Green MBA
Degree Overview
The Green MBA program prepares students for a business career that utilizes environmentally sound practices in today’s business world to maximize profit through sustainable activities. Green MBA programs prepare students for careers on the leading edge of integrating environmental concerns within an economic framework that supports profitability and human dignity. Earning an Masters in Business Administration in Sustainable Business will open the door to a wide range of opportunities in a variety of industries that are re-tooling their efforts to meet a growing consumer demand for products and services that are ecologically friendly. Programs range in length from 12 to 24 months depending on the total number of credit hours required and the number of courses taken per grading period. Online MBA programs offer the flexibility to continue working.
Green MBA Degree Programs:
Below is a listing of the available Green MBA Degrees.
- MBA in Green Development
- MBA in Natural & Organic Resources
- MBA in Renewable Energy
- MBA in Government Policy & Administration
- MBA in Sustainable Business
What is a Green MBA Degree
Students are introduced to what is known as the Triple Bottom Line in which sustainability is defined in terms of three different impacts: economic, environmental, and social. A Green MBA takes the traditional MBA one step further in that it still focuses on how to maximize profits, but it also incorporates how to do so while considering impacts on the environment and people. These programs focus on ethical business as it relates to environmental impacts. Many programs facilitate fieldwork on a local and global basis in which students are exposed first-hand to business environmental issues. Many Green MBA programs are intensive learning experiences that require a high level of dedication to complete. Some are completed in as little as 12 months.
Some Green MBA programs are designed for the working professional to complete coursework while maintaining full-time employment. These programs use night and weekend hours for instruction and several advertise the ability to complete a Green MBA in 24 months using an accelerated academic program.
Many colleges now offer an online Green MBA program. As with other online programs, some residency is required to complete the program, Check with each program for details.
Benefits of a Green MBA
Why should you earn a Green MBA? Here are some of the benefits:
- State and federal business regulators require more environmentally friendly activity in the business place.
- Consumers are demanding green practices from the businesses they support and the business world is still scrambling to satisfy that demand.
- A large amount of scholarship money is available to Green MBA students from a variety of public and private sources and many private firms offer high dollar contests to Green MBA students to showcase their projects.
- You’ll graduate with a better understanding of how sustainability is utilized in various industries.
- The Green economy is the fastest growing financial sector.
- A Green MBA provides the same benefits of a traditional MBA program including the skills necessary to be a manager, executive, or entrepreneur.
Green MBA Courses & Areas of Study
Individual Green MBA programs will vary depending on which college or university program you choose. The topics listed below are just a sampling of common courses you may encounter during your education. Consult your individual programs curriculum for a detailed list of courses and credit hours.
- Critical Thinking for Leadership in Business Redesign
- Communication Skills for Business Transformation
- Managerial and Environmental Accounting
- New Media for Green and Social Marketing
- Thriving Regenerative Enterprise
- Foundations of Sustainability
- EcoCommerce Models
- Organizational Behavior for Business Transformation
- Social Impacts of Enterprises
- Ecological Economics
Green MBA Career Opportunities
Below is a list of possible career options for individuals successfully completing a Green MBA program. This does not represent a complete list of career opportunities; it should only serve as a guide to potential career pathways.
- Farmer
- Structural Engineer
- Solar Energy Manager
- Green Communications Specialist
- Environmental Teacher
- Landscape Designer
- Forester
- Civil Environmental Engineer
- Sustainability Manager
- Ecotourism Manager
- Ecofashion Designer
- Urban Planner
Green MBA Educational Requirements
Most MBA programs require a bachelor’s degree related to business. As the majority of Green MBA programs are offered as additional certificates attached to a previously-established MBA program, either being enrolled and pursuing an MBA or having earned an MBA is required to then pursue the Green MBA. Most schools will require transcripts from previous higher education institutions attended as well as a minimum GPA, certain prerequisite courses, and letters of recommendation for admissions. A strong interest in and understanding of utilizing sustainability in business is necessary to successfully complete a Green MBA. Most Green MBA programs require applicants to submit a personal essay detailing their interest in the program and what professional benefits they expect to derive from earning a Green MBA. Some of the best green mba programs dont require the gmat.
For more information on applying to a Green MBA program, consult the program’s admissions requirements or call a representative for details. Many programs offer credit for prior coursework, and transfer credits, but it is judged on a per-institution basis. Accreditation can also play a role in determining if you are eligible to transfer credits or experience.
Green MBA Accreditation
There are a number of recognized accrediting agencies and professional associations for MBAs. Make sure you research the accrediting body before you select a program. At this time, many Green MBA programs are relatively new academic ventures and several have not yet completed the accreditation process. As programs grow, more schools should complete the process.
US Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation
AACSB – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
www.aacsb.org
DETC – Distance Education and Training Council
www.detc.org
Green MBA Resources
There are several professional organizations serving this growing career field. The last listing is for an organization solely dedicated to providing financial assistance to students pursuing a Green MBA. These are a great resource and a wealth of information.
AASHE – Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
www.aashe.org
USGBC– US Green Building Council
www.usgbc.org
SBIC – Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
www.sbicouncil.org
ULSF – Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future
www.ulsf.org
AIA – American Institute of Architects
www.aia.org
SMBAF – Sustainable MBA Fund
www.sustainablemba.org
Related MBA Degree Resources
Below you will find some additional resources related to MBA Degree programs
- No GMAT MBAs
- Masters in Finance
- Masters in Marketing
- MBA Masters Degrees
- Executive MBAs
- Professional MBAs
- Online MBAs
- Real Estate MBAs
- Management MBAs
- Non-Profit Management MBAs
- Healthcare MBAs
- Finance MBAs
- Marketing MBAs