25 Best Master’s in Environmental & Sustainability Management for 2021

environmental management masters

Despite rollbacks in regulations and climate change denial, environmental management and sustainability is still one of the key growth industries in the world today. Earning an Environmental and Sustainability Management Masters‘ will allow you to work in one of the most interesting and lucrative industries around. Learning how to utilize the natural resources we have available to us as well as maximizing the sustainable resources we may be able to use in their place. 

Understanding management procedures and being able to oversee how materials are used and what types of materials are available are primary roles that an environmental and sustainability manager must be proficient at. Being able to find sustainable alternatives for many of the natural resources that are used by a company is important. This reduces waste and can save the company money. It will also allow you to keep your company within the regulatory guidelines that have been put in place by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Featured Programs

Methodology: Ranking the Best Environmental Management Master’s Programs

To rank the best environmental management master’s programs, Great Business Schools editors researched traditional, on-campus programs from the nation’s most prestigious institutions. Only accredited, reputable colleges and universities were considered, and programs are ranked according to factors including tuition, student satisfaction, and salary potential. 

1. Yale University

Yale University gives students an opportunity to enroll in the best environmental management Masters’ programs in the northeastern United States. Coursework includes instruction on how to manage natural resources and oversee many different levels of operation within both natural and business environments. With a Master of Environmental Management degree, a graduate can find employment in many different industries and in a variety of positions, including human resources and government positions.

Yale University is one of the oldest and most revered schools in the country. Its long-standing history of providing quality education and valuable resources to its students makes it a leader in its field. With a Master of Environmental Management, graduates can continue to build a solid career with a bright future.

Highlight Students at Yale are guaranteed to receive a top of the line education taught by experienced instructors.
Degree Master of Environmental Management

2. Columbia University

Columbia University offers one of the best environmental management Masters’ programs in New York and the surrounding states. The skills that are provided include the ability to manage different types of environments as well as the resources they offer. Management tools and strategies are also provided that will allow graduates to be an effective and skilled leader. By graduating with an MS in Sustainability Management, you can find work in organizations and agencies that are committed to managing our sustainable resources for the future.

Columbia University is dedicated to providing each student with the highest quality education possible so that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. Taught by professional faculty members with many years of experience, each course requires all of the information a student will need to perform the duties associated with their position. 

Highlight Earning a Masters’ degree from Columbia offers the best chance for landing the type of position you want.
Degree MS in Sustainability Management

3. Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers the best environmental management Masters‘ programs for students who are interested in finding work as an environmental metrology technician or manager. Each student receives the training they need to be proficient in weights and measures and how they are used in an environmental setting. With an MS in Environmental Metrology & Policy, graduates can assist in managing the harvesting and use of vital natural resources.

Georgetown University offers the highest quality Masters’ programs in Environmental Management. The award-winning curriculums are taught by instructors with years of professional experience. Georgetown has won numerous awards for its different types of curriculums, including those in an online format. 

Highlight Students who choose to attend Georgetown University are guaranteed an education that will provide all of the necessary resources that are needed to be proficient at their job.
Degree MS in Environmental Metrology & Policy 

4. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers students the best environmental management master’s programs available in the world. The Masters’ programs offer skills and abilities that give students what they need to be able to monitor and evaluate ecosystems and manage the resources available within them. Enrolling in an MS in Ecosystem Science and Management program gives students an opportunity to enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed. The program also builds a foundational understanding of the intersection between life and the environment, and how humans both manage and impact ecosystems. With a focus on experimental field-based learning, this environmental master’s program will prepare you to become a change-driven scientist capable of developing novel approaches to the sustainable management of wildlands, protected areas, and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The University of Michigan is one of the most technologically advanced universities in the field. Each degree program is created to provide the most innovative and up to date information and skill sets possible for a student to succeed in whatever position they pursue when it comes to the ecosystem sciences and sustainability fields.

Highlight Graduates can rely on the faculty and staff at the University of Michigan to provide them with the guidance they need to build lucrative, long-lasting careers.
Degree MS in Ecosystem Science and Management

Other degrees include: Master of Science, MS Landscape Architecture


5. University of California, Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara provides each student with the best environmental management master’s programs on the west coast. Each course provides the most current and up to date information available. Students learn about both the environment as well as effective management skills that will allow them to be valuable leaders. A Master of Environmental Science and Management offers those skills and abilities to its graduates

The University of California, Santa Barbara has a tradition of providing quality coursework and technologically advanced tools to help students gain the edge they need to succeed. Instructors who teach at the university have long-standing careers and are respected by the professional peers. 

