12 Masters Degrees in Sustainability

Master's degrees in India that will launch your career in sustainability.

A career in sustainability is more than working in a sustainability-focused position such as sustainability manager. While those opportunities do exist and can be a great path, the field of sustainability is much broader. There are opportunities in every sector you can think of, including business, government, and nonprofits, and part of navigating your career is determining the best fit for you.

(Also Read: 8 Bachelor's Degrees in India That Can Help You Get Green Jobs)

Sustainability is no longer a niche field but a critical pillar of global and Indian development. With India's ambitious goals for renewable energy and emissions reduction, as outlined in the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the demand for skilled professionals in sustainability is soaring. A career in this field offers diverse opportunities across business, government, nonprofits, and research, far beyond traditional roles like sustainability manager. Since the original article in 2022 (link previous article), new programs and colleges have emerged, reflecting the evolving landscape of sustainability education in India. This updated guide highlights eight Master's programs, including new and established offerings, to help you launch a rewarding career in sustainability.

1. MSc in Climate Change & Sustainability

New Program

• Description: This innovative program at Azim Premji University equips students to tackle India's climate challenges, such as erratic monsoons and rising sea levels. It offers two tracks: a 1-year MSc (Coursework) for graduates with a 4-year Bachelor’s or Bachelor’s + Master’s, and a 2-year MSc (Thesis Option) for those with a 3-year Bachelor’s. The curriculum covers climate science, renewable energy, environmental impact assessment, water and waste management, and geospatial analytics, with practical components like fieldwork, case studies, and internships.

• Colleges: Azim Premji University, Bengaluru

• Careers: Climate Policy Analyst, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Scientist, Renewable Energy Specialist, ESG Analyst, Geospatial Analyst, NGO/Non-Profit Leader

• Admission Requirements: Open to fresh graduates and early-career professionals from science, engineering, or humanities backgrounds, with foundational skills in mathematics and data analysis required.

2. MBA in Sustainability Management

New Program

• Description: Offered by IIM Mumbai, this two-year program integrates sustainability with business strategy, preparing students to lead sustainable innovations in corporate settings. The curriculum includes Operations, Supply Chain Management, Business Strategy, Environmental Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG frameworks, Sustainable Finance, and Circular Economy principles. It aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing leadership in sustainable business practices.

• Colleges: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai

• Careers: Corporate Sustainability Manager, Sustainability Strategist, ESG Analyst, Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist, Green Business Consultant

• Admission Requirements: Specific details are not widely available, but typically require a Bachelor’s degree and entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, or equivalent, common for IIM programs.

3. MSc in Sustainable Development

Updated Program

• Description: This interdisciplinary program at CHRIST UNIVERSITY, spanning 2-4 years, focuses on sustainable development through a blend of economics, environmental policy, and social welfare. Students complete 72 credits, including 12 core courses (e.g., Research Methodology, Economics of Growth and Development) and 6 open electives. The curriculum incorporates problem-based learning, case studies, and field visits, preparing students to address global warming, resource scarcity, and population growth.

• Colleges: CHRIST UNIVERSITY, Bangalore

• Careers: Sustainability Consultant, Corporate Sustainability Manager, Environmental Policy Analyst, Supply Chain Sustainability Specialist, Green Marketing Specialist

• Admission Requirements: Indian candidates need a Bachelor’s degree, entrance test scores (e.g., CAT, MAT, XAT), and documents like marks cards and ID proof. International students require English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.0) or equivalent.

4. MA in Sustainable Development Practice

Established Program

• Description: This program at TERI School of Advanced Studies addresses critical gaps in sustainable development education in South Asia. It combines innovative pedagogy with rigorous field training to tackle interwoven challenges like poverty, diseases, climate change, and ecosystem vulnerability. Part of the Global Association of MDP programs, it prepares students for international development roles.

• Colleges: TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi

• Careers: Development Professional, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Policy Analyst, NGO/Non-Profit Leader, International Development Specialist

• Admission Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and entrance exams or merit-based selection, with specific details available on the university’s website.

5. MSc in Environmental Sciences

Established Program

• Description: This program at Savitribai Phule Pune University covers environmental aspects like water, air, soil, and noise pollution, their control technologies, and ecosystem management. It emphasizes research in Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Atmospheric Sciences, preparing graduates for conservation and regulatory roles.

• Colleges: Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

• Careers: Environmental Specialist, Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Teacher, Marine Biologist, Research Scientist

• Admission Requirements: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in science or related fields, with admission often based on merit or university-specific entrance exams.

6. Masters in Climate Science and Policy

Established Program

• Description: Offered by TERI School of Advanced Studies, this program provides a strong foundation in climate change science and policy. It includes practical learning with climate models and data, focusing on environmental governance and policy formulation. Ideal for students with a scientific background, it prepares graduates for roles in climate action and advocacy.

• Colleges: TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi

• Careers: Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Policy Analyst, Ocean and Coastal Resource Manager, Climate Action Specialist

• Admission Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in science or related fields, with entrance exams or merit-based admission processes.

