CU Boulder adds new master’s programs in sustainability

BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado Boulder will offer two new master’s degree programs in sustainability beginning in fall 2026, expanding its leadership in sustainability education and meeting growing demand for professionals in the field.

The Master of Science in Sustainable Business will be offered through the Leeds School of Business, and the Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering will be offered through the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Both programs were approved by the CU Board of Regents in June and will be completed in nine months with 30 credits.

“These two new master’s degree programs mark major milestones in our ongoing efforts to respond to student demand by incorporating sustainability, one of our four campus priorities, into our curriculum and preparing them to create lasting positive impacts in their communities,” said Andrew Mayock, CU Boulder vice chancellor for sustainability.

The programs emphasize immersive, interdisciplinary learning and are designed to prepare graduates to lead sustainability initiatives in corporate, engineering and policy environments.

The Master of Science in Sustainable Business will provide students with analytical and leadership skills to integrate sustainability into business strategy, said Vijay Khatri, dean of the Leeds School of Business.

“What sets this program apart is the way it brings together expertise across campus to prepare graduates to embed sustainability into business strategy in ways that strengthen organizations and create value for their communities,” Khatri said.

Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, said the sustainable engineering program will prepare the next generation of engineers to integrate ecological responsibility and human-centered outcomes into their work.

“The future of our planet depends on how we engineer the systems that power, build and sustain our world,” Molenaar said. “This new program empowers students to lead with purpose, embedding sustainability into every design decision while balancing technical excellence, ecological responsibility, economic resilience and human-centered outcomes.”

Sustainability is one of CU Boulder’s four institutional priorities, and the university has been recognized nationally for its efforts in research, operations and student life. In 2025 CU earned a STARS Gold rating for campus sustainability and was ranked No. 1 nationally for plant-based dining. The campus also established the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education to lead curriculum innovation and student engagement.

“These new master’s programs in sustainable business and sustainable engineering follow a rich vein of similar interdisciplinary programs that have been launched at CU Boulder over the past few years,” said E. Scott Adler, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate affairs.

Applications for the inaugural cohorts are open. More information is available on the Leeds School of Business and College of Engineering and Applied Science websites.