions. What's so enticing about ASU's bevy of sustainability master's programs is the mix of options for those seeking in-person degrees at their Tempe, Ariz. campus or online, as well as doctorate programs for those who desire further educational opportunities

ASU's collection of sustainability programs includes:

• Master of Arts in Sustainability
• Master of Science in Sustainability
• Master of Sustainability Solutions
• Master of Sustainability Leadership (fully online)
• Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership (online)
• Master of Science in Sustainable Food Systems (online)

With a perfect score, Harvard's Extension School earns praise from Best College Reviews thanks in part to the Sustainability Master's Degree Program's flexible coursework and ability to position graduates with notable employers. Tuition costs $3,340 per course and 11 of the 12 required courses are completed online.

Students can pursue the thesis track or a capstone project. Additionally, enrollees can choose from several concentrations, including corporate sustainability, environmental policy, sustainable food systems, and more.

Staying in Massachusetts, the Master of Science in Sustainability program at Tufts is ranked second by Sustainability Magazine. The program requires 36 credits to complete as well as an internship or capstone, and students must maintain a B-minus grade or higher for course credit.

Michigan isn't just a beautiful place for outdoor enthusiasts. According to Sustainability Magazine, the School for Environment and Sustainability offers a terrific Master of Science program.

Per the program website, students can double major and customize their master's degree path by choosing from seven focuses, including:

• Behavior, Education, and Communication
• Environmental Justice
• Environmental Policy and Planning
• Ecosystem Science and Management - Conservation Ecology
• Geospatial Data Sciences - Environmental Informatics
• Sustainability and Development
• Sustainable Systems

Boasting the top-ranked Environmental Policy Program in the country, per U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Bloomington's School of Public and Environmental Affairs houses a one-year Master of Environmental Sustainability program that requires 36 credits. This program is a great choice for an accelerated master's program.

The University of Washington (UW) is another well-regarded institution by U.S. News & World Report, and the online Master of Sustainable Transportation program offers flexibility to complete the program part-time over three years.

Whereas other programs within UW's College of the Environment offer sustainability-minded courses, the transportation program explores a unique career among sustainability career options.

If you're in the midst of a career crossroads and need the credentials to catapult into a leadership position, Johns Hopkins' Master of Science in Climate, Energy, and Environmental Sustainability provides that push. What makes this program attractive is the fully online nature, no GRE is required, and the program can be completed within two or three years.