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M.A. Sustainability Management

The distance-learning Sustainability Management Masters prepares you to help organizations integrate sustainability strategically. It enables you to implement and improve environmental strategies effectively while addressing the challenges companies face. Enjoy hands-on teaching and highly flexible study models.

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Student in the online master of sustainability management

Sustainability Management Master at a glance

Standard period of studies

4 semesters (full-time)

6 or 8 semesters (part-time)

Semester start

at any time

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Campus

100% online

Accreditations

AACSB, FIBAA, ZFU, German Accreditation Council

Language

English

Practical experience

Research & Consulting project

Tuition fees

Different cost models available

Weitere Vorteile Schließen

Accreditations

AACSB, FIBAA, ZFU, Accreditation Council

Language

English

Practical experience

Consulting & research project

Tuition fees

Different cost models available

Awarded as Top Distance Learning University

In the 2026 comprehensive ranking of distance learning universities, ISM’s distance learning program ranks among the most popular providers. The evaluation was based on 12,238 reviews of a total of 395 providers from 2025. This is clear evidence of the program’s high quality and student satisfaction.

Info Webinars for Distance Learning Master

Are you interested in a distance learning program and would like to learn more about your options at ISM? Then join one of our regularly held info webinars. Find the next available webinar dates below:

Meet a student: Master’s studies (EN)

30.06.2026 at 6 p.m. (CET)

Advantages of the Master Sustainability Management at ISM

Trial period during first four weeks

Opportunity to try out the distance learning program for free during the first four weeks. This way, you can make sure that ISM distance learning is really the right fit for you.

Learn whenever and wherever you want

With a distance learning Master at ISM, you can tailor your postgraduate education to fit your personal circumstances. Learning materials are available online, in digital form. Whether at your desk, on the go, or on the couch: you decide how to fit your studies into your daily routine.

Personalized support

Our study coaches and support team are always here to help you with any questions you may have and to ensure your academic success.

Interactive exercises and exam preparation

Numerous practical exercises, flashcards, and practice exams will help you prepare thoroughly for your exams.

Close contact with faculty

Our experienced instructors and tutors provide you with both academic and practical support - so you can stay on track and achieve your goals.

100% flexible exams

No need to travel - all exams are included in the tuition and can be taken conveniently online.

Study extension at no cost

If you are unable to earn all the required credit points within the standard period of study (e.g., 4 semesters for the full-time online Master's), you can make up the missing credits during two additional free semesters. This applies to all study tracks.

Request info flyers

Download the information material free of charge. We can also send it to you by post on request.

Request info flyers

Contact the study advisors

Our study advisors answer your questions about ISM, programs, applications, and financing.

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Applying to ISM

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Accredited distance learning programs

Our distance learning degree programs are tested and approved by the State Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU).

How your Sustainability Management online degree works

The distance learning program in Sustainability Management at ISM stands out for its well-designed structure and strong practical focus. From the fundamentals of strategic management and sustainable development to relevant future-oriented topics (like sustainable organizations, sustainability trends) and a wide range of elective courses - you’ll develop in-depth subject knowledge and essential leadership and marketing skills for your career.

Choose your path: study sustainability online full-time or part-time

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 a sustainability master’s degree online. This curriculum provides a sample study plan for the full-time option.

Master’s degree Sustainability Management -
Exemplary study plan for full-time distance learning

Download study plans for full-time and part-time study models (PDF)

1. Semester

Evidence-based Management & Data Literacy (10 ECTS)
Global Sustainable Development (10 ECTS)
Policies & Trends in Sustainability (5 ECTS) live seminar
Leadership (5 ECTS) live seminar

2. Semester

Innovation & Strategic Management (10 ECTS)
Leading Sustainable Organizations (10 ECTS)
Transforming Business towards Sustainability (5 ECTS) live seminar
Digital Bootcamp (5 ECTS)

3. Semester

Ethics & Law (10 ECTS)
Negotation & Consulting (5 ECTS)
Research & Consulting Project (10 ECTS)

Elective modules:

Essentials of Digital Communication (5 ECTS) OR
Digital Marketing Tools (5 ECTS)

4. Semester

Master's Thesis (30 ECTS)

Trial study online

Would you like to get to know your ISM distance learning program for four weeks - with no obligation, free of charge, and hassle-free? With us you can get a first impression of our learning materials and online learning platform without any obligations. Sign up today for the online trial study. We look forward to introducing you to our Distance Learning programs!

