M.A. Sustainability Management

M.A. Sustainability Management

Sustainability Management (M.A. Sustainability Management)

Today, companies such as start-ups, SMEs, multinationals, administrations and public institutions are more in demand than ever when it comes to sustainability and responsibility. An environmental management master’s offers the specialised knowledge needed to support these organisations as they adapt to increasing expectations and complex sustainability requirements. On the one hand, this offers great opportunities, but at the same time presents many organisations with numerous challenges. It is thus all the more important to establish a comprehensive management system that ensures that environmental and sustainability strategies are implemented, optimised and further developed in a goal-oriented manner. To this end, it’s necessary to analyse existing problems and develop methodical approaches for solving them. The Sustainability Management Master’s programme enables you to actively shape the future of tomorrow as a specialist or manager today.

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Master’s degree in Sustainability Management at a Glance

1. Master’s degree Sustainability Management – Your Career Path to the Future
2. This is what the Master’s degree Sustainability Management looks like
3. Overview – Costs for the Master’s degree Sustainability Management
4. Your Benefits in the Master’s degree Sustainability Management at ISM
5. Admission Requirements: Your Path to the Master’s degree Sustainability Management
6. Recognition of Prior Learning for the Master’s degree Sustainability Management
7. Your study programme Director for Master’s degree Sustainability Management (M.A. Sustainability Management)
8. FAQ for Master’s degree Sustainability Management

Master’s degree Sustainability Management – Your Career Path to the Future

A Renowned University with Top Rankings

Study at one of the leading business schools, backed by over 35 years of experience and consistently top-ranked in prestigious university rankings.

Exclusive AACSB Accreditation

Join the only distance learning programme in the German-speaking world offered by an AACSB-accredited university — a globally recognised mark of excellence among top-tier business schools.

Personalised and Modern

Benefit from one-to-one support through dedicated study coaches and tutors, along with cutting-edge learning materials designed specifically for distance education.

Overview of Master’s degree Sustainability Management

Normal study period

four semesters

Start of semester

at any time

Admission requirement

Bachelor’s degree with at least 50 ECTS credits in business sciences
At least 10 ECTS credits in quantitative or methodological subjects
English proficiency (B2)

Qualification

Master of Arts

Language

English

Study locations

100% online studies, location independent or as face-to-face study

Practice

workshop / research project

Accreditation

Accredited by the Accreditation Council

Tuition fees

Different cost models to choose from

Recognition of prior studies

recognition of prior studies is possible upon application. Our study coaches will advise you on this.

This is what the Master’s degree Sustainability Management looks like

The online master in sustainability management online at ISM offers a well-structured yet highly flexible curriculum that equips you with the expertise needed to lead organisations toward a more sustainable future. You’ll explore core topics such as evidence-based management, innovation, strategic sustainability, and ethical leadership. Specialised modules deepen your understanding of global sustainable development, policymaking, sustainable organisations, and transformative business practices. Elective options, such as digital communication or digital marketing tools, allow you to tailor the programme to your professional goals and reflect the breadth of modern sustainability management courses online.

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop essential competencies in leadership, negotiation, and consulting, supported by hands-on seminars, digital bootcamps, and applied research projects. These practical elements ensure you can translate sustainability strategies into real-world solutions. Thanks to ISM’s flexible learning model, you can adapt your study plan to fit your lifestyle — whether full-time or part-time — making this programme a strong choice for anyone seeking an environmental management master’s degree online.

This curriculum provides a sample study plan for the full-time option. Would you like to see the part-time curricula as well?

Download Sample Study Plan here

Overview - Costs for a Master's Degree

Fulltime

4 – Semester
30 – ECTS per Semester

690 € – Enrollment fee
13.170 € – Total price
(incl. two additional
semesters)

520 €/Month

Part time fast

6 – Semester
20 – ECTS per Semester

690 € – Enrollment fee
14.010 € – Total price
(incl. two additional
semesters)

370 €/Month

Part time slow

8 – Semester
15 – ECTS per Semester

690 € – Enrollment fee
15.090 € – Total price
(incl. two additional
semesters)

300 €/Month

Mon 16 March

Meet a student: Master’s studies (EN)

16.03.2026 | 6:00 pm
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To all webinars

Find out now in an initial consultation

Do you have detailed questions about the requirements, the content structure or the financing options for distance learning? Feel free to contact us - we will be happy to help you with words and deeds!

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Your Benefits in the Master’s degree Sustainability Management at ISM

The environmental management master’s online forms the foundation for your career. If you decide to pursue a distance learning degree at ISM, you’ll benefit from numerous advantages that offer you maximum flexibility and a first-class education:

Trial period during the first four weeks: You have the opportunity to test the concept of distance learning free of charge during the first four weeks. This allows you to make sure that a distance learning programme truly suits you.
Study whenever and wherever you want: All learning materials are available to you digitally. Whether at your desk, on the go, or on the sofa – you decide how your studies fit into your daily life.
Individual support: Our study coaches and support team are available to assist you at any time, to answer your questions and help ensure the success of your studies.
Interactive exercises and exam preparation: Numerous practical assignments, flashcards, and mock exams help you prepare in the best possible way for your exams.
Close contact with lecturers: Our experienced lecturers and tutors support you both academically and practically – so you always stay on top of things and reach your goals.
100% flexible exams: No travel required – all exams are included in the tuition fees and can be taken conveniently online.
2 free additional semesters: If you are unable to earn all the required credit points within the standard period of study (e.g. two years for a 120 ECTS programme full-time), you can catch up on the missing coursework during two additional semesters free of charge. This offer applies to every time model.

