What Can I Do With a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership?

Sustainability is a fast-growing sector, with significant employment growth expected in occupations related to environmental protection and resource conservation in the years ahead. Between 2020 and 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects thousands of new openings for environmental scientists and specialists, as well as sustainability-focused positions in corporate leadership and project management. Not only are these career fields growing, but they can also be lucrative, often with higher salaries compared with the median for all U.S. workers.

Many of these careers require an advanced degree, such as a Master of Arts (MA) in Sustainability Leadership. If you’ve ever wondered what you can do with a master’s in sustainability leadership, you’ll find that the range of possibilities continues to expand. New career paths and opportunities are emerging as the need to address environmental challenges becomes clearer than ever.

4 Career Paths for a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership

More than 75% of U.S. consumers say that leading a sustainable lifestyle is important to them, according to a study by NielsenIQ. While Generation Y (millennials) and Generation Z are leading the charge to support companies that care about sustainability, more and more Americans overall are choosing products that come from businesses committed to caring about their social and environmental impact.

To cater to these concerns, companies are positioning sustainability as one of their core values and backing up these claims by hiring employees to focus on sustainability initiatives. When someone obtains a master’s in sustainability leadership, they open the door to these opportunities.

Chief Sustainability Officer

Chief sustainability officers (CSOs) are responsible for developing and managing a company’s corporate sustainability strategy. Their duties and responsibilities include designing sustainability initiatives and measuring their progress against the organization’s overall goals; supervising employees working on these programs; and presenting reports to the media, company leaders, and other key stakeholders.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for CSOs and other chief executives was about $206,680 as of 2023. Overall employment of chief executives is expected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the national average.

Necessary Skills, Experience, and Education

A master’s degree is typically required for this role as is previous experience in sustainability. In most cases, CSOs need five or more years of experience in management. Necessary skills for this position include the following:

• Analysis and Evaluation
• Public Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Financial and Resource Management

Global Sustainability Director

A global sustainability director is a senior leader responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies according to the core goals of global sustainability: economic development, ecological development, and social equity.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to Payscale, the median annual salary for a sustainability director is about $120,220 as of November 2024. The BLS forecasts that employment of professionals in management roles — including those who focus on sustainability — will grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the national average.

Necessary Skills, Experience, and Education

While a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, or another related field is generally required to qualify for this position, many organizations prefer candidates who hold a master’s degree. Experience requirements vary, but it typically takes at least five to six years to become a global sustainability director, including some experience in project management, operations, and sustainability. Skills required for this role include the following:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Project Coordination
• Cultural Understanding

Environmental Sustainability Expert

An environmental sustainability expert works with organizations to analyze their processes and develop strategies to help them reduce their ecological impact. They may work directly for a single company or advise multiple companies as a consultant.

Salary and Job Outlook

Environmental sustainability experts fall under the category of environmental specialists, who, according to the BLS, earn a median annual salary of about $78,980 as of May 2023. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the national average.

Necessary Skills, Experience, and Education

An environmental sustainability expert typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field, though having a master’s degree in sustainability leadership can help candidates stand out from other applicants. Prior experience in sustainability and environmental studies is essential. Skills needed for this role include the following:

• Networking
• Analysis
• Problem-Solving
• Communication

Sustainability Project Manager

A sustainability project manager coordinates the budget, schedule, and overall details of a sustainability project or program. They develop project plans, identify needs, assign responsibilities to staff, monitor the execution of the project, and provide progress reports to clients and other key stakeholders.

Salary and Job Outlook

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a sustainability project manager is about $112,000. As a type of project management specialist, this career is expected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the national average, according to the BLS.

Necessary Skills, Experience, and Education

Sustainability project managers generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, project management, or a related field, but a master’s degree is preferred. They also need several years of experience in positions related to project management and sustainability. Necessary skills include the following:

• Leadership
• Organization
• Time Management
• Financial Management

Start Your New Career With a Master’s Degree in Sustainability Leadership

If you’re wondering what you can do with a master’s in sustainability leadership, you have a range of diverse options to explore. These career paths are just the beginning of what’s possible in sustainability. Claremont Lincoln University’s online MA in Sustainability Leadership equips you with the skills to pursue numerous career paths while growing into the leader you aspire to be. Through courses like Sustainable Resource Management and Impact Assessment, you can become a socially responsible agent for change, dedicated to being a force for good.

Learn how you can become a leader in creating a more sustainable future with CLU.