MA in Sustainabilty Leadership

Enhance your oral, written and interpersonal skills to communicate with clarity and precision about some of the most difficult and complex socioecological problems of our time. Communication is a central focus of most courses, and fieldwork projects oftentimes help develop advanced skills.

Outside the classroom, take advantage of numerous communication skill-building opportunities, for example:

• Engage with national sustainability thought-leaders through the EVS Seminar Series
• Showcase your research, fieldwork, projects and internships at department and university sponsored events such as the annual Celebration of Student Academic Excellence
  
• Connect with peers, faculty members, alumni and potential employers through the Department of Environment and Sustainability’s social media channels, Facebook and Twitter

Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Through UB-sponsored events, meet some of the world's leading sustainability experts and learn first-hand how they help resolve complex sustainability issues. For example: 

• RENEW Distinguished Lecture Series: Interact with renowned leaders in science, technology and policy in academia, industry, and government. RENEW promotes interdisciplinary research activities to position UB as a global leader in select areas of energy, environment and water.
• RENEW Innovation Series: Dialogue with distinguished leaders in science, engineering and social sciences who can give a cutting-edge lecture that goes deep within a specific field in the broad areas of energy, environment and water.

Rise to the challenge by gaining experience and leadership skills in some of the hundreds of University at Buffalo extracurricular and governance organizations, civic groups and volunteer activities.

Below are a few of the community organizations that provide volunteer and leadership opportunities: 

• WNY Environmental Alliance: Facilitates collaboration among more than 90 organizations working on environmental issues throughout Buffalo Niagara, and works to advocate for the region’s environmental agenda.
• One Region Forward: A broad-based, collaborative effort to promote more sustainable forms of development in the Buffalo Niagara Region in land use, transportation, housing, energy and climate, access to food and more.
• Western New York Sustainable Business Roundtable: A “business-driven” organization that relies on its member businesses to drive its mission and organize its events. Members are businesses that have employees in the Western New York region and have signed a pledge to create and implement a sustainability plan.

Acquire the knowledge and skills to initiate, plan, execute, control, and close projects to achieve specific organizational goals. Negotiate reasonable and achievable deadlines and milestones, and report results to multiple stakeholders.

Students are required to design and complete a capstone project, prepare a project report, and present the results to faculty members and students in the program. Projects range from individual research to the work of small groups interacting with governmental, not-for-profit or private entities. Master’s students have the opportunity to investigate across a wide variety of disciplines and propose solutions to real-world socioecological problems.

Review data in detail, observe patterns, perform advanced calculations and draw logical conclusions. Use mathematical models and statistical techniques in decision-making as broadly informed citizens, researchers, managers, and stewards of the Earth’s environments and resources.

Apply your skills through projects, case studies and research papers in core and elective courses; for example:

• SOC 504 (Social Statistics) Gain an overview of introductory statistical concepts, with a focus on social scientific topics and examples. Concepts covered include descriptive statistics, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, correlation, and bivariate regression analysis. Students will learn how to: (1) hand-calculate the statistics presented in class; (2) use statistical software to compute these statistics; and (3) interpret and evaluate statistics published in academic articles.
• MGO 636 (Supply Chain: Design, Modeling) Learn global supply chain strategy formulation, performance metrics, new forecasting models applicable for supply chain contexts, newsvendor models for capacity and aggregate planning, models for location and design of supply and distribution entities, inter-organizational planning, advanced planning systems, multi-echelon inventory analysis, distribution requirements planning (DRP) systems, joint transportation-inventory models and pricing and revenue management techniques.
• GEO 506 (Geographical Information Systems) Understand the use of high-speed digital computers in geographic research. Topics include advanced programming, introductory machine architecture, large file handling and data base management systems, computer graphics and digitizing.

Work independently, with peers or with faculty members on major research projects, helping them identify issues and produce groundbreaking and publication-worthy scholarship and applied research. 

In addition to on-campus opportunities, engage with diverse and thought-provoking industry leaders at professional conferences. Students are encouraged to present their work and meet with scholars who share their academic interests at national and international conferences and conventions organized by renowned academic and professional associations to meet every interest. Below are just a few examples:

• International Society of Sustainability Professionals
• NetImpact
• Association of Climate Change Officers
• American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
  
• International Solar Energy Society
• Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
  
• National Association of Environmental Professionals
  
• NEW! Congress for the New Urbanism
  

When possible, the department offers financial support to help students cover the expenses of the conference participation. The UB Graduate Student Association is also a source for conference funding.

Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

UB is a leader in sustainability initiatives and research. Learn more about some of the on-campus groups, projects and events that provide opportunities for students to make an impact and contribute to an expanding body of knowledge.

• UB RENEW
• Sustainable Manufacturing and Advanced Robotic Technology (SMART) Community of Excellence
• Regional Institute
• Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA)
• Clear Energy Symposium
• Sustainability Month
• Sustainability Art Show

Gain an in-depth understanding of the issues surrounding diversity and culture and its impact on policies, political groups, regulations, laws and funding. Develop cultural self-awareness and learn to appreciate and value diverse views.

Join a sustainability association to enhance and strengthen your professional network, show your commitment and expand your worldview. Choose an organization that fits your interests and goals. Here are just a few:

• American Sustainable Business Council
• International Society of Sustainability Professionals
• Sustainability Consortium
• U.S. Green Building Council
• Sustainable Food Trade Association
• Sierra Club

Learn to connect, work and succeed within a group framework. UB's MA in Sustainability Leadership integrates degree programs and research that span the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and enhances interdisciplinary team skills throughout the curriculum. For example: 

• Students are required to complete SSN601 (Professional Skills Capstone). While some students may work independently, the project is usually interdisciplinary team effort resulting in a jointly authored document.

Gain insight into the demands and expectations of employers through credit-bearing and, in some cases, paid internships. Students displaying knowledge, professionalism and a solid work ethic are oftentimes offered full-time positions. Acquire valuable sustainability job experience, explore different roles and confirm your passion for the work. 

Take advantage of the numerous on campus resources for your internship searches including the university-wide Career Services offering coaching, skill-building, employer connections and Bullseye powered by Handshake, an online service that makes it easy for UB students and alumni to connect with employers. In addition, many academic departments offer specialized career services assistance. 

In addition, explore volunteer opportunities:

• The Service Collaborative of WNY
• Volunteer WNY
• LinkedIn
• Volunteer Match