The Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program Is ...

Student-Directed
In the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership graduate program, you will join a cohort of no more than 18 students from a broad range of professional fields and academic backgrounds. Together, you will develop the leadership skills, knowledge, and mindset to effect social innovation and systems change. Students undertake a social innovation project related to their area of interest. Courses accommodate both full-time students, as well as working professionals. 

Community-Focused
Our interactive classes leverage the breadth and depth of expertise in the region including guest speakers, group projects, hands-on activities, and field trips. Collaborate with community organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other partners to make a positive impact while gaining experience and expanding your network. 

We provide the skills and network to transform ...

Passion to Action
Learn through an action-oriented curriculum to apply skills and knowledge to create systemic change. You will learn to recognize the entry points for cross-sector collaboration and lead the development of innovative solutions to social and/or environmental challenges in communities and organizations. While working with a diverse network of practitioners, professors, and peers, you will develop the professional relationships necessary to support the work of effecting deep systems change. Students undertake individual or group social innovation projects in each core course.

Action to Results
As a student, you will:

• Develop your leadership strengths
• Identify the opportunities for partnerships
• Learn methods for inclusively engaging stakeholders
• Identify high impact approaches to pushing dominant systems in new directions
• Co-create innovative ideas to apply to community projects that have measurable results
• Develop a professional network for growth and support
• Form strong bonds with a supportive cohort of fellow students

Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership

Students can complete their 33-credit Master’s Degree in as few as 17 months, depending on full or part-time status and course load. The first three courses (12 credits) of the program (SUST 650, SUST 651, and SUST 652) are based on the cohort model where students move through all three classes together. There are an additional three required courses (9 credits), including the capstone course. In addition to these required courses, students take 12 elective credits from a wide range of offerings allowing students to tailor their degree to their area of interest. All course offerings accommodate the schedules of working professionals. See Course Descriptions for details. You are welcome to meet with the program director, Steve Gilchrist, to consider your path to complete a Master's Degree.

Accelerated Master's Pathway

Undergraduate students have the opportunity to begin a Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership while completing their bachelor's degree. The Accelerated Master's Pathway allows students who are juniors or seniors, and who have the consent of their advisor, to take 12 credits (3 courses) of the Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership Master's Program in order to earn a Master of Arts within one year of completing an undergraduate degree. These 12 credits can count as electives for an undergraduate major or minor while fulfilling the first three required courses of the graduate program. The courses are: Sustainable Development Leadership (SUST 650), Ecological Sustainability and Social Innovation (SUST 651), and Social and Economic Sustainability (SUST 652). For more information, contact your undergraduate advisor or Stephan Gilchrist, Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program Director at sgilchrist@edgewood.edu or 608-663-6991.

Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership

The Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate allows students to expand their knowledge, leadership skills and network while completing social innovation and sustainability projects related to their area of interest. Students come from a wide range of fields, including nonprofit and corporate management, economic development, education, local government, public health, energy and utilities, regional planning and design, hospitality, religious service, and more. A sequence of 3 classes (SUST 650, SUST 651, SUST 652) is completed in 10 months. See Course Descriptions for details.

Community Fellowship, Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership

Working professionals with significant experience in a particular area of social innovation, leadership, and sustainability can apply for a Community Fellowship in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership. This mutually enriching arrangement lets the Fellow share expertise with other program participants while receiving the framework and support to complete a significant social innovation and sustainability project. The Community Fellowship role combines traditional roles of participants as students and instructors, with more flexible roles of participants as teacher/learners, community partners, mentors and servant-leaders. Community Fellows receive a certificate of completion for participating in the program but do not earn graduate credit. They pay a reduced program cost. Fellows may be sponsored by an organization (e.g., their employer) that in turn benefits from the professional development and community engagement of the Fellow and from recognition as a supporter of sustainability in the larger community. View a detailed Community Fellow in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership 2018-19 description and application (pdf). 

MA in Education with a Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Concentration

Educators and schools are an integral part of any sustainable community, and teachers are increasingly looking to incorporate sustainability concepts throughout their curriculum. Edgewood College offers an MA in Education with a concentration in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership to support teachers in their growth as sustainability leaders in their classrooms. Teachers can integrate their projects directly into their lessons, curriculum or larger school- or district-wide initiatives.

Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership

A total of 33 credits is required to complete the Master of Arts in Sustainability Leadership.

