Management & Innovation: Sustainability Management MScSM

Master of Science in Sustainability Management

Program Description

The Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM) is an interdisciplinary, course-based professional program. The program provides education that integrates knowledge from management, social, and natural sciences to address sustainability issues. The MScSM provides a strong foundation in sustainability management while offering an opportunity to specialize in a management or science concentration. The program is designed for students from diverse educational backgrounds such as management, social science, natural science, and engineering. The program was developed in consultation with leaders and prospective employers in business, non-profit, research, and government organizations.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Institute for Management & Innovation's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • An appropriate undergraduate degree from a recognized university in any area of natural science, social science, management, and engineering or any management, environment, or natural resource-driven background with a standing equivalent to at least a mid-B in the final year of the program.

  • Successful completion of an undergraduate statistics or mathematics course (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE] or equivalent).

  • Resumé/curriculum vitae (CV).

  • Letter of intent outlining the applicant's interest in sustainability issues (750 words).

Program Requirements

Management Concentration

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 9.0 FCEs as follows:

    • 6.5 FCEs (11 required courses) including:

      • SSM1090H Capstone Course and

      • SSM1100Y Research Paper I or SSM1101Y Research Paper II

    • 2.5 FCEs (5 elective courses) selected by chosen concentration as follows:

      • 2.0 FCEs from the Management elective courses

      • 0.5 FCE from the Science elective courses.

  • Internship. A summer internship placement (two to four months).

Science Concentration

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 9.0 FCEs as follows:

    • 6.5 FCEs (11 required courses) including:

      • SSM1090H Capstone Course and

      • SSM1100Y Research Paper I or SSM1101Y Research Paper II

    • 2.5 FCEs (5 elective courses) selected by chosen concentration as follows:

      • 2.0 FCEs from the Science elective courses

      • 0.5 FCE from the Management elective courses.

  • Internship. A summer internship placement (two to four months).

Program Path
Year 1: Fall
Course Code Course Title
SSM1010Y
Principles of Sustainability Management
SSM1020H
Decision Making for Sustainability Management
SSM1050H
Ecosystem Science
SSM1060H Managing Sustainable Organizations
Year 1: Winter
Course Code Course Title
SSM1030H
Environmental Science
SSM1040H Managerial Economics for Sustainability Management
SSM1070H
Sustainability Law and Policy
SSM1080H
Strategies for Sustainability Management
SSM1120H Social Dimensions of Sustainability
Year 1: Summer
Course Code Course Title
SSM1110H
Sustainability Management Internship
Year 2: Fall
Course Code Course Title
SSM1100Y or
SSM1101Y
Research Paper I or
Research Paper II
Plus 1.5 FCE elective
Year 2: Winter
Course Code Course Title
SSM1090H
Capstone Course — Sustainable Enterprise
SSM1100Y or
SSM1101Y
Research Paper I or
Research Paper II
Plus 1.0 FCE elective

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time