Your Studies, Your Pace

Whether you choose a full-time programme or a part-time option alongside your job – with a distance learning programme at ISM, you can tailor your education to fit your personal circumstances. You remain fully in control of your time without having to compromise on a high-quality education.

Receive informational materials about the environmental management masters online programme

Admission Requirements: Your Path to the Master’s degree Sustainability Management

Admission to ISM can be granted through several different paths.
The basis for enrolment is the official admission requirements set by our university. You will need a completed bachelor’s degree with at least 50 ECTS credits in the field of economics or business studies, including 10 ECTS credits in quantitative or methodological subjects. Any missing ECTS credits can be acquired through online bridging courses.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, we are happy to advise you. Simply contact us by telephone or email – we will review your documents and provide you with reliable feedback regarding your individual chances of admission.

Maximum Flexibility

Study full-time or part-time – design your studies according to your individual needs.

Personalised Support

Your personal study coach will guide you throughout your programme. experienced tutors are available to help with subject-specific questions in each module.
Schedule a consultation

Renowned University

Over 35 years of experience and top positions in university rankings.

AACSB Accreditation

The only distance learning programme in the German-speaking world to hold this prestigious distinction.

Up-to-Date Learning Materials

All materials are newly developed and based on current real-world examples.

Practical Focus

Workshops and research projects provide a hands-on, practice-oriented education.

Future-Proof Career Field

With a master’s degree you become part of a highly sought-after, future-oriented professional field.

Scientifically Grounded

The distance learning programme is based on the latest scientific research in the field of distance education.

Personal Atmosphere

As a smaller, more personal university, we offer you close support and an individualised learning environment.

Still Have Questions? We're Here for You!

Our academic advisory team is always available to support you with any questions you may have and to help you find the best path into your studies.

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Start now – your dream degree programme is waiting!

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Recognition of Prior Learning for the Master’s degree Sustainability Management

Have you already started or completed a degree programme or pursued specific continuing education courses? As part of your application – or even in advance – we will review which of your prior achievements can be credited toward your studies at ISM. This allows you to shorten your study duration, reduce tuition fees, and focus directly on new learning content.

We can recognise the following types of prior learning:

Academic credits from previous university studies (master’s programmes)
Further professional qualifications (e.g., Chamber of Industry and Commerce – IHK)
Several years of relevant professional experience

Please send us the relevant certificates/proof along with a description of the learning content (e.g., module handbook, official curriculum plans) for evaluation.

Submit prior credits now

Shape the future with the Masters’s degree Sustainability Management

By completing the master’s in sustainability management online, you’ll gain the expertise to drive sustainable transformation across organisations, industries, and global systems. The programme equips you with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills needed to address complex environmental challenges and design long-term solutions. You’ll explore topics such as global sustainable development, policy and trend analysis, sustainable organisational leadership, and business transformation, while building strong competencies in negotiation, consulting, and ethical decision-making. As one of the most forward-thinking environmental management master’s online, this programme is also an excellent choice for those seeking master’s in environmental management in Germany. It empowers you to create meaningful impact and lead the transition towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

Your study program director for
Your study programme Director for Master’s degree Sustainability Management (M.A. Sustainability Management)

Your study program director for
M.A. Sustainability Management

Prof. Dr. André Reichel

Sustainability Management Master

André Reichel is Professor of International Management and Sustainability at the ISM Campus in Stuttgart. He studied at the University of Stuttgart, where he also earned his doctorate. Before coming to ISM, he worked at Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen, Oxford University and Karlshochschule in Karlsruhe, among others. "What excites me about the study program is the high-quality theoretical depth, the strong practical relevance and the topicality of the topics, knowledge, data and discussions. I lead the study program because sustainability is my passion and I want to empower the next generation of leaders to make the necessary changes for a more sustainable future." Prof. Dr. André Reichel

FAQ for Master’s degree Sustainability Management

Is there a numerus clausus (NC) for admission to the Environmental Management Master’s online?

No, the environmental management master’s online at ISM does not require a numerus clausus. Your previous grades or overall grade point average are not decisive for admission. As long as you meet the general entry requirements, you may begin the programme without any grade-related restrictions, making it an accessible option for those seeking a master in sustainability management online.

How can I apply for the Environmental Management Master’s distance-learning programme at ISM?

You can apply for the Environmental Management Master’s distance-learning programme online through the ISM Distance Learning website. There, you can upload all required documents and register for a personal consultation if you would like additional guidance. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive clear feedback on your admission status. If you have any questions throughout the process, the student advisory team is available to support you. This straightforward approach makes the programme an attractive choice for anyone planning to pursue master’s in environmental management in Germany.

What does the Master’s degree in Sustainability Management cover?

In the online Sustainability programme, you will study the ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable business in depth. As part of this comprehensive environmental management master’s, you will explore key topics such as climate change, circular economy, sustainable consumption, digital business models, and corporate responsibility. The curriculum is further enriched by practice-oriented projects, robust scientific methods, and the development of sustainable leadership strategies.

Is the online Master’s in Environmental Management at ISM officially recognised?

Yes, the online master’s in environmental management at ISM is fully recognised and accredited by reputable higher education authorities. This ensures that your qualification is valid for career opportunities both in Germany and internationally. ISM also holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, a globally respected mark of excellence earned by only around 6% of business schools worldwide. This further highlights the academic strength of one of the most established environmental management master’s programmes and reflects the high standards upheld across ISM’s sustainability management courses online.