Explore Our MPA in Sustainability

The Middlebury Institute of International Studies is accredited as a graduate school of Middlebury College by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The online MPA in Sustainability does not accept transfer credits.

There are no entrance exams required. You can learn more about our admissions requirements by requesting information.

Prior work experience is not required. You can learn more about our admissions policy by requesting information.

Ready to get started? Our online application is available now.

Requirements include:

• Essay
• Resume
• Bachelor’s degree transcript(s)
• Interview
• Letter of recommendation

Nonnative English speakers will need to provide one of the following:

• TOEFL score of 80 (with minimum sub-scores of 23 for writing and 19 each for reading, listening, and speaking)
• IELTS score of 6.5 (with minimum sub-scores of 6.5 for writing and 6.0 each for reading, listening, and speaking)
• Cambridge English score of 176 (with minimum sub-scores of 176 for writing and 169 each for reading, listening, and speaking) on the Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency examinations

IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date. Cambridge English scores do not expire.

We offer three program starts per year for the online MPA in Sustainability in spring, summer, and fall. View our online program calendar for more details.

There is no GPA requirement for admission into the online MPA in Sustainability. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission. For more information about admission policies, contact us.

Generally, the application deadline for the online MPA in Sustainability is two weeks before each start date. Contact us for more information.

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English proficiency from one of the following: 

• TOEFL preferred minimum: 80 
  • Sub-score minimum for Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 19
  • Sub-score minimum for Writing: 23
• IELTS preferred minimum: 6.5
  • Sub-score minimum for Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 6.0
  • Sub-score minimum for Writing: 6.5
• Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency) preferred minimum: 176
  • Sub-score minimum for Reading, Listening, and Speaking: 169
  • Sub-score minimum for Writing: 176

Note that TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years after the test date. Cambridge scores do not expire.

Graduates with an MPA in Sustainability often pursue careers in urban planning, emergency management, transportation, health care (especially public health), economic development, urban management, community development, education, and environmental policy.

Faculty for this program include:

• Four regular faculty members based in both Monterey and Vermont
• Two Middlebury staff members with doctorates
• Five affiliate faculty members who are working practitioners in the field (Two of these affiliate members are also alums of MIIS)

Yes, the online MPA in Sustainability follows a cohort model. This allows you to make deeper connections with peers and faculty, expanding your network, support system, and professional opportunities after graduation.

There is no residency requirement for the online MPA in Sustainability.

There are no clinical hours required to complete the online MPA in Sustainability. Coursework is delivered 100 percent online.

You’ll complete 10 courses to earn your degree. Explore course content on the curriculum page.

You’ll complete 30 credits to earn your degree. You can review the curriculum and topics covered on the courses page.

The online MPA is offered fully online. This allows you to study in a flexible format and learn from anywhere with no on-campus requirements.

The online program is designed for working professionals and is offered part-time with one course every seven weeks. This allows you to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

You can complete the program in 20 months. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

You can take up to five years to complete the degree. This online program is designed for working professionals. If something interrupts your normal course of study, you don’t have to worry about losing the courses you’ve completed. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.

Additional fees include a $65 application fee, a student activity fee of $85 per semester, and a student resource fee of $150 per semester. Depending on the number of credits you take each semester, you may not be required to pay the student activity fee. Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year. You can review updated information here.

Tuition is $850 per credit hour. You’ll need to complete 30 credits for a total tuition of $25,500. Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year. You can review updated information here.

Tuition for the MPA in Sustainability is $25,500. Students complete 30 credits at $850 per credit hour. Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year. You can review updated information here.