7. Master of Technology in Environmental Engineering

Established Program

• Description: This program focuses on environmental management systems, pollution prevention, and sustainable technologies. Designed for working professionals, it emphasizes proactive measures to reduce pollution at the source and reactive measures using advanced technologies.

• Colleges: IIT Bombay, SRM University Chennai, Manipal Institute of Technology

• Careers: Environmental Engineer, Environmental Specialist, Health & Safety Administrator, Technical Test Engineer, Bio-Research Assistant

• Admission Requirements: Requires a B.Tech or equivalent degree, often with GATE scores for admission to top institutes like IIT Bombay.

8. Masters in Ecology and Environmental Studies

Established Program

• Description: This program combines theoretical knowledge with field experiences to study ecological interactions and environmental issues. It addresses challenges like pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, preparing students for roles in research, conservation, and education.

• Colleges: Assam University, Nalanda University

• Careers: Environmental Consultant, Research Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Environmental Educator, Pollution Control Specialist

• Admission Requirements: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in science or related fields, with admission based on merit or university-specific entrance exams.

9. Master’s in Sustainability Science and Practice (MSSP)

Description: Offered by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), this program examines social, economic, and bio-physical mechanisms of coupled ecological and human systems. It focuses on sustainability science, informing policy and practice across diverse human settlements, from semi-wild areas to mega-cities. The program is designed to address significant environmental and climatic changes, emphasizing evidence-based solutions for sustainable development in the Global South.Colleges: Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), BengaluruCareers: Sustainability Scientist, Environmental Policy Analyst, Urban Sustainability Specialist, Researcher, ConsultantAdmission Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Specific details are available on the IIHS website.

10. Master’s in Climate Change Science and Practice (MCCSP)

Description: Also offered by IIHS, this program focuses on climate change science and practice, with an emphasis on urban areas as critical sites for adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. It prepares students to contribute to sustainable development goals through cutting-edge research and practical applications in urban contexts.Colleges: Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), BengaluruCareers: Climate Change Specialist, Urban Climate Resilience Planner, Sustainability Consultant, ResearcherAdmission Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Specific details are available on the IIHS website.

11. Master of Science in Environmental Management

Description: This program, offered by Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, focuses on environmental management, regulation processes, and protecting planetary health. It covers global environmental crises such as global warming, pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion, preparing students to develop and implement solutions in various sectors.Colleges: Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, GurgaonCareers: Environmental Professional, Environmental Systems Manager, Environmental Auditor, Environmental Property AssessorAdmission Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in science or related fields, with admission based on merit or university-specific entrance exams.

12. Master of Arts in Urban Studies and Practice

Description: While not exclusively focused on sustainability, this program at IIHS integrates sustainability into urban studies, addressing the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of urban development. It prepares students to tackle urban challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, making it relevant for those interested in sustainable urban planning and development.Colleges: Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), BengaluruCareers: Urban Planner, Sustainability Consultant, Policy Analyst, Researcher, Development ProfessionalAdmission Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Specific details are available on the IIHS website.

Choosing the Right Program

When selecting a program, consider your background and career goals. Science graduates may prefer programs like MSc in Environmental Sciences or Climate Change & Sustainability, while those with business interests might opt for the MBA in Sustainability Management. Interdisciplinary programs like MSc in Sustainable Development offer flexibility for diverse career paths. Always check university websites for the latest admission details, fees, and curriculum updates, as program offerings may evolve.

(Also Read: Sustainability education & careers webinar)

Table: Overview of Master's Programs in Sustainability (2025)

The field of sustainability in India is dynamic, with new programs like those at Azim Premji University and IIM Mumbai complementing established offerings at TERI and other institutions. These programs prepare graduates to address pressing challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequity, offering diverse career opportunities in a growing field. For the latest information on admissions, fees, and specific course details, visit the respective university websites or contact their admissions offices.

References

MSc in Climate Change & Sustainability, Azim Premji University https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/programmes/msc-in-climate-change-and-sustainability 

MBA (Sustainability Management) – Program Overview, Indian Institute of Management Mumbai https://iimmumbai.ac.in/mba-sustainability-management-program-overview 

Master of Science in Sustainable Development, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore https://christuniversity.in/social-sciences/sociology-and-social-work/msc-in-sustainable-development 

M.A. Sustainable Development Practice, TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi https://www.terisas.ac.in/ma-sustainable-development-practice.php 

Department of Environmental Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University https://www.unipune.ac.in/dept/science/environmental_science/default.htm 

M.Sc. (Climate Science and Policy), TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi https://www.terisas.ac.in/msc-climate-science-and-policy.php 

PG Admission | Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay https://www.esed.iitb.ac.in/pg-admission 

Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University https://www.aus.ac.in/ecology-and-environmental-science/ 

Master’s Programme in Environmental Studies, School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University https://nalandauniv.edu.in/academics/sees/sees-programmes/masters-programme/