QS Rank:
25
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Michigan
,United States
Program Rank
21
Program Name
Ms in Sustainable Systems
Overview
View Official pageSystems thinking, ecological principles, and technological capabilities can drive a sustainable future.
Depletion of fossil fuels. Global warming. Water scarcity. Loss of biodiversity. Modern environmental challenges like these impact both developed and developing nations, and they are compounded by increasing consumption pressures and a growing global population. The world needs innovative environmental management leaders who can help solve these complex problems and address basic human needs such as mobility, shelter, water, food, and communication, in a more sustainable manner.
Sustainable Systems graduates of the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) are equipped to become these leaders through an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on systems thinking, as well as a sound understanding of ecological principles, the capabilities of technology, and the mechanisms that reshape economic and social progress. The curriculum of this environmental master's program draws on courses from SEAS and across U-M, many of which are cross-listed with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering for a truly collaborative educational experience. The Sustainable Systems program is led by a diverse team of faculty with expertise ranging from urban infrastructure ecology and sustainable systems engineering to renewable electricity and corporate environmental strategy. Much of our research is done in tandem with the Center for Sustainable Systems and the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise.
Many Sustainable Systems students enroll in dual-degree programs with units across campus including the Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering (Engineering Sustainable Systems), Urban Planning, the Ford School of Public Policy, and the Law School. Sustainable Systems students participate in diverse activities outside the classroom ranging from the Ross Energy Club and Auto Club to Sustainability Without Borders. Each year new Sustainable Systems students develop and update the Sustainability Factsheet collection, which includes over 1,600 facts on a wide range of topics from wind turbines and autonomous vehicles to the U.S. food system, water treatment, and residential buildings. Check them out!
Why Sustainable Systems?
- Gain expertise in systems-analysis techniques with a wide range of applications, including renewable energy, water infrastructure, green construction, sustainable mobility, and food systems.
- Develop the critical skills of systems thinking and systems-dynamics modeling and apply them to the challenges of global environmental and social change.
- Deepen your understanding of institutions that govern energy use and explore ways in which government and industry policy have succeeded — or failed — in order to transform energy systems and influence consumer choices, and ultimately to reduce carbon emissions.
CURRICULUM
You will gain expertise in systems-analysis techniques with a wide range of applications, including renewable energy, water infrastructure, green construction, sustainable mobility, and food systems. In your coursework, you will examine sustainability by studying global and regional environmental impacts, materials and energy flows, social values and equity issues, consumption patterns, and key policy mechanisms.
You also will develop the critical skills of systems thinking and systems-dynamics modeling and apply them to the challenges of global environmental and social change. Lifecycle assessment, risk analysis, multi-objective analysis and optimization, environmental economics, energy analysis, design for environment, carbon-emissions modeling, and spatial analysis are among the analytical tools and skills taught.
Training in environmental management strategy, decision analysis, organizational change and conflict resolution, ethics, stakeholder engagement, and scenario analysis round out your skill set. For example, you will deepen your understanding of institutions that govern energy use and explore ways in which government and industry policy have succeeded - or failed - in order to transform energy systems and influence consumer choices, and ultimately to reduce carbon emissions.
The curriculum is organized into three areas: systems analysis, sustainable design and technology, and sustainable decision-making and enterprise. These core areas provide the knowledge and tools for evaluating and transforming systems to enhance sustainability. The overall goal is to train future leaders in sustainability careers with the expertise to create and implement sustainable solutions across the key systems for meeting societal needs: built environment, energy, food, mobility, and water.
Systems analysis
These courses cover analytical tools and methods for assessing and improving the sustainability of systems for meeting societal needs. Topics include the circular economy, life cycle assessment, environmental systems analysis, environmental economics, GIS, system thinking and multi-objective analysis.
Sustainable design and technology
These courses focus on technology assessment, design analysis and planning of systems (e.g., built environment, energy systems, mobility) for enhancing their sustainability performance. Topics include green development, energy systems analysis, renewable energy modeling, GHG emissions and carbon footprint analysis, market-based sustainable product design, and urban sustainability.
Sustainable decision-making and enterprise
These courses focus on leadership skills and transformation processes used by private and public sector organizations to create and implement sustainable systems. Topics include decision analysis, the triple bottom line, sustainability strategies, organizational change and conflict resolution, market and policy analysis, financing, entrepreneurship, stakeholder engagement, and ethics.
Total Tuition Fees
$1,10,200
Duration
24 Months
Ranking
#25
US World and News Report
#23
The World University Rankings
#25
QS World University Rankings
Intake
Fall ( Sept - Nov )
Class Profile
Language Test Scores
Minimum Score
6.5 / 9
Minimum Score
89 / 120
Diversity
Others:
2%Two or more races:
3%Asian:
20%Black or African American:
6%Hispanic or Latino:
13%White:
56%Admissions
Application Deadlines
Fall
Round | Deadline | Decision |
---|---|---|
Space Available | NA | NA |
Eligibility Criteria
Sustainable Systems Courses and Requirements (PDF)
Summary of requirements:
- Fifteen (15) credits of SS course list
- Six (6) credits in Systems Analysis
- At least three (3) credits in Sustainable Design & Technology
- At least three (3) in Sustainable Enterprise
- An additional three (3) credits of Sustainable Systems Core
- EAS 509 Ecology: Concepts and Applications and EAS 510 The Science and Practice of Social Change or course(s) from the Social Distribution list. Students without a background in the social science are asked to complete 510. Those with a strong understanding of the social sciences are instead asked to complete one 3 credit course -or- a combination of courses equaling a total of at least 3 credits (e.g. two 1.5 credit courses) from the Social
- Systems Distribution list (in place of 510)
3LORs
- Two (2) courses totaling at least three (3) credits from the approved list of Integrated Analytic Methods & Skills (IAMS) courses
- One statistics course from the approved list
- Graduate-level electives (400-level or higher)
- Minimum 25 EAS credit hours
- Minimum 42 total credit hours
Sustainable Systems Themes - Course List
*Complete listing of EAS courses (including those from other specializations)
Application Requirements
What Really Matters When Applying
Passport
Required
Resume
Required
IELTS
Required
Transcript
Required
Semester wise Marksheet
Required
General LOR
Required
Degree Certificate
Required
Statement of Purpose
Required
Application Fee
75
Career Outcomes
Prospective Job Roles
Sustainable Materials Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Sustainable Agriculture Consultant
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Engineer
Top recruiters
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
$55,100 / year
Overall Cost
$73,424 / year
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