Master's Degree in Sustainability Studies
- 3 semester
- Hybrid
- Credits 36
- Full-time
- Start date: January 11, 2027
- SNIES code: 107959
What will you learn in the Master's in Sustainability Studies?
The master’s program offers interdisciplinary training focused on analyzing the environmental crisis, environmental planning, territorial and community governance, working with communities, and using geographic information tools to understand and address socio-environmental issues.
The program stands out for its use of social science methodologies, such as geography and anthropology, to analyze territorial contexts and propose solutions that recognize the diversity of cultures, ecosystems, and forms of knowledge. It also offers different options for the final degree project, including both basic and applied research: a research article, policy document, consulting project, or social innovation project.
Format and Schedule
Hybrid format
*Hybrid: you can attend class in person at the university or connect from home, since classes are livestreamed.
You can pursue your master’s degree without giving up everything that matters to you. We offer flexible schedules and a hybrid format that combines synchronous virtual meetings with in-person sessions, allowing you to progress in your studies with the balance you need.
Weekly meetings, with five in-person sessions per semester and the remaining sessions held in hybrid format
The final schedule and class days depend on the courses enrolled in.
We know that personal life is just as important as academic life. That is why you can choose as many credits as you consider appropriate, based on your available time and budget.
S1...S16: Weeks | H: Hybrid* | P: In person
Thursdays and/or Fridays from 6:30 to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Hybrid sessions
Thursdays and/or Fridays from 6:30 to 9:20 a.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
In-person sessions
Degree options
Students in this master’s program may choose one of the following degree options: an academic article, a public policy document, or a consulting or social innovation project.
- Academic article: a synthesis of academic research findings presented in an article suitable for publication in an academic journal.
- Public policy document: Cider seeks to contribute to public debate on how to address a socially relevant problem through policy action.
- Social innovation project: co-created with communities to learn with them, transform their lives, and reduce their vulnerability.
- Consulting: diagnoses and alternative solutions to problems proposed by public organizations, civil society organizations, and businesses.
Graduate profile
Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Sustainability Studies will be able to analyze and research the environmental crisis in its various dimensions and at different scales, using conceptual and methodological frameworks from the social sciences in dialogue with other disciplines.
They will also be able to propose projects, policies, and governance, land-use planning, socioecological transition, and risk management instruments, taking into account the complexity and diversity of territorial contexts. Their training will enable them to guide the development of knowledge and action proposals by integrating critical thinking, the rigorous use of evidence, effective communication, teamwork, social participation, information systems, and professional ethics.
Likewise, they will be able to contribute to the transformation of socio-environmental conflicts in order to advance toward more just and sustainable societies.
Graduates may work as specialists, consultants, or advisers in government agencies, territorial entities, national and international nongovernmental organizations, international cooperation agencies, universities, research centers, and consulting firms.
Competencies
Students will develop the ability to analyze the causes and manifestations of the environmental crisis at different territorial scales, integrating approaches from the social sciences and other disciplines. They will also be able to participate in interdisciplinary research on sustainability, contribute to the construction of situated knowledge, and communicate arguments based on rigorous evidence.
The program also seeks to strengthen the ability to recognize socio-environmental conflicts in diverse, multicultural contexts marked by inequality, as well as to propose projects, policies, and governance, territorial planning, socio-ecological transition, and risk-management instruments involving social participation, geospatial tools, and the integration of diverse forms of knowledge.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the master’s degree, students will be able to formulate positions that reflect the complexity of the environmental crisis; explain its causes and dimensions from different disciplinary perspectives; apply geospatial tools to analyze socio-environmental problems; recognize diverse ontologies and epistemologies concerning the environmental crisis; and integrate the knowledge and experiences of different stakeholders.
They will also be able to work in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams, formulate research problems, recommend public policies, guide initiatives with organizations and communities, interpret regulatory frameworks for environmental governance, and communicate proposals that mobilize social actors toward sustainable transitions.
FAQ for the Maestría en Estudios sobre Sustentabilidad
The master’s program examines the environmental crisis from an interdisciplinary perspective, with an emphasis on social sciences, territorial analysis, environmental governance, socio-environmental conflicts, and community engagement.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. This combines flexibility with in-person sessions, hybrid classes, and learning experiences such as field trips and applied work activities.
The program includes options such as a research article, public policy paper, consultancy, and social innovation.
Its focus is not on environmental engineering, corporate sustainability, management, or entrepreneurship. Its distinctive feature is its socio-environmental, territorial, community-based, and interdisciplinary approach to sustainability.
