Course Overview

Respond to a changing planet by leading initiatives to implement sustainable practices. Learn the science of sustainability and help both businesses and people transform careless behaviors into mindful habits. Explore the broader field of sustainability, choose a concentration or customize your own emphasis.

Study under academically credentialed and real-world sustainability practitioners. Gain field experience to see how theories become tangible and how problems become solutions. Grow and network with your cohort to eventually participate in a growing discipline that impacts every sector.

Hone in on almost anything—from the move toward green schools to alternative food systems to renewable energy in construction, sustainability is transdisciplinary and diversely relevant. No matter your academic or professional background, sustainability impacts your future. 

By the time you’re finished, you’ll be equipped with a holistic approach that helps focus on the triple bottom line: people, profit and planet. Add regenerative energy to your community and the world. 

General Eligibility

1. Application Form. Each applicant must complete an application form. The application form is available at Graduate Admissions. Click on “Apply by Program” to complete the online application.

2. Application Fee. Each application should be accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.

3. No Standardized Exam Required. 

4. Writing Sample. Students must submit a brief statement of interest and a writing sample that demonstrates clarity of thinking, reasoning ability, logic, and strong writing and communication skills. The statement of interest should summarize why the proposed course of study is desired, general learning objectives, and career goals. The writing sample should be an academic or professional document that has been previously written and perhaps evaluated in an academic or professional setting. Previously published work may also be considered.

5. References. Two letters of reference are required: one academic and one character reference. 

6. Official Transcript(s). Each applicant must submit an official transcript, showing degree conferral when appropriate, from all schools attended.

7. Health Form. Upon acceptance, each applicant must submit a completed health form signed by a health care provider. (To print a copy of the health form, visit www.lipscomb.edu/healthcenter/forms.)

8. FERPA. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act afford students certain rights of access to educational records; even if you are independent of your parents, you must submit this form prior to enrollment.

9. TOEFL. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is required for international students. (See section titled International Students for more information).

Credit Hours:

9, 15, 30, 48

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.