Masters
Part-Time or Full-Time
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus
Masters
Full-Time Only
Fall, Spring, Summer
On-Campus
About the Environmental Science and Sustainability Master's Tracks at Loyola
Climate change heightens social injustices, and global economies drive climate change. Solutions to today's complex environmental challenges are informed by the sciences and implemented in the socio-economic-political arena. Lasting solutions require a diverse interdisciplinary understanding of the issues and a robust skill set.
Loyola's School of Environmental Science and Sustainability takes a whole-systems approach to our greatest environmental and sustainability challenges. The Loyola MS in Environmental Science and Sustainability (MSESS) program challenges you to deepen your understanding of complex socio-ecological systems and develop your ability to make accurate and ethical evidence-based decisions on sustainable development goals. Our students are academics and activists: you'll learn the skills needed to join the growing number of researchers and environmental science and sustainability specialists while earning a degree that can advance your professional standing—and make a positive impact on our collective future.
MSESS students come from a variety of backgrounds. No matter what your undergraduate degree is, you are encouraged and supported as you enhance your understanding of the growing world of sustainability and prepare for a wide variety of careers in sustainability and environmental science.
Two tracks allow you to focus your studies on the academic area that matches your interests and goals:
- Environmental Science and Sustainability Professional Track
- Environmental Science and Sustainability Research Track
The Professional Track prepares you with the toolkit necessary for today's sustainability challenges. You'll gain pragmatic workplace skills through coursework in some of our most prominent sustainability areas: sustainability assessment and planning, environmental law and policy, sustainable business practices, or geographic information systems.
In the Research Track you will work with our faculty to examine research questions on pressing environmental issues such as environmental conservation, environmental economics, invasive species, climate change, and sustainability.
Program Structure
The Environmental Science and Sustainability master’s program can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held at the School of Environmental Sustainability at Loyola’s convenient Lake Shore Campus, a short train ride away from downtown Chicago.
Students in the Professional Track have the opportunity to take both classroom and online courses (the program is not offered 100% online).
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
This program is eligible for an Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's degree. Earn a Master’s with only one extra year of study following the completion of your eligible undergraduate degree.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your Environmental Science and Sustainability Master's?
As an institution of higher education, sustainability at Loyola is driven by our Jesuit tradition of social justice and service to humanity. It is embodied in an educational experience and activities that seek to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the future of generations to come. We are committed to an inclusive process considering social, economic, and environmental impacts in a transformative education for our students.
- The concept of “environment” begins in our facilities
- An interdisciplinary focus for an interdisciplinary challenge
- Learning that goes beyond the classroom
- We practice what we preach
- You practice what we teach
- A rich curriculum to tailor your career goals
Students at the School of Environmental Sustainability study, research, work, and even eat in a unique, immersive learning environment. School facilities include a working biodiesel lab, a greenhouse, vegetable gardens, and labs equipped to study ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, analytical chemistry, and more.
Analyze the intersection of environmental science, social justice, business practices, economic structures, and legal systems. You will learn from faculty experts and researchers working together in a team that spans a wide variety of areas of expertise and research.
You'll get hands-on experience with field research, habitat restoration, and sustainable agriculture at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, located on 98 acres of green space in Woodstock, Illinois.
Our building on the Lake Shore Campus has state-of-the-art features that minimize energy use, reduce waste, and conserve water. The cafe at SES offers sustainably grown, fair-trade coffee and seasonal, organic, and locally grown food. Learn more about the school's facilities and explore Loyola's campus-wide sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability.
Hands-on internship opportunities allow you to get deeply involved in our environmental initiatives. SES has connections with some premiere partner organizations for additional opportunities beyond the University. Our active student organizations also provide avenues for building teamwork and leadership skills while taking action on vital sustainability issues.
Design your personal curriculum to gain practical knowledge and skills in this rapidly expanding career field. Expand your professional impact and strengthen your interdisciplinary expertise—the program's diverse core and elective courses allow you to explore the scientific, social, political, and business impacts on our changing environment.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Environmental Sustainability faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS program.
Faculty and StaffEnvironmental Science and Sustainability: Career Connections
As an SES graduate, you are educated in the basic scientific foundations of environmental issues and prepared for a variety of careers related to environmental science and sustainability.
Our graduates become environmental scientists, researchers, analysts, and naturalists. Others take a non-science career trajectory becoming policymakers, educators, communicators, or sustainability specialists.
Environmental sciences jobs Include:
- Environmental and Sustainability Analyst
- Sustainability manager
- Sustainability director
- Environmental consultant
- Research scientists
- Grant Writer
- Energy Efficiency Program Coordinator
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for environmental scientists and specialists and other environmental science careers that may interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Environmental Science and Sustainability MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2024-2025 Catalog
- Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Professional Track
- Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Research Track
Results and Skills
Upon successful completion of your Environmental Science and Sustainability master's degree, you will have proven your ability to:
- Understand complex socio-ecological systems and their connection with sustainable development goals
- Make accurate and ethical evidence-based decisions based on scientific literature, research, and data
- Communicate environmental science and sustainability issues and solutions to the scientific community, professional colleagues, policymakers, and the general public
- Demonstrate competence of in-depth knowledge and skills in one of the concentration areas
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Professional Track | 30 | $1,155.00 | $34650.00 |
| Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Research Track | 30 | $1,155.00 | $34650.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Environmental Sustainability Financial Aid & Scholarships
The School of Environmental Sustainability offers partial scholarships, limited external research grants, and work opportunities to SES graduate students. If you wish to be considered for internal partial tuition scholarships, you must complete your application by March 1. Scholarship decisions are based on your complete student file, including statements of research/interest, GPA, and letters of recommendation.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Environmental Sustainability offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsUpcoming Events
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each program below.
- Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Professional Track
- Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Research Track
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Professional Track are listed below:
Fall, Spring, & Summer: Rolling admissions
Tuition-Based Scholarship: March 1 Deadline
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Professional Track include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a statement describing your academic interest for the program as well as your professional goals. The minimum is 250 words and the maximum is 500 words.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Research Track are listed below:
Fall, Spring, & Summer: Rolling admissions
Tuition-Based Scholarship: March 1 Deadline
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS Research Track include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Statement of Purpose
Approval from a Faculty Research Advisor
Statement of Purpose Details
Please write a statement describing your academic interest for the program as well as your professional goals. The minimum is 250 words and the maximum is 500 words.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Environmental Science and Sustainability MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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