SIT Graduate Institute - Global Masters of Arts in Climate Change & Global Sustainability

About this program

SIT’s Global Master of Arts in Climate Change & Global Sustainability is a full-time, one-year degree focused on building practical leadership for climate action through immersive, place-based learning. Grounded in both natural and social science perspectives, this program examines climate impacts alongside the policies, economies, and community strategies that shape sustainability outcomes. Study begins in Iceland, highlighting environmental governance and renewable energy, then continues in Tanzania, exploring coastal ecosystems, water and food security, and urban costal planning. This program is ideal for emerging professionals seeking careers in climate change science, policy, conservation, development, or community advocacy.

• Year partnership began: 2011
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 5

Application requirements

SIT does not require the GRE. All students must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or an equivalent that demonstrates academic ability. Application requirements include:

• A completed online application
• Essays
• Resume
• Official transcripts
• Three references

Admissions process

• Complete SIT's online application and check the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows box
• Submit a copy of your Description of Service (DOS)

Degrees awarded

Global Master of Arts in Climate Change & Global Sustainability

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $10,040

Cost savings details

As part of our standard partnership, SIT offers Coverdell Fellows a financial benefit of 35 percent off tuition for any of our Global Master’s degrees, in addition to an application fee waiver.

Internship

As part of the Coverdell Fellowship, fellows must complete a practicum of 150 to 300 hours in a high-need American community (as defined by SIT Graduate Institute). The practicum must relate to the student’s coursework and career goals and be for a minimum of six weeks. Practicums may be paid professional positions or unpaid internships. More information about the internship requirement can be found on SIT’s website on the Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program partnership page.

Other opportunities

SIT will waive the $50 application fee for all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

Jobs for alumni

Through the social, academic, and professional network SIT provides, students have an easy and dynamic way to connect with like-minded individuals and learn about potential employers worldwide. SIT's alumni work at the government, nonprofit, and grassroots levels in the US and abroad. Students who have graduated with this degree work in careers such as the following, among others:

• Foreign Agricultural Service Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Consultant, WASH Climate Change Policy in Latin American and Caribbean, The World Bank
• Forest Manager, One Tree Planted
• Senior Campaign Coordinator, Union of Concerned Scientists
• Senior Researcher for Bio-Cultural Landscapes, International Network of Mountain Indigenous Peoples and Asociacion ANDES

Nontraditional options

Fellowships are awarded to RPCVs enrolling in one of the following degree programs:

Global Master's Degrees

• Global MA in Climate Change & Global Sustainability
• Global MA in Diplomacy & International Relations
• Global MA in Humanitarian Assistance & Crisis Management
• Global MA in International Education
• Global MA in Sustainable Development Practice

Online Doctoral Degrees with International Residencies

• Doctorate in Global Education (EdD)
• Doctorate in International Relations (PhD)
• Doctorate in Sustainability (PhD)