Sustainability is not divisible into independent and disconnected components, such as environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Reductionist approaches and myopic lenses of environment, social and economic sustainability have been the main causes of sustainability issues. Social, environmental, economic, and other aspects of sustainability are interconnected and interdependent, and therefore issues related to sustainability can be addressed only through a lens of sustainability that is holistic, inclusive, long-term focused and equity-centric in nature.
The application of a sustainability lens requires systems, integrative, and critical thinking, multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary approaches. It also requires the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, and the combined use of classroom and experiential learning.
Given this perspective, the Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM) program uses the lens of sustainability to integrate business management, natural science, and social science to study sustainability at different levels. The program represents a departure from traditional graduate-level programs in environmental sustainability, social sustainability and “green” Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs and occupies a unique niche at the interface of three major streams –natural science, social science, and business management.
The MScSM is a course-based professional master’s program, and consists of 11 required core courses, 5 elective courses and an experiential learning (internship) placement of 10 to 16 weeks. Students also complete a major research paper, capstone project, and have the option to go on exchange to Europe. The program is full-time and 20 months in length (five semesters - four academic and one work term).
Read more about MScSM’s distinguishing features here!
Director's Message
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management (MScSM) program at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Over the last ten years our program has worked hard to provide students with the knowledge and training necessary to address the most pressing issues of our time. The MScSM program is distinctive in its combined approach to the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. We believe that it is not possible to address any one of these aspects of sustainability in isolation. Accordingly, our curriculum integrates business management, natural science, and social science, and always through the lens of sustainability. Each core course provides students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives that many forward-thinking leaders believe are essential to the achievement of their organizations’ sustainability goals.
Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to assume leadership positions in existing and emerging fields in the area of sustainability. We expect our future graduates to drive forward the frontiers of knowledge and solutions, to be leaders in the achievement of global sustainability – sustainable businesses, communities, and environments.
With very best wishes and love,
Dr. Brett Caraway
Director, MScSM