CU Boulder launches new master's degrees in sustainable business, engineering

Beginning fall 2026, students can enroll in the Master of Science in Sustainable Business through the Leeds School of Business and the Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering through the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The University of Colorado Board of Regents approved the nine-month programs in June 2025. The degrees represent a new model of cross-college collaboration at CU Boulder, uniting expertise from business, engineering and the natural sciences to prepare students for the global demand for sustainability jobs. The launch also builds on CU Boulder’s reputation as a national leader in sustainability education offering graduate students immersive, interdisciplinary programs designed for real-world impact.

“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 CU Boulder Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock. “Efforts like this to produce the next generation of sustainability leaders complement our holistic campus work in the areas of groundbreaking research, campus operations and campus and public engagement.”

Each program requires 30 credit hours and emphasizes immersive, interdisciplinary learning. Students will gain skills to lead sustainability initiatives in corporate, engineering and policy environments, building on CU Boulder’s decades-long reputation as a global leader in sustainability.

The Master of Science in Sustainable Business gives students the analytical and leadership skills employers are seeking as they navigate the transition to a more sustainable economy, said Vijay Khatri, the Tandean Rustandy Endowed 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.

“These new programs prepare students to lead in sustainability and to think critically, communicate effectively and solve complex problems across contexts,” said Daryl Maeda, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “At CU Boulder, we’re committed to preparing students with the skills and perspectives they need to thrive in their careers and throughout their lives. These immersive, interdisciplinary programs will empower students to contribute to building a more sustainable world.”

Drawing on faculty innovation and Boulder’s thriving research and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the program is preparing the next generation of sustainability-focused engineers, said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado.

"The future of our planet depends on how we engineer the systems that power, build and sustain our world,” said Molenaar. “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.”

A campus rooted in sustainability

Sustainability is one of CU Boulder’s four institutional priorities, and the campus has been recognized nationally for its research, operations and student life. Recent achievements include:

• STARS Gold rating for campus sustainability efforts (2025)
• Top 15 national ranking for sustainability among U.S. universities (2024)
• No. 1 ranking for plant-based dining and sustainability (2025)
• Establishment of the Buckley Center for Sustainability Education to lead campus-wide curriculum innovation and student engagement in sustainability (2025)

The new master’s programs build on that tradition, preparing graduates to navigate the fast-changing world of sustainability, from shifting regulations and investor expectations to climate challenges.

“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. “I applaud the colleges for coming together to take this innovative approach to train and educate the next generation of sustainability leaders.”

How to apply

Applications for the first cohort of both programs are already open. More information on admissions, program structure and deadlines for the Masters of Science in Sustainable Business is available on the Leeds School of Business website. Information for the Masters of Science in Sustainable Engineering is available on the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s website.