Global Environmental Sustainability

/

Chart a new course forward for the planet

Climate change and environmental threats are reshaping our world, with profound consequences for economic well-being, migration, health, conflict, and environmental justice. This program’s human-focused approach emphasizes understanding the causes and effects of climate change and developing strategies to limit the impacts.

You’ll explore diverse economic, political, and sociological perspectives to address these urgent challenges. And our location in Colorado puts you at the center of practical discussions on the role of government, the private sector, and civil society.

Whether you’re aiming to make policy on scales from local to global, drive corporate social responsibility, or lead advocacy organizations, you’ll be equipped to promote just and equitable sustainability initiatives.

Program information

Program length

60 credits

Degree awarded

MA in Global Environmental Sustainability

Course delivery

On campus

Term length

10 week quarter

Admission & merit aid priority deadline

Priority: October 15, 2026, followed by rolling admissions

Apply

Program information

Loading...

Curriculum Experiential Learning Lifestyle Career Outcomes

Shape your experience

Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to explore new fields, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a specialized track. You'll build a foundation through 16 credits of core coursework and 12 credits of skills coursework, then use your remaining 32 credits to tailor your degree with a specialization, a certificate, or courses abroad. The courses below are a snapshot of what your path might include:

Core Courses

INTS 4091

4 credits

Great Issues in International Affairs

INTS 4397

4 credits

The Environment, Economy and Human Well-Being

INTS 4706

4 credits

Sustainability of Socio-Ecological Systems

INTS 4972

4 credits

Global Environmental Governance

Skills Courses

INTS 4057

4 credits

Statistics

A total of 8 more credits (in the form of 4-credit or 2-credit skills courses) of INTS or PPOL skills coursework.

Certificates

Global Business & Corporate Social Responsibility

Through a unique collaboration between the Daniels College of Business and the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, this certificate equips you with the insights and skills needed to understand the complexities of global business environments – and master corporate strategies that prioritize ethical practices and inclusivity.

Learn More

Global Environmental Change & Adaptation

This certificate equips you with innovative solutions to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change, population growth, and resource demands. You’ll explore sustainability and environmental management from multiple angles — and gain a deeper understanding of how to create just and sustainable outcomes for future generations.

Learn More

Homeland Security

Receive specialized homeland security training that equips you with the skills to prevent and cope with terrorism. This certificate is one of the first and most comprehensive efforts to address this critical need.

Learn More

Humanitarian Assistance

This certificate equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for impactful humanitarian work. You’ll learn to partner with affected communities, respond to diverse needs, and lay the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive development.

Learn More

Public Diplomacy

Through a unique collaboration between the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs and the Department of Media, Film, and Journalism Studies, this certificate equips you with skills to enhance your global impact. You’ll acquire a sophisticated understanding of global media and communication processes and the ways in which they are employed by individuals, groups, organizations and governments to advance their strategic interests.

Learn More

Public Policy

This certificate grounds you in the essentials of policy analysis and the policymaking process. The curriculum blends political, ethical, and equity-based approaches to public policy, preparing you to create effective solutions at all levels of governance.

Learn More

Religion & International Affairs

Through a unique collaboration between the Department of Religious Studies and the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, this certificate explores both contemporary case studies and theoretical insights to help you navigate the complex relationship between religions and international politics in the modern world.

Learn More

Strategic Intelligence

Dive deep into the full spectrum of intelligence processes, from collecting data to creating actionable intelligence reports. Through hands-on practical exercises, you'll master the art of producing professional-grade intelligence assessments and learn to navigate the complex ethical and strategic dilemmas that define contemporary intelligence work.

Strategic Intelligence

STEM-Optional Practical Training

Enhance Your Career with STEM-Optional Practical Training (OPT) Eligibility

The Master of Arts in Global Environmental Sustainability is a STEM-designated degree, which means eligible F-1 students may apply for a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) after graduation.

Want to build additional analytical skills? The optional Applied Environmental Analysis (AEA) concentration is not required for STEM OPT eligibility, but it can help you develop additional analytical skills that may be valuable to employers. Students who choose the concentration declare it in their first quarter through the Korbel Office of Academic and Student Affairs.

STEM OPT is administered by the U.S. government. Eligibility and approval are not guaranteed and depend on federal requirements in effect at the time of application, including F-1 status, post-completion OPT eligibility, qualifying employment, and employer participation in E-Verify.