Required Courses (21 credits):

• (SUST 650) Foundations: Leadership for Social Innovation and Sustainability (4 credits)
  2019 Dates: 7-day immersion course - Aug. 10-16, Sept. 7
  This course provides the foundation for the Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership Program. It creates a community of reflective learners that support each other in becoming effective social entrepreneurs and sustainability change agents. We introduce foundational leadership frameworks and tools such as Theory U, Emotional Intelligence and Diversity, Systems Thinking, Just Sustainabilities, Design Thinking, Collective Impact, Social Entrepreneurship, and several others. We visit with local, national, and global changemakers to learn how they are applying social innovation and sustainability leadership. The course also explores relationships among sustainability, economic development, and social equity. Students begin to explore and identify a social innovation project they wish to implement in SUST 651.
• (SUST 651) Self and Natural Systems (4 credits)
  Fall 2019: 8 Saturdays - 9/7, 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 12/7, 12/14
  How do we live in harmony with the natural systems of the planet in order to create wellbeing in ourselves, communities and organizations? Students explore the importance of understanding climate change, sense of place, eco-systems, indigenous knowledge systems, technology, energy, food, water, and waste. Students deepen their understanding of new leadership tools learned in SUST 650 and apply these tools to their social innovation projects. Site visits and dialogue with changemakers continue throughout the course. Prerequisite: SUST 650
• (SUST 652) Innovation for Social and Economic Well-Being (4 credits)
  Spring 2020: 8 Saturdays - 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/7, 3/21, 4/4, 4/18, 5/2
  In this course, we consider the challenges to organizational and community change presented by global trends and by traditional socioeconomic and public policy models, and we introduce alternative models aimed at meeting these challenges: equity, ecological economics, community development, sustainable development, the sharing economy, social innovation and participatory democracy. We discuss how deeper knowledge of human perception and behavior can help us formulate transformative communication and education strategies and practices. Key concepts include: social capital, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, social equity, urban design, transformational leadership and ecopsychology. Prerequisites: SUST 651.

• (SUST 751) Designing Regenerative Communities (3 credits)
  Fall 2019: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• (SUST 752) Leadership for Organizational and Community Well-Being (3 credits)
  Spring 2020: Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• (SUST 759) Social Innovation Capstone (3 credits)
  SUST 759 A, B and C are all offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer terms (each is worth 1 credit, for a total 3 credits). Students may take A, B and C all in one term or they may take 1 credit per term and complete the 3 credits of SUST 759 over the duration of 3 terms.
  In this course, students apply their knowledge and skills of social innovation and sustainability leadership to complete community or organizational projects. Students synthesize relevant theoretical, practical, and technical content, and apply social and organizational change tools in this process. Prerequisites: SUST 652 and consent of instructor.

Elective Courses (12 credits): 

Elective credits allow students to tailor their degree to a special area of interest or deepen specific leadership skills and knowledge. The SISL Community Course Electives will now be offered as either SUST 695 or SUST 795.

• SUST 795 Guided Study Special Topics
  Similar to 695, the Guided Study Special Topics provides opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge and skills in application to their social innovation project and to create a learning community to support and integrate new knowledge and experiences.

• Adaptive Leadership
  Instructor: Michael Mucha
  The adaptive leadership course will provide the knowledge, skills and tools for any person to mobilize others to do important work around change and thrive.  It will strengthen a person’s ability to lead meaningful change through systematic approaches. The course is taught by Michael Mucha, Director of the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District and draws from his experience in a broad range of change efforts.
  Dates: Saturday, March 28 & April 11, 9 am – 12:30 pm
  Location: Edgewood College, Monroe St. Campus. Room TBD
  2 Graduate Credits

• Introduction to Mindful Leadership: Essential Skills for Leading in a Complex World
  Instructor: Lisa Baker, PhD
  Description:In this course, participants will learn how mindfulness concepts and practices can help us cultivate our natural abilities to lead with excellence. This course provides an exploration of mindfulness practices aimed at cultivating greater awareness, focus, clarity, and compassion – qualities that enhance our ability as leaders to create safe and trusting environments. We will explore how to apply these qualities to enhance our professional and personal lives, including creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments. This course is experiential and applied, where participants will engage in mindfulness practices, inquiry, and dialogue. A variety of highly relevant and empirically-supported frameworks, theories, practices, and concepts are interwoven throughout the course, including Theory U, Appreciative Inquiry, Process-Oriented Psychology, Neuroscience of Mindfulness/Meditation, and Emotional and Social Intelligence.

          Intentions/Objectives: Through participating in this course, participants will:

• (SUST 745) International Engagement: Sustainable Community Wellbeing (1-3 credits)
  Gain intercultural leadership skills through collaborative, community-based social innovation initiatives in Alto Cayma, Peru. Enhance global understanding of sustainability through hands-on projects that contribute to cultural, social, economic and ecological wellbeing. An optional portion of the trip takes place in the Cusco and Machu Picchu areas where students learn further about cultural preservation and sustainable food systems. Students meet every other week in spring term and spend two weeks in late May/early June in Peru.

