Master of Arts in Sustainability Program

Master of Arts in Sustainability

Sustainability Masters Program Overview

Want to make a difference in the world? HPU’s Master of Arts in Sustainability (MASUST) program will open your world to a wide variety of professional opportunities and personal experiences. You will learn to simultaneously search for the underlying causes of global environmental, economic, and social problems while also learning to design and lead initiatives that produce sustainable outcomes for the current and future generations.

 

Our 21-month program is offered in person at our urban Honolulu campus. Tuition for the 2024-25 academic year is $1,283/credit.* 

 

*To view estimated cost of attendance visit hpu.edu/costs

Take Action! Applying is Easy

Plan your start date

  • You may enroll in the fall (August) or spring (January) semesters

 

Admissions Requirements

  • Online application — apply at hpu.edu/apply ($55 app fee)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • One (1) letter of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • English proficiency required for international students

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WHY HPU?



With a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you'll enjoy personalized interaction with instructors and an intimate learning environment with your peers.



You’ll have the flexibility to focus on your unique areas of interest, helping you achieve your career and educational goals.



Immerse yourself in Hawaiʻi’s rich culture and pursue internships with a variety of local organizations.

Key Benefits

Fall start students may pursue a concentrated course schedule (complete in 3 semesters rather than 4) with advisor review and approval

Develop in-demand skills of systems thinking, strategic and futures thinking, and collaboration

Merit scholarships, HPU partner employers tuition discounts, and Graduate Assistantships available

Courses offered late afternoon and evenings for working professionals

STEM-OPT eligible for international students

Sample Degree Plans of Study with Full-Time Enrollment

The sample degree plan listed below is a guide and may be subject to change.

  • August Entry

    Year 1 Fall

    • SUST 6000 Sustainable Human Systems (3 credits)
    • SUST 6005 Research Methods for Environmental & Social Policy (3 credits)
    • SUST 6310 Sustainable Tourism (3 credits)
    • SUST 6600 Colloquium: I Ka‘ana Like ‘Ana o Ka Ike (Pass/Fail no cost meets 4-5 times a semester

    Year 1 Spring

    • SUST 6001 Seminar in Environmental Governance (3 credits)
    • ENVS 6010 Global Climate Change (3 credits)
    • SUST 6330 Industrial Ecology and Sustainability (3 credits)

    Year 2 Fall

    • SUST 6500 Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development (3 credits)
    • SUST 7100 SUST Professional Paper I (3 credits)
    • SUST XXXX Any approved program elective (3 credits)

    Year 2 Spring

    • SUST 6320 Sustainable Cities (3 credits)
    • SUST 6990 Internship (Paid or Unpaid; 3 credits)
    • SUST 7200 Professional Paper II Capstone (credits)

  • January Entry

    Year 1 SpRing

    • SUST 6001 Seminar in Environmental Governance (3 credits)
    • ENVS 6010 Global Climate Change (3 credits)
    • SUST 6330 Industrial Ecology and Sustainability (3 credits)
    • SUST 6600 Colloquium: I Ka‘ana Like ‘Ana o Ka Ike (Pass/Fail no cost meets 4-5 times a semester)

    Year 1 Fall

    • SUST 6000 Sustainable Human Systems (3 credits)
    • SUST 6005 Research Methods for Environmental & Social Policy (3 credits)
    • SUST 6500 Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development (3 credits)

    Year 2 Spring

    • SUST 6320 Sustainable Cities (3 credits)
    • SUST 7100 SUST Professional Paper I (3 credits)
    • SUST XXXX Any approved program elective (3 credits)

    Year 2 Fall

    • SUST 6310 Sustainable Tourism (3 credits)
    • SUST 6990 Internship (Paid or Unpaid; 3 credits)
    • SUST 7200 Professional Paper II Capstone (credits)