Highlight Graduates leave UCSB with the confidence that comes from utilizing every opportunity at their disposal to move forward with their career. By the time they graduate, they are prepared and ready to go to work. 
Degree Master of Environmental Science and Management

6. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University includes the best environmental management Master’s programs in its course menu. Students who enroll in the Masters’ programs at the university receive instruction on both the environment as well as the natural resources that we need. Earning a Master of Environment and Natural Resources will give students everything they need to establish themselves as professionals in their field. Students are able to complete their duties in an effective manner.

The Ohio State University has a reputation for being one of the Midwest’s premiere schools when it comes to providing award-winning coursework. Faculty members are chosen based on experience and the level of education they have achieved. Students can count on faculty members and staff to provide the support they need to make it through the difficult times they may experience when earning their degree. 

Highlight Graduates are able to use the resources provided by Ohio State and faculty to create a career they can look forward to.
Degree Master of Environment and Natural Resources

7. Tufts University

Tufts University gives students an opportunity to enroll in the best environmental management Master’s programs. These programs are created to give students the knowledge and skills that will be needed to develop new environmental policy and planning in urban areas. Taking the time to earn an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning will allow a graduate to pursue a career in either local or state government.

Tufts University has been offering quality coursework for decades. Award-winning curriculums and seasoned faculty members provide a well-rounded education program students can rely on. Faculty and staff are fully committed to providing each student with an educational experience that will provide them with a solid foundation for a stellar future. 

Highlight Tufts takes great pride in the caliber of students it produces.
Degree MA in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning

8. Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology is able to provide many of the best environmental management Master’s programs in the country. Students who are interested in environmental management and the sustainability of vital natural resources are able to learn all of the skills necessary to be an effective leader among their peers. With an MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability, graduates are able to find employment in either the public or private sector and build a solid career.

Illinois Institute of Technology offers award-winning, state of the art curriculums that allow students learning about environmental management and sustainability to have the most current information and resources available. Combined the exceptional curriculum with the professional team of instructors and you have a recipe for success. 

Highlight Graduates can leave Illinois Tech with confidence and take the first steps toward a productive career.
Degree MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability 

9. Stevens Institute of Technology

For graduates who are interested in the best environmental management Master’s programs, they can find them at Stevens Institute of Technology. The institute offers students a chance to learn the theories and protocols that surround sustainability management. The ability to effectively manage sustainable resources requires both attention to detail and the ability to predict future trends. With a Master in Sustainability Management, students are able to enter the workforce with the skills to successfully perform all of their duties.

Stevens Institute of Technology is well-known along the eastern seaboard for its commitment to quality education. Academic excellence is the norm and not the exception with the team of faculty and staff always ready to render assistance as it is needed. 

Highlight Graduates who have completed a Masters’ degree program at the school are able to use their newfound talents to build a lucrative career and earn the respect of those they work with.
Degree Master in Sustainability Management 

10. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is committed to offering the best environmental management programs throughout the area. Environmental managers must be able to monitor the use of natural resources, establish new policies in reference to sustainability, and also be an effective leader in terms of overseeing practices within their department. Graduates who have earned a PSM in Environmental Management are steps ahead of their competitors when it comes to applying for jobs in their field.

Oklahoma State University has a proven track record of providing quality educational degree programs at all levels of education. The university has chosen a dedicated staff of faculty members to lead their students on their educational journey. By providing the guidance and encouragement each student needs, faculty members are helping them pave the way to a successful future. 

Highlight Graduates can use their PSM in Environmental Management to find the job of their dreams.
Degree PSM in Environmental Management

11. James Madison University

James Madison University gives students to attend some of the best environmental management Master’s programs in the state of Virginia. The courses include management skills that can be used to provide leadership in departments where environmental management and sustainability are primary concerns. Students learn how to effectively manage existing policies as well as create new ones. The MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability makes it possible for students to achieve all of their career goals.

