Sustainability + Development Program
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2025
The Sustainability + Development Program (S+DP) is the premier sustainability and development graduate program in Dallas that adapts to working professionals' needs while delivering hands-on, real-world impact that supports change for good in the global environment.
Ready to make a real impact while advancing your career?
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WORKING PROFESSIONAL FOCUS
Evening, hybrid, and online course options are designed to schedule around your career
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BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE
Small cohorts with customized learning paths. Personalized attention from world-class faculty
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REAL-WORLD PROJECTS
Project-based learning opportunities in South Dallas, Taos, Tanzania, and Colombia
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CAREER INTEGRATION
Integrate research into existing career pathway and connect with local industry partners
SPECIALIZATION PATHS
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SEED (CIED)
Climate-Smart Inclusive Economic Development
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CITIES
Sustainable Global Development & Design
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EJ
Environmental Justice
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SERVE
Sustainable Management
“The interdisciplinary, hands-on nature of this program allows self-directed students from diverse backgrounds to integrate new practical knowledge with their existing skills. We centered this program around allowing both the academic freedom, the community and site-based context, and the project-based specificity to really make things happen.”
— Dr. Jessie Zarazaga, Program Director
Graduate Success
“My vision is to build self-sustaining communities that raise standards of living in areas of need around the globe.”
George Opudo, ‘24
Project Manager at Dallas Fabrication, Founder of Sustainable Nomads
They have ignited my love for data science; inspired me to develop a world view of sustainability while prioritizing a climate-smart, inclusive economic development applicable to any industry and any country; and instilled in me the importance of having a holistic view when approaching the most challenging problems in our society.”
Tania Caldua Cuff, ‘23, ‘24
Industrial Engineering Associate, Lockheed Martin
“It [SDP] was a welcoming environment, with a multidisciplinary and flexible approach that enabled me to choose a path that met my career ambitions. I recommend that anyone looking to not only learn about sustainability, but also how to make positive impact with that knowledge, to consider the MASD at SMU.”
Grant Rodriguez Amlani, ‘22
Sustainability Program Manager, Office of Sustainability UTA
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our program.
Contact us.
Enter your contact details to receive more information.
For questions specific about the program, contact Dr. Jessie Zarazaga, Program Director, jzarazaga@smu.edu or a representative at masd@mail.smu.edu.
For questions regarding financial aid or the admissions process, contact Zaria Kelley, Assistant Director Lyle Graduate Admissions Lylegrad@mail.smu.edu
Phone: 214 768 4960