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Sustainability

Students can tailor their learning through coursework, research or internships while gaining a holistic understanding of sustainability. This interdisciplinary program explores the connections among economic, social, and environmental issues that face our world today and into the future. With courses across political science, geosciences, communication, technology and biology, students can build skills aligned with their specific interests and career goals.

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Sustainability

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Degree Level
Master of Science
Delivery
In Person / Fully Online / Accelerated
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
33 Total, 33 in Major
Careers
Specialists, Surveying, Technicians
Sustainability students at EIU

Why Study Sustainability at EIU?

  • Take an interdisciplinary approach: Explore sustainability through business, science, technology, communication, geography, political science and other fields.
  • Build a degree around your goals: Choose a focus in Energy Management, Natural Resources, or Social Practices and Community Engagement, or customize your studies with electives.
  • Connect knowledge with action: Apply sustainability concepts through research, internships and other practical experiences.
  • See the bigger picture: Examine the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability and how they shape real-world decisions.
  • Prepare to lead: Build skills in leadership, management, research, communication and problem-solving for work in organizations and communities.
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"I chose Eastern IL University for many reasons. Firstly, its reputation as one of the safest campuses in the United States provided a strong sense of security, which was important to me. ... Additionally, I was drawn to the intimate, small-town atmosphere, which I find particularly conducive to focused study and personal well-being."
Samira Dadson
Class of 2025, Fashion Sustainability major
Samira Dadson, Fashion Sustainability at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Work on applied projects: Use course concepts to examine real sustainability questions, challenges and opportunities.
  • Collaborate across disciplines: Work with students and faculty who bring different academic and professional perspectives.
  • Pursue internship experiences: Connect your graduate studies with organizations and sustainability work beyond the classroom.
  • Conduct meaningful research: Investigate sustainability topics that align with your interests and career goals.
  • Turn ideas into solutions: Practice evaluating complex problems and developing practical, evidence-based approaches.
Hands-On Experience, Sustainability students at EIU

What You'll Learn

The Master of Science in Sustainability focuses on providing students with interdisciplinary and applied knowledge of the field of sustainability.

View in Catalog
$79,870
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Sustainability Specialists
  • Project Management Specialists
  • Surveying & Mapping Technicians
  • Social Science Research Assistants
  • General & Operations Managers
  • Loss Prevention Managers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Openings · Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Investigative

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$15,147 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 15% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit, so federal loans alone can cover tuition and fees.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education - at EIU's rates, that can cover a good share of a part-time master's.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.

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15% of lifetime limit

$15,147 total, just 15% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Nichole Hugo
Professor Hospitality and Tourism, Graduate Coordinator of Sustainability, MBA Graduate Coordinator
nhugo@eiu.edu
3108 Lumpkin Hall
217-581-8595
Nichole Hugo Message Nichole

Message Nichole

or email nhugo@eiu.edu directly
Isaac Slaven
Professor
islaven@eiu.edu
2154 Life Sciences
217-581-7259
Isaac Slaven Message Isaac

Message Isaac

or email islaven@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

Message Billy

or email billy@eiu.edu directly

Related Programs

Biological Sciences: Non-Thesis Economics Economics: International Studies Environmental Impact & Sustainability Political Science Political Science: Civic & Nonprofit Leadership Political Science: International Studies Political Science: Public Administration & Public Policy Option Technology > View All Programs

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