Graduates can work in public institutions, nongovernmental organizations, international cooperation agencies, universities, research centers, local and regional government entities, and consulting firms.
Dual programs, credit recognition, and academic mobility
Dual-degree programs
Depending on the case, you may pursue two master’s degrees with between 45 and 48 credits in total, instead of completing 74 credits separately. This represents approximately 40% fewer credits, a lower investment, and a reduced academic workload to earn two master’s degrees.
Related programs include the Master’s in Peacebuilding, Gender, Interdisciplinary Development Studies, International Law, and Education.
Credit transfer
Students in the Specialization and Master’s programs may transfer some of the credits earned in one of Cider’s programs or in another program outside the University, provided they meet the requirements of the University’s Regulations on credit transfer and validation.
The credit transfer request must be formally submitted here. for review and approval by Cider’s Academic Coordination.
Microcredentials and courses eligible for credit transfer
Those who do not enter the program directly may complete microcredentials or credit-transfer courses offered through Continuing Education at the University of the Andes. After passing them, they may request credit transfer through Cider’s Academic Coordination. For more information, see the current course portfolio here.
*This does not apply to all courses offered through Continuing Education, only to certain specific courses.
*This does not apply to regular students at the University of the Andes.
Academic mobility:
Students interested in national or international academic mobility opportunities can apply through the Office of Internationalization at Universidad de los Andes using the following links: https://internacionalizacion.uniandes.edu.co/estudiante-maestria-uniandes-intercambio-internacional and https://uniandes.adv-pub.moveonca.com/home-page-2702/
Study in the Netherlands:
Enhance and strengthen your academic training by taking up to two elective courses in the Master’s in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), part of Erasmus University Rotterdam, in The Hague (the Netherlands).
More information here: The International Institute of Social Studies opens its doors to students from Cider’s master’s programs
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Application and admission process
Application, admission, and enrollment calendar
Applications open: July 27
Application Deadline 1
Application Deadline 2
Application Deadline 3
Tuition and financial aid
Academic credit fee for 2026**:
$1,890,000 COP
$500 USD*
*Approximate investment in U.S. dollars; the amount may vary according to the day’s TRM.
**The semester investment depends on the number of credits the student enrolls in.
**The 2027 investment amount will be determined at the end of 2026, based on the variation in the CPI.
Admission confirmation and enrollment payment:
* Admission confirmation is an advance payment of $2,000,000, which secures your place in the program to which you were admitted by the university.
*This amount will be deducted from the total tuition.
*If the applicant ultimately does not enroll at the university, this money will not be refunded.
Did you know that more than 33% of the student community receives some type of scholarship?
The University offers several financing options so that you can begin your studies. Many of our students receive scholarships, loans, or some form of financial assistance.
Covers up to 90% of tuition. It may include financial support for housing and living expenses.
Covers up to 100% of tuition.
Discount available to contractors and public officials. Check the terms and eligibility requirements for this benefit.
Discount available to Colombian Red Cross employees. Check the terms and eligibility requirements for this benefit.
Finances between 50% and 80% of tuition for current students or applicants in the admissions process.
Covers 5% of tuition for graduates of undergraduate, master’s, and specialization programs.
Loan covering 80% of tuition. The principal can be repaid over up to 48 months.
You pay part of your tuition while studying and the remaining balance after graduation.
SUFI-Bancolombia, Fincomercio, Davivienda, and JFK (financial cooperative).
Professors
Profesor de planta
- Ph.D. en Planificación Urbana y Regional
- c.vergel @uniandes.edu.co
Profesor de planta
- Ph.D. en Estudios del Desarrollo
- govargas @uniandes.edu.co
Profesor de planta
- Ph.D. en Ciencia Política
- jsantand @uniandes.edu.co
Profesora de cátedra
- Ph.D. en Estudios Interdisciplinarios sobre Desarrollo
- j.jaramilloj @uniandes.edu.co
Profesora de planta
- Ph.D. en Recursos Naturales, Ambiente y Sostenibilidad
- mc.roag @uniandes.edu.co
Publications
Do you have any questions?
Remember that we are here to help you at every step of the process. Please email us your contact information, the program to which you are applying, and your question at:
Nataly Guanumen Rodríguez
Prospective Student Experience Advisor
📩 ln.guanumen@uniandes.edu.co
📞(601)3324060 Extension 2669
🏦Office G-401
You can also contact us through WhatsApp