Master of Arts in Sustainable Design | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Master of Arts in Sustainable Design

Change Perspective
into Impact

Sustainability is no longer a specialization—it's an essential way of thinking about design, innovation, and leadership. MCAD's online Master of Arts in Sustainable Design prepares creative professionals to develop solutions that address today's environmental, social, and economic challenges through systems thinking and design-driven innovation.

Designed for working professionals, the flexible, fully online program combines rigorous theory with hands-on, project-based learning. You'll collaborate with a global community of peers and expert faculty while developing practical strategies that can be applied immediately in your work. Through interdisciplinary coursework and a self-directed capstone project, you'll build the skills to lead meaningful change across industries, organizations, and communities.

Beyond the curriculum, you'll gain access to career-building opportunities that help bridge your education to professional impact. The Green Career Pathways Program connects students with industry insights, networking opportunities, and resources to navigate the growing sustainability job market. A dedicated mentorship program pairs students with experienced professionals who provide personalized guidance, real-world perspective, and support as you refine your goals and expand your professional network.

Whether you're looking to advance your career, transition into sustainability-focused work, or amplify the impact of your current practice, MCAD equips you with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to create meaningful change.

lara cornell masd

Hear about the student experience

As a master's student in Sustainable Design, you will:

  • Explore current sustainability and design-for-sustainability theories, concepts, and frameworks.
  • Apply innovative design-for-sustainability strategies, tools, and techniques through project-based assignments.
  • Experience both individual and collaborative design projects.
  • Develop skills in systems thinking, critical thinking, research, writing, problem solving, and visual communication.
  • Gain useful knowledge that keeps you and your organization at the forefront of this important field.
  • Complete a capstone project and presentation.
  • Build a web-based portfolio of your coursework.
  • Engage with an international network of sustainability professionals and supportive MCAD alumni.
Tell me more about Sustainable Design at MCAD
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Class Highlights

This 30-credit Masters of Arts program emphasizes project work, engaged discussions, and collaboration with fellow students.

Required classes include:

  • Fundamentals of Sustainable Design
  • Systems Thinking
  • Capstone Project Development

After MCAD

There are many paths to explore with a Master's in Sustainable Design. Current areas of interest include:

  • Product Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Packaging Design
  • Marketer
  • Built-environment Professionals
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Supply Chain Strategies
  • Systems Design
  • Circular Economy
  • Biomimicry
  • Community Planning
Published on
June 25, 2026
Published on
May 13, 2026

“I was really passionate about shifting my career, [this program gave me] the credibility needed within the sustainability space.”

Danielle DeKalb ’24 MA, Senior Sustainability Manager at Target