University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MA) in
Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS MA Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies (MA)
About this Program
Learn to think in systems that underscore how human beings and nature can thrive on a rapidly changing planet. Gain skills in environmental studies, sustainability, and policy and governance. The interdisciplinary structure of this online program combines cutting-edge academic knowledge in environmental issues and questions of sustainability with oral and written communication and problem solving.
Immerse yourself in a dynamic online master's program where you'll engage with cutting-edge research, collaborate with passionate experts, and develop actionable strategies to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Our program offers you the flexibility to learn from anywhere while gaining hands-on experience in sustainable practices and policies. Whether you're driven by a desire to combat climate change, advance green technologies, or create sustainable communities, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact. Embark on a journey to become a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability—your future begins here!
Designed For
A Master's in Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies is suited for individuals passionate about addressing global environmental challenges through practical, interdisciplinary approaches. Prospective students often come from diverse backgrounds including environmental science, policy, engineering, and business, seeking to develop solutions that balance ecological health with social and economic sustainability.
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Learn more about the Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies online program.
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What You’ll Learn
21st Century Careers in Environmental and Sustainability Fields
The climate crisis, environmental justice challenges, and the visioning of sustainable futures are some of the most urgent issues of our time. We are enthusiastic about the power of online education on these issues to make advanced degrees accessible to working professionals and non-traditional students. In this vein, our program brings a range of media (e.g., podcasts, video lectures, documentaries, academic and popular readings) and assignments (e.g., written, audio, and video responses; research projects; writing for a general audiences, such as op-eds or blog posts) into classes to appeal to students with different learning styles and backgrounds.
Our teaching is oriented around publicly engaged practice with a focus on project-based, experiential, and community-based learning that brings academic work done online into the real world in ways that feel timely and relevant to each student. We look forward to working closely with students online each term to engage with the course material and help students to identify and hone their interests and the application of these interests in their future careers.
Focus Areas
- Analyze complex environmental and sustainability issues from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives
- Critical thinking skills to create sustainability solutions to the planet's environmental challenges
- Effectively communicate environmental issues and sustainability solutions through scientific and non-scientific writing
- Recognize and engage in practices that work toward social and environmental justice
Course Examples
- Core classes include:
- ENS 601 Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Issues and Ideas
- ENS 602 Environment and Sustainability Policy and Governance
- ENS 603 Communicating Environmental Knowledge
- Plus electives that relate to environmental and sustainability studies
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- CV or resume
- 2-3 pages personal statement
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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