Sustainability Degree

Program Overview

The sustainability degree program includes 12 courses, with at least one, three-week course taken on campus.

• Get started. You begin by completing two stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
• Apply to the program. While completing your second degree course, you submit the admission application. We have application cycles in the fall, spring, and summer.
• Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you choose from courses offered on campus or online, year round in the fall, spring, and summer. You are required to take at least one three-week thesis proposal or capstone course on campus.
• Complete your thesis or capstone.
  • If you choose the thesis track, you'll work independently with a thesis director to conduct in-depth research on a topic relevant to your professional plans.
  • In the capstone track, you work in a classroom setting to apply knowledge and skills obtained in the program to design a short-term research project that has real-world application, or you'll be engaged in a consulting project for an industry client in need of an innovative sustainable solution. Past clients include Amazon, General Electric, State Street Corporation, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and NYC Health + Hospitals.
• Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Sustainability.