Normal study period: four semesters

Qualification: Master of Arts

Language: English

Study locations: 100% online

Practice: workshop / research project

Accreditation: Accredited by the Accreditation Council

The online master in sustainability management online at ISM offers a well-structured yet highly flexible curriculum that equips you with the expertise needed to lead organisations toward a more sustainable future. You’ll explore core topics such as evidence-based management, innovation, strategic sustainability, and ethical leadership. Specialised modules deepen your understanding of global sustainable development, policymaking, sustainable organisations, and transformative business practices. Elective options, such as digital communication or digital marketing tools, allow you to tailor the programme to your professional goals and reflect the breadth of modern sustainability management courses online.

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop essential competencies in leadership, negotiation, and consulting, supported by hands-on seminars, digital bootcamps, and applied research projects. These practical elements ensure you can translate sustainability strategies into real-world solutions. Thanks to ISM’s flexible learning model, you can adapt your study plan to fit your lifestyle — whether full-time or part-time — making this programme a strong choice for anyone seeking an environmental management master’s degree online.

The environmental management master’s online forms the foundation for your career. If you decide to pursue a distance learning degree at ISM, you’ll benefit from numerous advantages that offer you maximum flexibility and a first-class education:

• Trial period during the first four weeks: You have the opportunity to test the concept of distance learning free of charge during the first four weeks. This allows you to make sure that a distance learning programme truly suits you.

• Study whenever and wherever you want: All learning materials are available to you digitally. Whether at your desk, on the go, or on the sofa – you decide how your studies fit into your daily life.

• Individual support: Our study coaches and support team are available to assist you at any time, to answer your questions and help ensure the success of your studies.

• Interactive exercises and exam preparation: Numerous practical assignments, flashcards, and mock exams help you prepare in the best possible way for your exams.

• Close contact with lecturers: Our experienced lecturers and tutors support you both academically and practically – so you always stay on top of things and reach your goals.

• 100% flexible exams: No travel required – all exams are included in the tuition fees and can be taken conveniently online.

• 2 free additional semesters: If you are unable to earn all the required credit points within the standard period of study (e.g. two years for a 120 ECTS programme full-time), you can catch up on the missing coursework during two additional semesters free of charge. This offer applies to every time model.

Admission to ISM can be granted through several different paths.

The basis for enrolment is the official admission requirements set by our university. You will need a completed bachelor’s degree with at least 50 ECTS credits in the field of economics or business studies, including 10 ECTS credits in quantitative or methodological subjects. Any missing ECTS credits can be acquired through online bridging courses.

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 50 ECTS credits in business sciences
• At least 10 ECTS credits in quantitative or methodological subjects
• English proficiency (B2)

The only distance learning programme in the German-speaking world to hold this prestigious distinction.

Have you already started or completed a degree programme or pursued specific continuing education courses? As part of your application – or even in advance – we will review which of your prior achievements can be credited toward your studies at ISM. This allows you to shorten your study duration, reduce tuition fees, and focus directly on new learning content.

We can recognise the following types of prior learning:

• Academic credits from previous university studies (master’s programmes)
• Further professional qualifications (e.g., Chamber of Industry and Commerce – IHK)
• Several years of relevant professional experience

By completing the master’s in sustainability management online, you’ll gain the expertise to drive sustainable transformation across organisations, industries, and global systems. The programme equips you with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills needed to address complex environmental challenges and design long-term solutions. You’ll explore topics such as global sustainable development, policy and trend analysis, sustainable organisational leadership, and business transformation, while building strong competencies in negotiation, consulting, and ethical decision-making. As one of the most forward-thinking environmental management master’s online, this programme is also an excellent choice for those seeking master’s in environmental management in Germany. It empowers you to create meaningful impact and lead the transition towards a more sustainable and responsible future.