Public Administration (M.P.A.)/Sustainability Analytics and Management (M.S.)

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)/Master of Science in Sustainability Analytics and Management (SAM) dual-degree program prepares students for careers in sustainability and environmental management in the public, nonprofit, and non-governmental organization sectors, as well as for companies that leverage sustainability or do business with governmental organizations.

With the M.P.A. program’s applied approach, you will gain knowledge and skills in public and nonprofit management, analytics, policy analysis, strategic planning, and effective implementation strategies.

The M.S. SAM program enables students with STEM backgrounds to hone their technical and analytics skills—a core competency for sustainability professionals, especially those in positions responsible for environment, social, and governance (ESG) reporting at companies and organizations. You’ll also develop your knowledge of environmental management, law, regulation, and policy, and learn how to leverage technological innovation to build sustainable systems.

Through Illinois Tech’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program, you are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences such as internships throughout your graduate education, as well as personalized academic and career mentorship.

Chicago is a global business center, boasting a dynamic mix of industries and companies, entrepreneurial activity, green businesses, and local efforts to build sustainable communities. Our downtown location and industry connections provide students with access to projects, internships, and networking.

Enrolling in this dual-degree program reduces the total number of credits required by three courses (nine credit hours), compared to enrolling in the M.P.A. and M.S. SAM degree programs separately.

STEM-Designated Program

M.S. in Sustainability Analytics and Management is a STEM-designated program, and international graduates of the program are eligible to apply for an extension for Optional Practical Training.

Learn more about each program:

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)

M.S. in Sustainability Analytics and Management

Program Overview

The Master of Public Administration/M.S. in Sustainability Analytics and Management dual-degree program teaches students a powerful combination of technical and analytical skills, domain knowledge in sustainability, management acumen, and expertise in policy analysis and implementation that prepares them for successful careers as leaders in environmental sustainability.

Career Opportunities

Together, Stuart’s M.P.A. and M.S. SAM degrees prepare students to be effective, highly-skilled sustainability managers, decision-makers, and leaders, with a deep understanding of how to navigate the governmental and nonprofit sectors to get things done.

Our graduates are ready to advance their careers in public or private sector roles such as:

• Chief sustainability officer
• Clean energy director
• Climate initiatives director
• Environmental compliance manager
• Energy and sustainability strategic adviser
• Environmental planner 
• Director of ESG reporting
• Regulatory and government relations manager
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) consultant

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual wages in 2022 for the following job categories:

• Median wages of $189,520 for chief sustainability officers, including job titles such as CSR and sustainability vice president, corporate sustainability process manager, and sustainability initiatives vice president.
• Median wages of $128,620 for compliance managers, including job titles such as risk manager, environmental program manager, and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) manager.

Have Questions? Connect with Us

For any questions about Stuart School of Business degree programs or the application and enrollment process, contact our Director of Student Recruitment Claire Johnson.

Scholarships

Students pursuing the M.P.A./M.S. SAM dual-degree program are eligible for the Stuart M.P.A. Scholarship, which in academic year 2024–25 is a 35 percent tuition scholarship and is distributed across the 57 credit hours required for both programs during enrollment in the dual-degree program. This award is deferrable up to one year. Students seeking Stuart dual degrees are only eligible for one Stuart scholarship.

Read more about scholarship opportunities and tuition and aid below:

Stuart Scholarships   Tuition and Fees