Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Sustainability
Upskill with the experts in business and sustainability. Gain in-depth knowledge in various sustainability specialisations with postgraduate academic qualifications.
Program Overview
Certificate of Advanced Studies programs are postgraduate academic qualifications enabling professionals to acquire additional professional certificates and US credits. Each CAS specialisation requires the selection of three courses from your chosen major, allowing focused, deep-dive learning in a specific sustainability domain. Students may attend part-time or full-time, on-campus in Switzerland or Italy, or 100% online, ensuring maximum flexibility for working professionals. SUMAS offers five distinct CAS specialisations: Sustainability Management, Sustainable Finance and AI Innovations, Sustainable Hospitality Management, Sustainable Fashion Management, and Sustainable Tourism Management. Each track has been designed in partnership with industry practitioners to ensure graduates acquire skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. The approximate workload is four hours per week, making these programs accessible even to those with demanding professional schedules. Students completing fewer than three courses receive individual certificates for each successfully completed course. Credit transfers between different CAS programs or integration of courses from other SUMAS academic programs are not permitted, ensuring the integrity of each specialisation pathway.
Core Curriculum
Career Outcomes
within 6 months
SUMAS alumni consistently secure top managerial and leadership positions in sustainability-focused organisations globally. Graduates develop practical experience from real case studies and actual projects, enhancing career prospects in corporate, governmental, and international settings.
Student Stories
“SUMAS is undoubtedly the best place to learn about sustainability and implement it. SUMAS has the best nurturing future sustainability leaders.”
“SUMAS offers transformative learning preparing changemakers solving sustainability challenges. I highly recommend SUMAS to aspiring professionals.”
“I was drawn to real case studies and projects designing practical solutions. My highlight was integrating and communicating sustainability practices at a 5-star Geneva hotel.”
Why Study at SUMAS?
World First in Sustainability Education
SUMAS pioneered BBA and MBA programs in Sustainability Management globally, setting the standard for the field.
Exceptional Career Outcomes
90% graduate employment rate with alumni securing top leadership positions across sustainability sectors.
Truly Global Community
70+ nationalities across campuses preparing students for internationally-oriented careers.
Real-World, High-Impact Projects
Practical experience from top global sustainability projects and real case studies with international organisations.
Alumni
See all alumni →"The pragmatic approach and concrete cases kept me connected to the real world."
Léa Iacazzi
Carbon Contribution Portfolio & Partnership Consultant
SE Advisory Services · France
Class of 2023
Adrian Ehrenberg
HR Social Sustainability Manager
MTU Aero Engines · Germany
Class of 2023
Deborah Salanitro
Tools & Process Analyst
SE Advisory Services · Switzerland
Class of 2023
Dr. Ashok Kumar
Strategic Technical Development / Industrial Transition Lead
Tata Steel · United Kingdom
Class of 2023
Emina Besic Gyenge
Lead R&D Hair Care & Sustainability Cosmetic Actives
RAHN AG · Switzerland
Class of 2023
Costanza Rossini
Sustainability Consultant
Deloitte · Italy
Class of 2022
Mark Fisher
Senior Sustainable Supply Chain Executive
BAE Systems · United Kingdom
Class of 2021
Gisele Selim
Founder & Strategic Advisor
Blue Water Strategy · Netherlands
Class of 2021
3/5
hold senior positions
70+
countries represented
60:40
female to male ratio
Student Life
Vibrant campus communities at the Lake Geneva headquarters in Gland, Switzerland — located across from WWF and IUCN — and the Milan City Campus in the fashion, art, and design district. Online students study flexibly with constant support from professors and industry experts, and receive identical academic recognition to on-campus cohorts. Opportunities for collaboration on real-life projects and access to the global SUMAS alumni network make both pathways equally enriching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)?
A CAS is a postgraduate academic qualification enabling professionals to acquire additional professional certificates and US credits. Each CAS requires the completion of three courses from a chosen specialisation major.
Can I study part-time while working?
Yes. The CAS programs are specifically designed for working professionals. The approximate workload is four hours per week, and students can choose between on-campus and fully online delivery to suit their schedule.
What happens if I complete fewer than three courses?
Students completing fewer than three courses receive individual certificates for each course successfully completed, rather than the full CAS designation.
Can I transfer credits between CAS specialisations?
No. Credit transfers between different CAS programs or integration of courses from other SUMAS academic programs are not permitted, in order to maintain the integrity of each specialisation pathway.
Entry Requirements
- Successfully completed Bachelor's degree
- Scan of a valid passport or ID
- Official certified transcripts and diplomas from Bachelor's studies with certified English translation if not originally in English
- CV/Resume showing complete education and work experience in reverse chronological order
- Motivation letter explaining interest in studying at SUMAS
- English language proficiency documentation (TOEFL minimum 80 iBT, IELTS Academic minimum 6.0, or equivalent) for non-native speakers
- One profile picture
- Application fee of CHF 200
- Candidates without a Bachelor's degree are evaluated for Executive programs with a minimum of 3 years managerial work experience
English Proficiency
IELTS: Minimum 6.0 (Academic)
TOEFL: Minimum 80 iBT
Duolingo: Standardised English Placement Exam accepted
Apply Now
Interested in the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Sustainability? Contact our admissions team for full details.
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