Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (MS-ESP)


Turn your passion for the planet into policy.

The Cornell Brooks School’s 12-month Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (ESP) prepares you to lead environmental change through public policy. This Ivy League degree blends rigorous training in law, economics, data, and justice to shape tomorrow’s sustainability leaders across government, NGOs, research, and international organizations. Set in Ithaca, a community nationally recognized for its environmental commitment and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes, the program offers a living hub for sustainable innovation and policy in action.

 

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About the MS-ESP

The MS in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (ESP) is a full-time, residential, Ivy League degree that trains future policy leaders to tackle the world’s most urgent environmental and sustainability challenges. Through a one-year immersive curriculum, you’ll study how public policy intersects with climate, energy, conservation, food systems, and environmental justice, learning directly from faculty and practitioners at the forefront of change.
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What Can I Do with an MS-ESP?

With your MS in ESP, you'll be prepared for roles in government agencies, environmental nonprofits, global NGOs, research institutions, and international policy organizations. Graduates lead efforts in climate strategy, environmental justice, conservation policy, sustainable agriculture, energy transitions, and more, making a tangible difference at every level, from local communities to global governance.

Salary Information

Salaries for MS‑ESP graduates vary by region, role, and experience, but entry‑ to mid‑level roles (e.g., Environmental Policy Analyst, Sustainability Specialist) range from $80,000 to $95,000, with higher earning potential (over $100,000) in leadership, consulting, or senior positions.

12 months

12 months to your Ivy League master’s degree

100%

of students complete a hands-on capstone project

4+

elective focus areas to customize your policy pathway

Latest News
Featured Articles

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By Giles Morris

Brooks Public Policy PhDs address policy, begin careers at top institutions

We celebrated the accomplishments of five graduates who earned their PhDs in Public Policy from the Brooks School in 2025: Giulia Olivero, Katherine Sadowski, Yongxin Shang, Jenna Shelton, and Meredith Welch.

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By Giles Morris

Brooks lecturer teaches global democracy one headline at a time

“The things that we’ve been talking about are not theoretical but are very much unfolding in real time,” Garrett said. 

Turn Passion Into Policy. Apply Today.
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