Overview

The Sustainable Finance programme at Columbia University provides students with the essential tools to integrate corporate sustainability with rigorous financial analysis. This curriculum addresses the increasing demand for experts who can navigate the complex risks and opportunities associated with environmental, social, and governance factors in modern capital markets. By bridging the gap between traditional accounting and sustainability-specific methods, the course prepares graduates to lead in a low-carbon economy.

Why Sustainable Finance at Columbia University?

Students benefit from the extensive resources of the Earth Institute and the School of Professional Studies, gaining access to a global network of sustainability experts. The programme is taught by a distinguished faculty of practitioners and leaders in economics, risk management, and environmental markets. Flexible learning options allow students to attend classes in the evening on the New York campus or engage with the curriculum online, making it ideal for working professionals. Furthermore, credits earned can often be applied toward a full Master of Science in Sustainability Management.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 2746 per credit
National fee: USD 2746 per credit
Local fee: USD 2746 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the practical application of financial tools to sustainability challenges. Modules may include:

Economics of Sustainability Management
Cost Benefit Analysis
Decision Models & Management
GHG Emissions: Measuring and Minimizing the Carbon Footprint
Sustainable Finance
Energy and Sustainable Development
Energy Markets and Innovation
Climate Finance and Sustainable Development
Accounting, Finance, and Modeling of Sustainable Investments

Careers with Sustainable Finance

Graduates are equipped to pursue advanced roles in diverse industries including financial services, energy, and real estate development. The programme prepares individuals for careers in impact investing, sustainable project finance, and green accounting. Professionals often transition into roles focused on corporate financial management, environmental market analysis, and ESG risk assessment. The skills acquired are highly applicable to technology, transportation, and utilities sectors where sustainability-driven business strategies are increasingly vital for long-term financial performance.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Economics of Sustainability Management

Cost Benefit Analysis

Decision Models & Management

Sustainable Finance

Energy and Sustainable Development

Energy Markets and Innovation

Climate Finance and Sustainable Development

Sustainability Metrics: Corporate Decisions and Use of Data

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 6 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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Credits

12 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Finance Sustainable Development View 152 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed online application form with $150.00 nonrefundable application fee

Transcripts

Résumé

Statement of Academic Purpose (500 – 750 words)

Two Letters of Recommendation

Demonstration of English Proficiency

Video Essay

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32952 USD / full

≈ 32952 USD / full
Out-of-State

32952 USD / full

≈ 32952 USD / full
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

32952 USD / full

≈ 32952 USD / full

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Sustainable Finance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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