Join now for free

Application – Distance Learning Sustainability Management Master

Admission process

Secure your study place in 4 steps:

Have you decided on a distance learning program at ISM and want to start now? The advantage of our distance learning university: You can start anytime!

Submit your application
Submit your online application via our application form and provide all relevant information about your academic and personal background.
Review of your documents
Once we have received your available documents and certificates, we will carefully check your professional qualifications and your formal eligibility to study. We will then schedule a brief academic consultation session with you.
Personal selection interview incl. presentation
The next step is to get to know you personally. You will give a short presentation and have a structured online selection interview.
Admission and enrollment
After successfully completing the application process, you will receive the study contract. By signing the study contract and submitting the required enrollment documents, you will secure your place at our university and can begin your distance learning studies at one of the leading business schools. You will receive an enrolment number and a student ID as well as access to all the content of your online degree program.

Required documents

In order to verify that you are eligible to study Master at our university, we require the following documents:

Completed application form
Copy of identity card
Copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript of records (or equivalent, if available)
School-leaving diploma (such as high school diploma, vocational diploma, or equivalent) in the original language incl. subjects and transcript of records
Proof of English language proficiency at min. level B2 (see below)
CV.

Optional:

Translations of all attached educational certificates (English)
Proof of professional qualifications for applicants
Proof of university and non-university knowledge already acquired
Proof of professional experience or professional training
Proof of disabilities and hardship cases.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to a master's program, you need to have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits or an equivalent degree from a university, university of applied sciences, or recognized foreign university.

For admission to an economics master's program at ISM, you should have earned at least 30 ECTS credits in the field of business sciences in your previous degree. You can acquire missing ECTS credits through online bridging courses from the ISM Distance Learning Bachelor curriculum, or for example through demonstrated relevant qualified professional experience.

You must also provide proof of language proficiency at least at the level B2 in the language of instruction (English in this case), submit all application documents in full, and successfully complete the admission process.

Accepted proof of English language proficiency:

School transcripts demonstrating that English was studied for at least 5 years leading up to a degree that qualifies you for university admission, or
A language certificate from a certified provider at a minimum of level B2 (such as IELTS, TOEFL), no more than two years old, or
High school diploma from an English-speaking school system, or
University degree in English studies or an English-language university degree obtained in a country or region where English is the official language and/or where English was the language of instruction, or
Completion of at least 30 ECTS credits of modules taught in English in an English-language university program.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have already completed professional training or passed exams in another degree program, you can apply to have your previous achievements recognized for your ISM online master's degree program and thus shorten your study time. You will benefit from a more efficient course of study, enter a higher semester if applicable, and gain valuable freedom for practical experience or individual specializations.

Here's how it works: Send your existing certificates (including the module handbook) to our This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will carefully review your documents and inform you transparently about whether and which credits can be transferred and what this means for your course of study.

Trial study

Want to know what to expect from your distance learning program? Then a trial study period is just right for you. Would you like to get to know your ISM distance learning program for four weeks - with no obligation, free of charge, and hassle-free? Then sign up for the online trial study. With this free opportunity, you’ll learn about the degree programs, get a first impression of the methods used in distance learning, and establish a solid foundation for your decision regarding the online study program.

Simply fill out the form on our website, and you can start exploring and trying out the program right away. See for yourself the quality of our courses and content. We look forward to your registration!

Pre-Check –
Find out if you can study at ISM

Use the free Pre-Check: Upload your documents and we'll quickly verify whether you meet the requirements for studying with us.

Apply for a pre-check at ISM

Bring a friend &
secure 500 euro

Share our study offer with friends and earn up to 500 euros if you recommend them to us! If you're interested to know more, simply This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Refer a friend now!