• Permaculture Design Certificate (3 Credits)
  Instructors: Kate Heiber-Cobb, Marian Farrior
  Dates: TBD
  Location: Terra Simpla in Stoughton
  Cost: $1050
  Description: Our Permaculture Design Certificate Training will cover all the usual topics and skill sets around Permaculture Ethics and Principles, ecological principles, water, soil, food, wildness, observation, networks, food forests, plant guilds, systems thinking and more. This is a 7- hour course held over three 3-Day weekends. Attendance is necessary to receive your certificate. We will be holding our course this year out at Terra Simpla Permaculture & Retreat Center outside of Stoughton. We are dedicated to making this course accessible financially for all those who hold it in their hearts to attend and learn. The Madison Area Permaculture Guild has been supporting scholarship dollars and sponsoring these courses for 9 years now. We have graduated 150 people. We believe education and modeling are the best way to create healthy systems change. For more information and to register visit madisonareapermacultureguild.org.

The annual cost of attending the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership (SISL) graduate program will vary among students based on the number of credits taken per semester. In addition, the total program cost of earning a Master of Arts in the program will depend upon chosen electives and transferred credits. If you compare the cost of an Edgewood College graduate degree with other institutions in the region, both public and private, you’ll find Edgewood College is in the middle of the range. As you consider the costs of programs offered by various institutions, be sure to factor in course fees, books, and other miscellaneous costs that may not be included in per credit tuition.

Tuition and Fees for 2019-20

Master of Arts Degree, 33 credits                            $997/credit + applicable course fees
Graduate Certificate, 12 credits (600-series)          $997/credit + applicable course fees

Master’s Degree Total (including tuition, books, and course fees): $28,062 
* We offer up to 6 community course electives to students at a lower cost than the other required 6 SUST electives. Most students choose the community course electives. The new total cost reflects the lower cost of the community course electives. Download our Financing your Master's Degree handout for further information on how to make your Edgewood College degree affordable.

Graduate Certificate Total (including tuition, books and course fees): $11,952

Learn more about our tuition payment plans. In addition, SISL Program Director Steve Gilchrist can work with you to create a course schedule that fits your needs. Download our Financing your Certificate handout for further information on how to make your Edgewood College education affordable.

Understanding Course Fees

Course fees vary per course. Some course fees are an average cost for required books, while other courses meet for full days and include the cost of lunches, snacks and field trips in addition to the books and materials. If you have any questions about course fees, contact the program director.

Additional Benefits

• A Madison Metro bus pass for $10/semester for the duration of the program
• Membership in Sustain Dane's Sustainable Business Network
• Membership in LinkedIn's Sustainability Leadership Network where program alumni, faculty, and community partners post discussion topics and job opportunities

Financial Aid

Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions.

Graduate Student Financial Aid

Our admissions and financial aid counselors have worked with thousands of students who have questioned how they could afford to complete their graduate education. They will use their experience to suggest creative solutions for financing your education. We extend tuition discounts to various corporate partners in the region, offer a couple payment plan options, monthly and employer reimbursement, and work with veterans to maximize their available aid.

Scholarships

The Edgewood College Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership (SISL) Graduate Program offers a limited number of scholarships for Master of Arts and Certificate students. A scholarship application is required.

Download a Scholarship Application
Scholarship Deadlines: June 18th

Please note that scholarships are reviewed only if all application materials are submitted, and until available scholarship funds are awarded. Applicants will receive a response with their award within 3 weeks of the application deadline.

Admission to the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program is determined by an assessment of the candidate's academic qualifications, work experience and interest in the field. Class sizes are small and cohorts are limited to 18 students. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so it is advisable to apply early.

Key Dates

We are now accepting program applications for the next cohort.

Scholarship Applications: To apply for a scholarship, fill out a Scholarship Application and submit it with your application materials by June 15, 2020.

Classes begin: August 2020

Application Requirements

• Transcripts
  Students seeking the Master's degree must provide official transcripts for ALL undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institutions.
  
  Students seeking the graduate Certificate need only provide official transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited post-secondary institution.
  
  Transcripts should be sent to:
  Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies
  1000 Edgewood College Dr
  Madison, WI 53711
   
• Graduate application (with $30 fee). You can fill out an online application.
   
• Admission interview. Schedule your interview with Program Director Steve Gilchrist sgilchrist@edgewood.edu or (608) 663-6991. The interview may be done in person or over the telephone. This may be done prior to submitting an application, and is a great way to ask questions about the program.
   
