Graduate Degree Programs

MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability

Master’s degree programs in the School of Environmental Sustainability offer a unique interdisciplinary approach, preparing students for impactful careers in a variety of sectors. Alumni thrive in diverse roles in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, and educational and cultural institutions. The programs are open to applicants from all academic backgrounds. Students can choose to enroll full-time or take advantage of our flexible schedules to earn their degrees while balancing work and other responsibilities.

Research Track

Graduate students in the research track work with our faculty across various specialties. They conduct original research projects with support from expert mentors, gaining the skills to become independent researchers. Students also explore the scientific, social, political, and business aspects of environmental issues through our diverse core and elective courses.

Professional Track

Students in the professional track develop pragmatic workplace skills through coursework focused on today's most critical environmental challenges. The professional track program offers flexibility and customization, allowing students to select courses and formats that work for their schedules. Professional track students complete a concentration in one of the following areas:

Environmental Law and Policy
Geographic Information Systems
Sustainable Assessment and Planning
Sustainable Business

*This program is eligible for an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP). AMPs allow Loyola undergraduates to begin graduate coursework during their senior year, helping students save time and reduce costs. Learn more about Accelerated Master's Pathways.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Our Community

Alumni

Spreading knowledge to stop aquatic invasive species

Natalia Szklaruk earned her master's degree from Loyola's School of Environmental Sustainability in 2023. She now works as an aquatic invasive species educator at Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.

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Research

Sowing seeds, reaping rewards for the planet

SES graduate student Blessing Aleladia is training to take on global environmental challenges. While pursuing her master's degree in environmental science and sustainability, she is building expertise and experience in the ecological restoration of vital wetland ecosystems.

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Alumni

Shifting gears to a career in sustainable transportation

The SES master's degree program gave Carolyn Bidó the knowledge and skills to make a career change and join the growing sustainability workforce.

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Program Outcomes

The SES graduate programs prepare students for careers in the sustainability field and to live integrated, environmentally sustainable lives with careers in positions such as:

Research associate
Grants manager
Sustainable supply chain manager
Energy and sustainability researcher
ESG coordinator/analyst
Environmental policy analyst
Project manager
Sustainability manager
Communications manager
Environmental educator

SES graduates work in nonprofits, businesses, cultural and educational institutions, and government agencies such as:

Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Natural Resources Defense Council
U.S. EPA
Environmental Defense Fund
WWF
Citizens Climate Lobby
City of Chicago
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Field Museum
A wide range of for-profit businesses

SES Graduate Student Handbook

The SES Graduate Student Handbook is a comprehensive guide to policies, procedures, and processes that will affect you as a graduate student. It is each graduate student’s responsibility to review all of the information in the handbook. Download the handbook here: SES Graduate Student Handbook-2025-2026

Questions should be directed to the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Linda Kurtos (lkurtos@luc.edu) and/or the Graduate Program Director for Research Students, Dr. Reuben Keller (rkeller1@luc.edu).