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What you’ll study
The Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) looks at how markets and policy decisions shape the energy transition. You learn to read signals from investors and governments, then turn those insights into recommendations you can use in your own country or region.
We emphasize finance, policy analysis, and the practical skills needed to evaluate projects and inform strategy in the energy sector.
In-person residencies in Washington DC
While most learning takes place online, you’ll travel to the Johns Hopkins SAIS campus in Washington DC for two short, required in-person residencies.
Washington DC is where international energy finance and policy converge. The World Bank, IMF, and numerous policy centers based here influence how energy projects get funded and regulated around the world.
Your residencies give you access to that ecosystem. You meet practitioners working on transitions in various markets and build a professional network that spans countries and sectors.
A Relevant Capstone That’s Ready for Employers
Your capstone project centers on a question that matters to your work. Many students choose topics tied to their home country or region, such as renewable energy policy in Ghana or radioactive waste management in France.
You finish the program with a substantial project and proof of your expertise that you can share with employers, colleagues, or partners to demonstrate your expertise.
Find out more about what it’s like to be a student in our program.
Partial Tuition Scholarship
Students admitted to the Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy (online) program for fall 2026 are eligible for a partial tuition scholarship, including international students.
- No extra materials are needed. Simply check a box on the program application to indicate you’d like to be considered.
- Your eligibility will be reviewed as part of the standard admissions process.
Sustainable Energy Industry and Career Outlook
The global renewable energy sector employed 16.2 million people in 2023, up from 7.3 million in the past decade1.
Clean energy jobs are growing faster than the overall global economy, with employment in energy rising by 3.8%, outpacing the economy-wide average of 2.2%2. At the same time, nearly three-quarters of energy organizations worldwide report shortages in skilled workers3.
This creates opportunity. Markets across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa are investing heavily in energy transitions. Low- and middle-income economies alone invested $2.2 trillion in their energy systems in 2023, a 35% increase in three years4.
The MA in Sustainable Energy at Johns Hopkins SAIS prepares you for this growing market. The curriculum emphasizes the financial and policy analysis skills that energy employers need, particularly in markets where investment is expanding rapidly.
Download the program brochure to see more details on career paths and job titles.
67.5 million
Total jobs in the global energy sector, with clean energy driving most of the growth2
30 million+
Additional clean-energy and related jobs projected to be created by 2030 via net-zero pathways2
260,000+
Johns Hopkins alumni in your global network5
1. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), “Renewable Energy and Jobs Annual Review 2024”
2. International Energy Agency (IEA), "World Energy Employment, 2024."
3. Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), “Energy Jobs & Market Trends Report” (2025)
4. BloombergNEF, “Emerging Markets Make Headway on Clean Energy Policy and Investment, but Trillions More Needed for Net Zero” (2024)
5. Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association, alumni.jhu.edu (2025)
Earn Your Degree From Your Home Country
Nearly one-fifth of our MA in Global Risk (online) students live and work outside the United States. You’ll join students from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Our courses combine on-demand content with scheduled live sessions, so you can keep up from your time zone.
In-Person Residences as an International Student
The program includes two required in-person residencies in Washington DC. All international students must obtain an F-1 visa for each residency. The visa issued to you will be valid only for the duration of the residency, not for the entire length of the master’s program.
Johns Hopkins University's Office of International Services will guide you through the visa application process approximately four to five months before your first residency. They provide support with Form I-20, application procedures, and any questions about F-1 status.
International Admissions Snapshot
Typical application materials for international applicants include:
- Online application and application fee
- Resume/CV
- Analytical essay
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions (translated into English)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores for most non-native English speakers
This is just an overview. Because every student’s background is different, the best way to confirm your application materials or ask about residency requirements is to speak with an enrollment specialist. Complete the request information form on this page or call +1 443-565-4632.
About Johns Hopkins SAIS
For 75 years, students have come to the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) to build their professional networks, learn from renowned faculty, train with policy practitioners and gain hands-on work experience.
Today, guided by the vision of its founders, the school’s cadre of expert faculty prepares students for exciting careers across sectors and around the world. With a global alumni network of more than 20,000 graduates, you can be sure to find our alumni taking action in dynamic roles. From private-sector executives to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to ambassadors, and international media correspondents to energy consultants, alumni of the school are known for being innovative thinkers and problem-solvers with the economic and policy expertise to address today’s most pressing challenges.
Rankings and Accreditation
U.S. News & World Report recognizes Johns Hopkins for its commitment to student success, excellent student social mobility, faculty as well as its reputation among leaders at other universities.
U.S. News ranks Johns Hopkins as a top-10 national university as well as top-10 in most innovative schools in the country. Some other key rankings include:
#7
Best National Universities, U.S. News & World Report
#14
Best Global Universities, U.S. News & World Report
#2
Best Graduate Programs for International Relations, Foreign Policy Magazine
Get the Inside Perspective on Student Life From Our Admissions Fellows
Admissions fellows are current MA in Sustainable Energy (online) students who can share personal insights about the program. Discover what classes are really like and how they balance coursework with professional commitments. Fill out our request information form to unlock scheduling options with current students.