Academic excellence is the main priority at James Madison University. Between the exceptional, highly-rated coursework and a dedicated team of faculty members, students are guaranteed the resources they need to excel once they take their first position after graduation. The ability to leave the school knowing they are fully prepared will allow each student to go after the positions they want with confidence. 

Highlight Once hired, the skills JMU students learned from their MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability degree program will allow them to build an exciting career.
Degree MS in Environmental Management and Sustainability

12. George Mason University

George Mason University offers the best environmental management Master’s programs along the east coast. The courses are designed to give students the tools they need to write effective environmental policies that can be used to protect our natural resources. They will be able to create programs that both communities and industries can use to reduce their reliance on non-sustainable resources. Earning an MS in Environmental Science and Policy is the best way for a graduate to move forward with their career.

George Mason University and its award-winning faculty members provide an education that is above reproach when it comes to providing quality coursework and reliable resources. Students are given the guidance and support they need throughout their time at the university. This allows them to learn with confidence and set their goals for the future. 

Highlight By staying focused on their education, George Mason students are able to receive the skills they need and apply them as soon as they enter the workforce.
Degree Environmental Science and Policy, MS

13. University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder provides students with the best environmental management Master’s programs in the Rockies. Students can expect to learn everything they need to know that pertains to the environment, including the creation of new policies and protocols, the sustainability of natural resources, and managing departments that are in charge of maintaining public land. With a Masters of the Environmental Sciences, a graduate can set their own path and create a career they enjoy.

The University of Colorado Boulder takes great pride in offering an award-winning degree program that students can depend on to provide them with the necessary skills they will require once they graduate. The university also offers a long list of valuable resources that can be used to help students choose the correct career path that will meet their needs and goals.

Highlight After graduating they can pursue any career they desire that will allow them to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
Degree Masters of the Environment

Featured Programs

14. American University 

The American University gives students the chance to enroll in the best environmental management Master’s programs near the nation’s capital. The coursework developed by the university offers all of the skills and information needed to perform the duties associated with a sustainability management position. By pursuing an MS in Sustainability Management degree, the student will have the ability as well as the confidence to go after the type of job they are most interested in.

The American University offers a smaller class size as well as many of the most important resources a student will need to establish themselves as effective managers when it comes to protecting sustainable resources. With the support and encouragement of the university faculty, graduates can enjoy a long and very rewarding career. 

Highlight Enrolling in a quality degree program at American University is the first step on their journey to success.
Degree MS in Sustainability Management

15. Duquesne University

Duquesne University provides its students with the best environmental management Master’s programs available. Skills and lessons that are taught as part of the degree program are needed to allow a graduate to be sufficient in their duties when working with sustainable business practices. With an MBA in Sustainable Business Practices, each graduate will be able to pursue a degree that provides them with what they need to be successful in whatever business venture you choose.

At Duquesne University every student who enrolls in a degree program is guaranteed to receive an education that is of the highest quality. In addition to numerous resources and the professional staff, graduates have the opportunity to continue to explore their education on many different levels. 

Highlight By continuing their education, Duquesne students can draw from the experience of their instructors while continuing to learn new skills within the classroom.
Degree MBA in Sustainable Business Practices

16. DePaul University

DePaul University has available many of the best environmental management Master’s programs for students who are interested in a sustainability management career. The degree program includes all the necessary tools and abilities a manager who deals with sustainability management will need to be successful. The MS in sustainable Management gives every student the knowledge they will need to not only gain employment but also build a rewarding career that will last them the rest of their lives.

DePaul University is one of the most well-respected universities when it comes to providing the best educational degree programs for environmental and sustainable management. The quality coursework and the teaching methods of the esteemed faculty provide students with every possible advantage. After graduation, the goals that were set while the degree was being earned can now be fully realized. 

Highlight With the help of the faculty and staff, a DePaul graduate can embark on their personal career journey.
Degree MS in Sustainable Management

17. University of San Francisco

On the west coast, the best environmental management Master’s programs can be found at the University of San Francisco. Each student has the opportunity to pursue their chosen career path and learn the necessary skills they will require to be a success. From the valuable resources to the skills that are taught in each course, students will gain the knowledge they need to create the perfect career path for their future. All they have to do is to commit fully to their education and see it through.

