MBA in Sustainability

MBA in Sustainability Degree Overview

An Masters in Business Administration program with a concentration in sustainable business prepares students for careers in business and management with a focus on a triple bottom line: economic, environmental and social sustainability. Also known as a Green MBA, this degree provides a core understanding of sustainable development, while tackling the question of achieving sustainability in conjunction with profit. The MBA equips early to mid career students with a business-minded approach to issues of sustainability. Programs range from 16 to 24 months and beyond, depending on the total number of credit hours and whether a student opts for full-time or part-time study.

Why an MBA in Sustainability

Why get your MBA with a Concentration in Sustainability? Here are some benefits of a Green MBA:

• A concentration in sustainability adds marketability to the MBA, which may potentially translate to easier career changes as well as an increase in salary.
• This degree not only provides business students a solid theoretical understanding of sustainability issues as applied to business, but provides a range of hands-on opportunities to test these concepts.
• The sustainability concentration lets business students learn how to build financially successful enterprises that are also socially and environmentally responsible, better preparing graduates to gain the trust of larger communities.
• Graduates are in a good position to gain executive leadership responsibilities at organizations that prize social and environmental responsibility.
• Students in some Green MBA programs have the opportunity to earn additional academic certificates – Business Administration and Environmental and Social Sustainability — that enhance their resumes.

Green MBA Degree Programs

When evaluating a MBA in Sustainability you may also consider the following Green MBA Degrees:

• MBA in Green Development
• MBA in Natural & Organic Resources
• MBA in Renewable Energy
• MBA in Government Policy & Administration

MBA in Sustainability Courses and Areas of Study

Individual Green MBA programs will vary depending on your instruction of choice, and the topics listed below should be considered just a sampling of common courses you may encounter. For a specific list, contact your school.

• Accounting for Managers
• Communication Management
• Ethical Issues and the Legal Environment
• Financial Measures of Value Added
• Information Assets and Technology Management
• Management: A Triple Bottom Line Perspective

MBA in Sustainability Career Opportunities

Below are possible career options for qualified Green MBA graduates. This should not be taken as a complete list and serves only as a guide to potential career pathways.

• Auditor
• Communications Manager
• Energy/Environmental Data Analyst
• Financial Controller
• Investment Banker
• Program Director
• Sales Manager
• Small Business Entrepreneur
• Technical Consultant
• Vice President of Finance and Operations

What is a MBA in Sustainability

The MBA with a Concentration in Sustainability is an emerging, but quickly growing, field of study. It is well worth your time to compare programs to find the one that best suits your career path. On-campus as well as online programs are offered; if you opt for an online education, remember that some programs can be entirely done online, while others require an occasional campus visit.

Green MBAs are unique degrees – you may not find courses on such topics as waste management, the marketing of green products, and profit-related impacts of environmental actions in many other programs. If your interests are aligned with social and environmental sustainability, this MBA program may prove very well suited to your needs.

MBA in Sustainability Educational Requirements

Most Green MBA programs will require transcripts from previous colleges/training programs, as well as a minimum GPA from undergraduate study. Applicants typically must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution and provide letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of intent. A personal interview may also be required, depending on the specific program. Consult your individual school for specific application requirements.

MBA in Sustainability Accreditation

There are several accrediting bodies for business schools. Be sure to research the accrediting organization before selecting a program.

AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
www.aacsb.org

Association of MBAs
www.mbaworld.com

Sustainability Professional Organizations

There are many professional organizations and advocacy groups for business professionals with sustainable goals. These provide a wealth of information and are a powerful resource.

GNET – Global Network for Environmental Technology
www.gnet.org

Green Meeting Industry Council
www.greenmeetings.info

Greening of Industry Network
www.greeningofindustry.org

NAEP – National Association of Environmental Professionals
www.naep.org

USGBC – U.S. Green Building Council
www.usgbc.org

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