The Master’s Degree in Sustainability Studies is offered in a hybrid format, comprises 36 credits, and is designed to be completed in 3 semesters*.
*The 3-semester duration applies as long as the full number of credits established for each semester is enrolled.
**Students may choose the number of credits they consider appropriate based on their time availability and budget, with a minimum of 4 credits per semester.
Students in this master’s degree may choose among different degree options: writing an academic article, preparing a public policy document, or developing a consulting or social innovation project.
In addition, they have the possibility of obtaining a special certificate awarded by the University by completing and passing 8 credits in the following concentration:
Public policy, peace, and development.
The master's degree is designed to be completed in 3 semesters, for a total of 36 credits.
1
Fundamentals of sustainability
Fundamentals of sustainability, (4 credits, 16 weeks).
4
Environmental planning and territorial and community governance
Environmental planning and territorial and community governance (4 credits, 16 weeks)
Since the mid-20th century, various regulations have been issued and multiple instruments have been created for the protection of nature and the planning of territorial and environmental management, both nationally and internationally. This regulatory framework has become even more complex due
to the growing role of subnational governments and the recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombian communities in environmental stewardship. This course describes the main institutions, regulations, and instruments that govern environmental stewardship, from the global to the territorial and community levels
4
Introduction to interdisciplinary studies
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (2 credits)
The purpose of this course is to create a collaborative learning space for acquiring the fundamental elements needed to understand and act through interdisciplinary approaches in the fields of study that are the focus of CIDER’s mission. This is achieved through the use of interdisciplinary approaches in theoretical development, the understanding of social phenomena, social action, or public policy decision-making. This entails a robust theoretical discussion of interdisciplinary work and extensive practical application to the subjects of study that interest students.
2
Introduction to research methods
Introduction to Research Methods (2 credits)
This foundational methodological course aims to introduce questions about how and why research is conducted, using elements from different disciplines, paradigms, trajectories, and perspectives of interdisciplinary research.
2
2
Cartography and GIS for Social and Environmental Analysis
Cartography and GIS for Social and Environmental Analysis (4 credits, 16 weeks)
This course strengthens the ability to create maps that communicate geographic information through various media. Using GIS and spatial analysis, it develops spatial thinking and cartographic production with qualitative and quantitative data.
4
Skills for Working with Communities
Skills for Working with Communities (4 credits, 16 weeks)
This course presents ethical principles for community work and collaborative tools for diagnosis, project development, organizational strengthening, transformation of socio-environmental conflicts, and environmental participation within a legal framework.
4
Thesis Project 1
Thesis Project 1 (2 credits, 8 weeks)
Students may enroll in these courses to advance their research with the support of their thesis supervisor. Each course will be accompanied by a guide and an assessment rubric. These courses will be offered throughout the University’s five 8-week cycles, allowing students to enroll in them flexibly according to their progress in the program.
2
Thesis Project 2
Thesis Project 2 (2 credits, 8 weeks)
Students may enroll in these courses to advance their research, with the support of their thesis supervisor. Each course will be accompanied by a guide and a grading rubric. These courses will be offered throughout the University’s five 8-week cycles, allowing students to enroll in them flexibly according to their progress in the program.
2
Data Analytics
Data Analytics (4 credits, 16 weeks)
This course provides theoretical and practical tools for data analysis. We will explore and understand quantitative methods and tools widely used in development studies over the past two decades. Upon completing the course, students will be able to apply these methods both in their research or consulting projects and in their professional work.
4
Social Innovation Elective
Social Innovation Elective (4 credits, 16 weeks)
Courses that develop competencies in the thematic or methodological areas of social innovation, according to the offerings submitted by the program.
4
3
Dialogues on Sustainability
Dialogues on Sustainability (2 credits, 8 weeks)
This course addresses emerging socio-environmental issues and innovative approaches to sustainability. It promotes dialogues among researchers, decision-makers, social actors, and students, with topics and experts defined annually by the program.
2
Sustainability Workshop
Sustainability Workshop (2 credits, 4 weeks)
This intensive course integrates the knowledge and skills acquired in the course to analyze a key case. It includes an information review, a field trip, dialogue with local stakeholders, and the formulation of projects and alternatives in response to identified problems.
2
Elective
Elective (4 credits, 16 weeks)
4
Research analysis and writing
Research analysis and writing (2 credits, 8 weeks)
This course provides students with the skills to analyze information collected during research and communicate their findings through academic articles, public policy documents, or doctoral monographs.
2
Thesis 3
Thesis 3 (2 credits, 8 weeks)
Students may register these credits to advance their research independently, with the support of their thesis supervisor. This level will be accompanied by a guide and a grading rubric. It will be offered throughout the University’s five 8-week cycles, allowing students to register flexibly according to their progress in the program.
2
Consulting
Consulting (4 credits, 16 weeks)
4
Social Innovation Workshop
Social Innovation Workshop (4 credits, 16 weeks)
4
Hybrid format
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 number of credits enrolled.
We know that personal life is just as important as academic life, which is why you can choose as many credits as you consider appropriate, according to your available time and budget.
More information:
Nataly Guanumen Rodríguez
Applicant Experience Advisor
📩 ln.guanumen@uniandes.edu.co
📞(601)3324060 Extension 2669
🏦Office GB-421
You can also write to us via WhatsApp