M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management

Science + Business:

Turn Your Education Into Impact

If there was ever a time for science and business to come together, this is it.

Climate change is rapidly altering our world, presenting not only significant risk and disruption but also opportunity for innovation— and the potential to make a positive impact on our world.

Our planet, and everyone and everything on it, is at a critical juncture. For more than 200 years, Georgetown University graduates have led the way in times of uncertainty, and in that spirit, we designed a program to prepare our students to lead society toward a more sustainable, just, and prosperous future.

With these ideals in mind, Georgetown created its M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM) degree to approach sustainability from both a scientific and business perspective, empowering our graduates to be the changemakers the world needs.

I invite you to join our program and to use your education to make a strategic impact.

Kerrie Carfagno Associate Teaching Professor Program Director, MS-ESM

At Georgetown University, we know sustainability is connected to too many things to be siloed. We know revenue growth and protecting the environment are both possible. Our students don’t need to choose to study only business or science to make an impact.

Our STEM-designated MS-ESM program combines scientific knowledge with business principles to prepare students to create a more sustainable and just world. Jointly offered by Georgetown’s Earth Commons Institute, McDonough School of Business, and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the MS-ESM degree leverages Georgetown’s world-renowned faculty across disciplines to provide students with the comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience needed to manage the sustainability of their organizations in order to increase value while simultaneously supporting our natural environment.

30 credits

11 months

2 disciplines of mastery

Curriculum

Fall

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Finance for Sustainability Management (1.5 credits)

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We believe in learning by doing, which is why our curriculum includes a mix of complex coursework, experiential learning, and in-depth case studies to help you develop fundamental business skills and scientific knowledge. And you won’t just be an observer: you’ll apply what you learn throughout the program to solve real-world problems. You will graduate with the knowledge and confidence to market yourself along with your ideas.

credits)

Supply & Marketing (1.5 credits) Energy Transitions (1.5 credits)

Spring Semester (Mod 3 & Mod 4)

Impact & Measurement credits)

Economics of Climate Change (1.5 credits)

Environmental Science II: Natural & Human Interactions (3 credits)

Operations, Chains, Marketing credits) Energy Transitions credits)

Capstone I (1.5 credits)

Summer Term (Mod 5)

Firm Analysis & Strategy (1.5 credits)

ESG Investing (1.5 credits)

Capstone II (1.5 credits)

Business of Sustainable Energy (1.5 credits)

Leadership Communication (1.5 credits)

Color Coded Course Themes: Science Course Business Course Interdisciplinary Course

Over 11 months, you will complete 16 courses (30 credits) covering a range of science and business topics. Courses are delivered in-person on our main Washington, D.C., campus in a modular format, with skill-building courses spanning six weeks and science-oriented courses running for a full 15-week semester. The program concludes with the Capstone Course where students draw from the entirety of the program as they consult for a partner organization.

Capstone Course

The Capstone Course develops hands-on experiential learning by having students work in small teams on real-life challenges at the intersection of business and sustainability presented by partner organizations. At the conclusion of the course, similar to professional consulting projects, the teams present their findings and implementation steps to their organization’s leadership team. Companies and organizations that have participated in the past include Starbucks, Amazon, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Energy, and Blommer Chocolate Company.

Invest in Your Career, and the Planet

An increasing number of organizations seek to build sustainability into their core mission and day-to-day operations. As more companies embrace the benefits of the green economy, organizations are looking for leaders who can speak the languages of both science and business to make the business case for sustainability.

CAREER COACHING

The MS-ESM program provides students the opportunity to work exclusively with a career management professional. Throughout the program, students work directly with the assistant director of MS-ESM career management to identify career paths and career goals, plan and execute useful networking and interviewing strategies, and develop resumes and cover letters. Students have access to one-on-one career coaching appointments, workshops, and career sessions tailored to support them in developing an effective job search strategy. Students also have access to many resources at the Graduate Career Center.

CURRICULA

Our coursework creates a foundation to help clarify your goals, build your career story, create an impactful resume and cover letter, and identify suitable industries and functions. Our career curriculum identifies and closes gaps to help you achieve your career goals and turn your education into action.

NETWORKING

Learn how to connect with Georgetown’s robust network of more than 200,000 alumni around the world. Students can participate in career fairs, employer events, and other initiatives open to the Georgetown community.

