Master of Arts in Sustainability and Transformation
The world is confronted by complex environmental, social, economic, and political challenges that threaten the well-being of current and future generations. Addressing these challenges requires new ways of thinking and transformative change. Franklin University Switzerland's Master of Arts in Sustainability and Transformation (MAST) prepares students to understand and respond to these challenges through interdisciplinary knowledge, methodological innovation, and real-world practice.
The MAST combines foundational knowledge of key sustainability areas with inter- and transdisciplinary methodologies, training in processes of transformation, and applied experience working with partners in industry, culture, and civil society. Rooted in Franklin's liberal arts tradition, the program builds on experiential, interdisciplinary, and globally oriented pedagogy. It integrates cognitive, creative, reflective, and collaborative dimensions of learning, while promoting the personal and professional capacities necessary for transformative action through engagement with the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Graduates develop an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainability together with practical skills in design thinking, systems analysis, stakeholder collaboration, communication, innovation, and leadership. They are prepared to work across disciplines and sectors, translating knowledge, fostering collaboration, and advancing sustainability initiatives in a wide range of organizational and community settings.
The MAST is a 45-credit/90 ECTS three-semester master's program, with an optional fourth semester (15 credits/30 ECTS) for students wishing to complete an individually supervised research or applied research thesis.
Through its integration of theory, methods, and practice, the program prepares graduates to design, facilitate, and lead sustainable transformation in an increasingly complex world.
Program of Study (45 credits)
Foundation Courses
| SST 501 | Sustainable Economics | 3 |
| SST 502 | Understanding Issues in Environmental Sustainability | 3 |
| SST 503 | Sustainability Through the Lens of the Environmental Humanities | 3 |
| SST 504 | Human Behavior and Sustainability | 3 |
| SST 505 | Interdisciplinary Methodologies | 2 |
| SST 507 | From Sustainability Issues to Transformation (Retreat) | 1 |
Skills Courses
| SST 508 | From the Classroom to the Real World (Retreat) | 1 |
| SST 510 | Design Thinking for Innovation and Reflexive Solution Development | 3 |
| SST 520 | Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Systemic Change | 3 |
| SST 530 | Policy, Regulation and Law | 3 |
| SST 540 | Sustainability Strategic Communication: Storytelling and Media Literacy | 3 |
| SST 550 | Transdisciplinary Methodologies | 2 |
Capstone Courses
| SST 560 | Research Colloquium | 2 |
| SST 570 | Franklin Sustainability Forum | 1 |
| SST 580 | Collaborative Master’s Project in Sustainability | 12 |
Optional Fourth Semester (additional 15 credits)