Accelerated Pathway to the MA in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership

Traditional undergraduate students at Edgewood College have the opportunity to begin a Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership while an undergraduate. The Accelerated Master’s Pathway allows students who are juniors or seniors, and who have the approval of their advisor and/or program chair, to take 12 credits (3 courses) of the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Program while an undergraduate in order to earn a Master of Arts within one calendar year of completing an undergraduate degree. These 12 credits can count as electives for an undergraduate major or minor while fulfilling the first three required courses of the graduate program. The courses are SUST 650 , SUST 651 , and SUST 652  . For more information, contact your advisor or Stephan Gilchrist, Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Program Director at sgilchrist@edgewood.edu or 608-663-6991.

Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership, MA

---

Click here for the Program Requirements

Mission

The mission of the Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership Program (SUST) is to: Together, Create Well-Being for All.

The Program supports and facilitates the ongoing development of the skills, knowledge, mindset, and relationships needed to be effective and collaborative leaders in our organizations and in our communities. The Program views leadership as a participatory approach where all of us are seen as change makers, working with others to create a just, inclusive, and sustainable world through bridging the three divides described below.*

1. The divide between self and our highest potential. How do we become the most effective leader possible and co-create social, economical, and ecological well-being in our organizations and communities?
2. The divide between self and others How do we strengthen relationship with other individuals and groups so that we can have a more equitable and inclusive world?
3. The divide between self and nature How do we create organizational, social, and economic systems that are in harmony with natural systems?

Students will learn and apply:

• Tools and frameworks to facilitate systemic community, organizational, and personal change
• New and emerging models of ecological, social, and economic sustainability and well-being
• Examples of organizations and communities working toward sustainable well-being
• Tools for cross-sector collaboration

The program takes a hands-on, applied approach through the creation and implementation of social innovation projects and initiatives as a central part of each Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership course. You will identify a social innovation project in collaboration with an organizational or community partner, and course instructors. The project can last one or more terms depending on your interest, needs of the organization or community, and scope of the project.

Students enter the Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership program with a wide variety of degrees and professional backgrounds. There is not a prerequisite field of study or professional experience needed to succeed in the program. Courses accommodate traditional students as well as working professionals. Required courses are taken in-person with a cohort of peers. The coursework, including the capstone course, allows you to specialize in your field of interest, such as business, social entrepreneurship, non-profit management, organizational development, education, healthcare public administration, international community development, and more. Contact us to determine a schedule that fits with your personal and professional goals and responsibilities.

The intentionally small number of students in each cohort (12-15) allows you to develop deep relationships with community partners, instructors, and fellow students. Students come with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Masters of Art in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership program is determined by assessment of the candidate’s academic qualifications, work experience, and interest in the field.

1. Complete and submit graduate application and fee to Edgewood College.
2. Submit official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from United States, regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institutions.
3. Each applicant must participate in an interview conducted by the Director of the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Program. This interview may be done in person, over the telephone, or internet.
4. Submit a 2-3 page essay answering two questions: Why are you interested in the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Program? How do you see the Program supporting your professional and/or personal goals? Are there specific items you are hoping to learn or gain through the Program? What background and interests do you bring to the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Program? Students can write and submit their essay online or as an attachment in an email. Completed essays can be emailed to gps@edgewood.edu. Students should include their full name, email address and telephone number.
5. Submit at least one letter of recommendation from a college or university professor, supervisor, and/or professional colleague who can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership program.