Whether you are looking to switch careers or advance on your current path, you will have the full support of the Georgetown community behind you.

Student Experience, Community, and Diversity

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

MS-ESM students take all of their classes together in a cohort. This dynamic learning model emphasizes collaboration and forges strong bonds with peers from all over the globe, as well as between students and faculty. The incredible support system at Georgetown will last well beyond your graduation.

Outside of the classroom, MS-ESM students have access to both McDonough School of Business and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offerings. This includes access to 80+ graduate student clubs in addition to various centers, institutes, and initiatives. Some of our club offerings include:

Industry Organizations

AfriKa: African Policy Student Association

Analytics for Nonprofits

Finance Club

Georgetown Design & Innovation

Georgetown Energy & Cleantech Club

Georgetown FinTech

Georgetown FAST (Foreign Affairs, Science, and Technology)

Georgetown Investment Fund

Georgetown Net Impact

Georgetown Operations & Management Association

GreenUp

HoyAlytics

Affinity Organizations

Asian Business Student Alliance

Black Graduate Student Association

Chinese Students Association

Georgetown Japan Society

Georgetown Korean Business Association

Georgetown Women in Business (GWiB)

Georgetown Women in Science & Education

GradPride

Graduate Association of Mexican Students

Jewish Business Alliance

McDonough Military Association Club

Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Forum

Out@MSB

South Asian Business Alliance (SABA)

The European Business Association

Women in Public Policy Initiative

Social & Special Interest Organizations

Georgetown Gourmet Society

Georgetown Wine Society

Georgetown Tabletop Games Club

Georgetown Explorers Club

COMMUNITY & DIVERSITY

Diversity and inclusion are essential to the MS-ESM experience. In order to achieve true climate justice, it’s imperative to have an intersectional understanding of the world around you. From day one, you will work with and learn from peers offering a variety of professional, personal, and cultural perspectives. Our Georgetown identity is rooted in Jesuit principles of equality and respect for everyone, and when we talk about caring for the whole person, we mean it. We’re here to help you accomplish your goals while valuing your identity along the way.

MS-ESM Class of 2024

Washington, D.C., Access

THE ULTIMATE LEARNING LABORATORY

While learning and working toward a career focused on protecting the environment, enjoy the unparalleled access only Washington, D.C., can offer to thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, transnational organizations, global corporations, nonprofits, and government entities.

With green buses, an extensive public transportation system, and over 100 miles of bike lanes, D.C. provides students with a variety of environmentally-friendly transportation options both on and off campus.

Washington also prides itself on leadership in sustainability, being the first LEED Platinum City in the world, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

ACCESS TO THOUGHT LEADERS

Georgetown University connects you to leaders from business, government, and beyond. Recent speakers include:

Dr. Kristalina Georgieva CEO of the World Bank and environmental economist

Susan Kolodziejczyk Senior Manager of Sustainability, National Geographic

Sally Gilligan (B’94) Chief Supply Chain, Strategy & Transformation Officer at Gap Inc.

Surabhi Agrawal (MBA’16) Senior Packaging Leader, Starbucks

Chris Nassetta President and CEO, Hilton Worldwide

Peter Blommer (C’85) Vice Chairman at Blommer Chocolate

Alumni Stories

Lena Musoka

MS-ESM’23

“My experience in the Environment and Sustainability Management program provided invaluable exposure to diverse science and business-related challenges across industries, particularly in developing sustainable and profitable business models, which resonated with my background in the development sector. The program’s most significant impact came from learning alongside a diverse cohort with varied areas of expertise and cultural backgrounds. I have made lifelong connections that will continue to contribute to my personal and professional journey.”

Nicolás Campos Vásquez MS-ESM’23

“My time at Georgetown University was a significant turning point for me personally and professionally. The experience of developing sustainability strategies for various organizations, spending time with diverse students from different parts of the world, and being a member of the Hoya community helped me grow as a better individual and a skilled professional. I will always cherish the memories of my time there.

“I am proud to be a member of the inaugural cohort of this program. The fusion of environmental science and business management is crucial in building a more sustainable future, especially in our current times. I have no doubt that my fellow students and future cohorts will tremendously impact how institutions approach sustainability strategies to create a better world.”

Georgetown University

M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM)

Car Barn Building, Suite 312

3520 Prospect Street NW Washington, DC 20057

msesmadmissions@georgetown.edu