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 provided that students enroll in the full number of credits planned for each semester.
**Students may choose the number of credits they consider appropriate based on their available time and budget, with a minimum of 4 credits per semester.
Students in this master’s program may choose from different degree options: writing an academic article, preparing a public policy document, or developing a consulting or social innovation project.
They may also obtain a special certificate awarded by the University by completing and passing 8 credits from the following concentration:
Public Policy, Peace, and Development.
The master’s program is designed to be completed in 3 semesters, for a total of 36 credits.
1
Foundations of Sustainability
Sustainability Fundamentals, (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-twentieth century, various regulations have been issued and multiple instruments have been created to protect nature and plan territorial and environmental development at both the national and international levels. 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 course aims to create a collaborative learning space in which students can acquire the fundamental elements needed to understand and act through interdisciplinary approaches in the fields of study encompassed by CIDER’s mission. This is achieved by applying interdisciplinary approaches to theoretical development, the understanding of social phenomena, social action, and public policy decision-making. This entails a robust theoretical discussion of interdisciplinary practice and extensive practical application to the subjects of interest to students.
2
Introduction to Research Methods
Introduction to Research Methods (2 credits)
This foundational methodology course introduces questions about how and why research is conducted, drawing on elements from different disciplines, paradigms, research trajectories, and perspectives in 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 a variety of 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 introduces ethical principles for community-based work and collaborative tools for assessment, project design, organizational strengthening, transformation of socio-environmental conflicts, and environmental participation within the legal framework.
4
Degree Project 1
Degree Project 1 (2 credits, 8 weeks)
Students may enroll in these courses to advance their research with the support of their degree project 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 flexibly according to their progress in the program.
2
Degree Project 2
Degree Project 2 (2 credits, 8 weeks)
Students may enroll in these courses to advance their research, with the support of their degree project supervisor. Each course will include a guide and a grading rubric. These courses will be offered over the University’s five 8-week cycles, allowing students to enroll 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 gain an understanding of the quantitative methods and tools widely used in development studies over the past two decades. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply these methods in their research or consulting projects, as well as in their professional practice.
4
Social Innovation Elective
Social Innovation Elective (4 credits, 16 weeks)
Courses that develop competencies in thematic or methodological areas related to social innovation, depending on the offerings submitted by the program.
4
3
Sustainability Dialogues
Sustainability Dialogues (2 credits, 8 weeks)
This course addresses emerging socio-environmental issues and innovative approaches to sustainability. It promotes dialogue among researchers, decision-makers, social actors, and students on topics and with experts selected 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 a review of information, a field trip, dialogue with local stakeholders, and the development 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 through research and present their findings in academic articles, public policy documents, or doctoral monographs.
2
Thesis 3
Thesis 3 (2 credits, 8 weeks)
Students may register for these credits to advance their research independently, with the support of their thesis supervisor. This level will be accompanied by a guide and an assessment rubric. It will be offered throughout the University’s five eight-week sessions, 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 sessions with five in-person sessions per semester and the remaining sessions held in a hybrid format
The final schedule and class days depend on the number of credits for which you enroll.
We understand that your personal life is just as important as your academic life. That is why you can choose as many credits as you consider appropriate, depending on 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 contact us via WhatsApp