The University of San Francisco is not your average learning institution. Faculty members take great pride in being able to encourage their students through every step of their journey and providing them with the advice they need to continually adapt to future changes. 

Highlight With graduation behind them, the only thing left to do is to find the perfect job and continue to pursue each goal they have set for themselves. Graduates can then start to focus more fully on their future.
Degree MS in Environmental Management

18. University of Rhode Island

By offering the best environmental management Masters’ programs in the state, the University of Rhode Island provides its students every advantage. The courses that make up the degree program provide valuable tools and information, along with sound management strategies and protocols that are useful when it comes to environmental concerns or conditions inside the workplace. With a Masters of Environmental Science and Management, every student is able to leave the university behind and pursue the career goals they have in place.

The University of Rhode Island is one of the most prestigious schools of higher learning in the state. The university and its faculty have won the respect of its peers by being able to provide curriculums that are both sound and rich in tools and strategies that students will need to be successful. 

Highlight Once a graduate has completed their coursework, they can then turn their sights toward building the career of their dreams and finding the type of employment they can count on to provide opportunities for advancement over the years.
Degree Masters of Environmental Science and Management 

19. Webster University

Webster University is proud to provide the best environmental management Master’s programs in the state of Missouri. Through the environmental management coursework, students receive the required abilities that allow them to perform their jobs successfully and up to the expected standards of the industry. Graduates who receive an MS in Environmental Management can establish themselves as a professional in their field. Many students choose to find work in environmental management while they are still in school to gain experience.

Webster University is one of the best universities in the area that offers each student exactly what they need to establish a rewarding career. Faculty members use their many years of experience to give students a new perspective while they focusing on their studies. Every graduate who completes their Masters’ degree program, is guaranteed to be able to pursue their goals and reach them in due time. 

Highlight Many Webster students find work before they graduate so they can put their knowledge to good use.
Degree MS in Environmental Management

20. Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University has the best environmental management Master’s programs. The university has put together a degree program that allows students to receive the training they need to be an effective manager when it comes to environmental sciences and sustainability. Enrolling in the M.S. Environmental Sciences and Management degree program will give students both leadership skills and environmental sciences information they can use when establishing their career.

At Humboldt State University, the school has a reputation for providing course programs that can give students a head start on all of their career goals. The insight provided by the faculty members is invaluable since it provides a type of education that the graduate will not be able to enjoy by simply attending a classroom. 

Highlight After graduation, students are able to choose the job opportunity that they want and continue to look for new ways to advance through their careers.
Degree M.S. Environmental Sciences and Management

21. Bard College

Bard College offers the best environmental management Master’s programs in a small liberal arts college setting. Once a student has completed the enrollment process, it is up to you to learn the basic skills being taught through the class. With an MBA in Sustainability degree, each student has a chance to make the most out of their skills by pursuing a degree in environmental sciences and sustainability. After graduation, they can return to their previous job and begin to apply what they have learned.

Bard College has a long history of being one of the most student-focused schools in the New York City area. Every course is designed to provide students with every advantage in terms of both skills and abilities. Students who have continued to hold down a job while attending schools can begin to apply the skills they have learned while they are hard at work. 

Highlight Faculty members are also available to students if they run into an issue or concern while they are working toward their degrees.
Degree MBA in Sustainability

22. Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University gives students the best environmental management Master’s programs to choose from. Degree programs include skill sets, knowledge, and strategies that students can use to fulfill the requirements of their position. With a Master of Environmental Management, students are capable of taking positions in either the public or private sector. They can work with natural resources or human resources. The concepts they learn through this type of degree are valuable in many different industries.

Western Colorado University is one of the best schools of higher learning in the state. Faculty members are chosen because of the experience they have earned by working in their chosen profession. In addition to their expertise, faculty and staff offer guidance to help students make the best possible career choices. 

Highlight Once they have completed the quality degree program, Western Colorado are able to take what they have learned and apply it to real-life situations.
Degree Master of Environmental Management 

23. Edgewood College

Edgewood College has the best environmental management Master’s programs for students who are interested in becoming a leader in the environmental sciences field. Students are taught leadership skills as well as the latest advancements in technology. By working toward an MA in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership, the graduate can find new ways to assist not only their communities but also environmental organizations.