• Essay. In 2-3 pages address the questions: 1) What do you bring to the Sustainability Leadership Program? 2) What do you hope to take from it? Include your full name, email and telephone number on your essay and submit as an attachment to gps@edgewood.edu.
   
• At least one letter of recommendation from a college or university professor, supervisor, and/or professional colleague who can speak to your potential for success in the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership program. Follow this link for letter of recommendation guidelines. 

Community Fellowship Application Requirements

Requirements include: Program Application, Admission Interview, and Essay (see PDF linked below for essay instructions).
Working professionals with significant experience in a particular area of social innovation and sustainability can apply for a Community Fellowship. This mutually enriching arrangement lets the Fellow share expertise with other program participants while receiving the framework and support to complete a significant social innovation and sustainability project. Community Fellows receive a certificate of completion for participating in the program but do not earn graduate credit since they audit the courses at a reduced program cost.  View a detailed Community Fellow in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership description and application (pdf).

In compliance with federal regulation, Edgewood College must disclose certain data regarding non- degree academic certificate programs, including program cost, time required to complete the certificate program, and certain employment information for those completing the program.

• Tuition and Financial Aid (found above)
• Schedule and Course Information (found above)
• Right To Know

Students

Program participants represent a wide variety of fields: social entrepreneurship non-profit, government, small business corporate management; economic development, planning and design; education; public health; and energy and utilities. Students enter the program at various stages of their careers. Some students have recently completed their undergraduate degrees and are looking for the skills, connections and project-based learning that will propel them into their careers. Others are already in their chosen careers, and are looking for the knowledge and skills to enhance the work they are doing by launching or furthering the social innovation and/or sustainability efforts of their current organization. While students are making a career change, looking to align their work with their values and passion for leading change in their communities and organizations.

2018-19 Cohort 

 

  

Amanda Greuel	Emily Garbutt	Felix Giboney

  

Grace Reutten	Javier Zea	Jon Abfall

  

Karen Bednar	Natalie Kaminsky	Ryan Erisman

Alumni

Our alumni are making a difference in the many complex social-emotional intelligence challenges facing our world today including equity, climate change, violence prevention, education, energy policy, green building, community development, equity, land use and water quality, biodiversity protection, food security and public health. They work for a wide range of organizations including: American Family Insurance, Boys & Girls Club, Community Groundworks, Environmental Leadership Program, GDS Associates Engineers & Consultants, Group Health Cooperative, Lincoln Elementary School, Madison Gas & Electric, Sustain Dane, Trek Bicycle Corporation, UW Health, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

 

 

 

Our advisory board consists of distinguished local social innovators and sustainability leaders.

Students in the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program become part of a network of professional colleagues. The program’s project-based approach and integration of regional sustainability experts into the classes, either as guest instructors or through class field trips, builds breadth of knowledge, as well as social capital. Students have the opportunity to connect with many of our partners while in the program, and we can facilitate further connections based on student interest. Visit some of our partner organizations’ web sites:

Sustain Dane 100 State Dane Buy Local Center for Courage & Renewal Madison Area Permaculture Guild Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District

Mentoring Positives Walnut Way Conservation Corp. Friends of Lake Wingra Madison Gas & Electric Wisconsin Environmental Initiative Alvarado Real Estate Group Rapid Improvement Associates

The Engaged Mindfulness Co-Lab was founded in collaboration with SISL by former SISL student and now faculty, Lisa Baker, PhD. The mission of the Co-Lab is to co-create spaces and opportunities for learning and applying mindfulness-based practices, reflections, and frameworks for a more inclusive, just, and sustainable world.

The Co-lab began three years ago as a semester long SISL mindfulness course taught by Dr. Lisa Baker and expanded to include a variety of events such as the Engaged Mindfulness Summit, Engaged Mindfulness Breakfasts and introductory and advanced mindfulness courses offered to both community members and SISL students. Additionally, the Co-Lab partners with organizations throughout Madison to host a diverse group of speakers who lead trainings and workshops that educate audiences on applying mindfulness-based practices for a more equitable and inclusive world. 

Partner Organizations:

• UW-Health Mindfulness Program
• YWCA
• EQT By Design
• Eco-Cultural Connections

The drive towards social innovation and sustainability leadership can emerge from within a range of professional and personal contexts and according to individual timelines. Are you ready to hone your leadership skills or bring a new level of focus to your team around today’s complex challenges?  In collaboration with Edgewood College and leading-edge partner organizations, SISL faculty and instructors have designed courses to support you in your journey. We welcome alumni, students, friends and community members to explore social innovation and sustainability leadership topics such as mindful leadership, design thinking, participatory leadership, and much more. To learn more about our courses or to register, follow this link.