Tuition fees & financing of the M.A. Sustainability Management

Tuition full-time

4 Semester, 30 ECTS per Semester

Enrollment fee

690 €
Total price (incl. two free additional semesters)

13.170 €

520 €/month

Tuition part-time fast

6 Semester, 20 ECTS per Semester

Enrollment fee

690 €
Total price (incl. two additional semesters)

14.010 €

370 €/month

Tuition part-time slow

8 Semester, 15 ECTS per Semester

Enrollment fee

690 €
Total price (incl. two additional semesters)

15.090 €

300 €/month

To help you get started with your online master studies, we’re happy to assist you with information about scholarships and financing.

Your financing options

FAQ – Distance Learning Sustainability Management Master

Why choose the Master Sustainability Management at ISM?

The Master in Sustainability Management at ISM combines flexible learning formats with strong academic support and practical, science-based education in sustainable development. It prepares students for a future-oriented career in sustainability by integrating ESG principles, environmental management, and sustainability strategies through real-world projects and up-to-date learning materials.

Studying Sustainability Management online is a smart choice because it combines modern flexibility with a field that is shaping the future of business and society.

At the same time, an online format reflects sustainable thinking itself. Reducing travel, using digital learning tools, and enabling more efficient, low-impact education. You also develop strong self-management and digital collaboration skills, which are highly valued in sustainability-driven organizations.

Is a Master of Sustainability Management right for me?

If you're considering pursuing a Master of Sustainability Management, there are several factors to determine if it's the right fit for you. First, consider your interests, your personality and your desire to work in the sustainability area, with environmental business matters, social affairs or with sustainable governance topics. This program combines business thinking with environmental and social awareness, which is where many companies will be heading, once the economic crisises no longer hold such a strong foothold on global societies.

This degree is a good fit if you can see yourself working in areas like:

Corporate sustainability / ESG (environmental social governance)
Supply chain responsibility
Environmental consulting
Policy, NGOs, or impact-driven organizations

It’s especially useful if you already have a base in something like business, engineering, or environmental studies and want to specialize with purpose.

Ask yourself honestly:

Do I already know why I want this degree?
Can I name 2–3 job roles I’m aiming for after it?
Am I missing specific skills that this program teaches?

If the answer is yes, now could be the right time. to take this online degree and open up new opportunities in this field.

Which time models do I have to study the business administration degree online?

You have three different options for completing the program:

1. 100% online (Digital Track),

Here you can choose eight electives (out of 12) and study as flexibly as possible: you decide which subjects fit best and when you study them.

2. One semester at the ISM Campus Berlin or Dortmund (On-Campus Track).
Choose five electives (out of 10) and study a full-time semester from mid-September at our beautiful campus.

3. Study online with an additional internship (Practical Track). Here you can choose two electives (out of 12) and earn 30 ECTS (= one semester) by completing an internship. In this way, you gain practical experience alongside your flexible studies.

As seen above, depending on the path chosen, the number of elective modules varies. This allows you to customize and flexibly structure your studies. From marketing to financial management to an introduction to psychology, you choose the focus areas you want to have in your studies.

Is there a numerus clausus (NC) needed 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 long does it take to get the sustainability degree online?

You have three different options for completing the distance learning program and the costs are also different, depending wheather you study full-time or part-time.

If you study full-time, you will likely finalize your studies in four semester.
If you study part-time fast, you can graduate in six semesters.
If you study part-time slow, the Master studies will be completed in eight semesters.

What does the Masters 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.

What can you do with a Master in Sustainability?

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.

Is the online masters in environmental management at ISM officially recognized?

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.

At first, I thought that online lectures would only be frontal and in lectures, but that has not been confirmed. Digital teaching at ISM is very interactive, always includes group work phases and offers completely new formats.

Mareike Tegethoff, ISM Distance Learning Master Student

Questions about studying?
Contact us!

Whether in a personal consultation, by phone, email, or WhatsApp - we are always available to answer your questions and are happy to provide you with individual support on your path to university!

Please feel free to send us a message from Monday to Friday. We are always available on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. German time (CET).

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Request a consultation

Our study advisors are happy to answer all your questions about the ISM and our programs as well as financing options in a personal online appointment. Do not hesitate to contact us!

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