Edgewood College has received many awards when it comes to its professional faculty and its ability to provide an education that is second to none. The courses offered by the university are some of the best in the country for providing the skills that are needed to both protect the environment and sustain our natural resources. 

Highlight Whether the student chooses to work with the outside environment or an office environment, students have what they need to make positive changes.
Degree MA in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership

24. Chatham University

Chatham University gives every student an opportunity to enroll in the best environmental management Masters’ programs in the state of Pennsylvania. Students are given all of the information and skills that will be required if they choose a position that involves sustainability and business management. They will be able to oversee other employees and utilize valuable resources that will make it easy for them to do their job and be successful at it. Enrolling in a Master of Sustainability and Master of Business Administration will give them a head start on their career journey.

Chatham University is one of the most popular universities in the state of Pennsylvania. Every graduate has full access to the highest quality coursework, professional faculty members with years of valuable experience, and resources that will be available to them both before and after graduation. 

Highlight A double major in both sustainability and business administration gives students the option of pursuing one or both career paths.
Degree Master of Sustainability and Master of Business Administration

25. The New School

The New School can give students the best environmental management Master’s programs in New York. The curriculums’ valuable resources and tools will give each student the advantage they need to create new environmental policies while successfully managing sustainable resources. With an MS in environmental policy and sustainability management, students can focus on their future and look forward to many new opportunities. Students are set up for success from the beginning.

The New School offers state of the art technology, advanced academic coursework, and professional and reliable faculty members who are committed to their students. Once the student begins to prepare for graduation, they can begin to set their career path and begin to push forward to meet their goals.

Highlight An MS in environmental policy and sustainability management is not only the first step in completing your education, it is also the first step in working toward the job you really want.
Degree MS in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management

What Jobs Can I Get with an Environmental Management Masters’?

Environmental management jobs can be found in many different industries. Safety and environmental management professionals are found in manufacturing and construction companies. They are responsible for maintaining a safe and productive work environment that is free from a wide variety of hazards. They are also for ensuring that companies are able to remain in compliance with guidelines put out by the Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental management takes many forms both in and out of the actual workplace. Organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the Department of Natural Resources are both responsible for our environment. While OSHA focuses on the inside work environment, the DNR and EPA concentrate on outside environments.

Individuals who prefer working with the environment, in general, can find employment in organizations like the Bureau of Land Management, the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Department of Natural Resources. These organizations are responsible for the natural environment and how we impact it through construction, manufacturing, and general use. Understanding the impact we have on our environment and the extent to which we use our natural resources are just two of the more important responsibilities associated with Environmental Management.

How Much Can a Graduate with an Environmental Management Masters’ Make?

The type of job you take and the level at which you are employed will determine how much you will make in a year with a Masters’ in Environmental Management. If you are employed as a health and safety manager, you can expect to earn approximately $81,000 depending on how much experience you have. The longer you have worked in the field, the more you will be able to earn, especially if you have recently returned to school to complete a certification or a degree program. This makes a good addition to your resume once you have earned your degree.

Project managers who have a specialization in environmental management can expect to earn as much as $70,000 a year on average. Both the amount of experience and the level of education you have completed will be determining factors in how much you can make. With minimal experience, being hired at an entry-level position is a great place to start, although you will not be earning as much as someone who has several years more experience. The key is finding an entry-level position and then returning to school online so you can learn and earn at the same time.

How Long Does It Take to Earn My Environmental Management Masters’ Degree?

It can take anywhere from two to three years for a student to earn their Masters’ degree in Environmental Management. Individuals who take additional coursework as part of their Bachelor’s degree program or who enrolled in a certification program may be able to complete their degree in as little as two years. Many students can choose their elective courses giving them an opportunity to choose courses for their next degree program. This means they are already ahead of the game when they enroll in their next degree program.

Accelerated degree programs are also available that will allow students to shave months off of their degree programs. A three-year program can be reduced to as little as 24 to 30 months, while a two-year program can be completed in as little as 18 months or less. Accelerated programs are thought to be more difficult due to the condensed nature of the courses. More work is packed into each lesson so that fewer lessons are needed to complete the course. Accelerated programs can be completed online or in a classroom.

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief