It should come as no surprise that humans have a tremendous impact on the world around them. For good or ill, the human race has left its mark on Earth. This motivates many people to pursue green MBA programs as they seek to save the environment.
Business sustainability allows companies of every size to address environmental and social issues. It can better enhance bottom lines, productivity rates, and business administration.
Earning an MBA in sustainable business can be a great way to tangibly help the world. If you want to work in business and you care about social and environmental movements, a green MBA program is a great choice. Here’s how to get a degree in sustainability.
What Is an MBA In Sustainability?
An MBA in sustainability, otherwise known as a ‘green MBA,’ focuses on the ways in which business can be greener. It’s like a conventional MBA program, but with a specialization in sustainable enterprises. These include everything from environmental sustainability to labor rights and other social responsibilities.
Why Choose an MBA in Sustainable Management?
First off, earning an MBA is the go-to option for anyone serious about majoring in business. Couple this with society’s noticeable shift toward seeking out cleaner energy sources and you have a lucrative combination.
Business leaders and executives want to hire and work alongside people who know how to look forward. Choosing a sustainable management specialization can show employers that you can think outside of the box.
What Do Course Layouts Look Like in a Green MBA Program?
Courses in green MBA programs follow a standard curriculum like any other MBA. The same goes for online MBA programs.
Many MBA degree programs follow a similar curriculum. However, an MBA in sustainability will also have courses about environmental science, social justice, workers’ rights, and more. This unique blend of subjects and ideas can look something like this:
- Social Movements
- Data Analytics
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Ethics
- Sustainable Enterprises
- Green Business
These MBA programs allow students to learn things like supply chain management and finance, right alongside subjects like sustainability and environmental impact.
The Best MBA Sustainability Programs
Now that you know more about the concepts surrounding green MBA programs, let’s explore some great options. Some of the best schools in the country offer sustainability MBA programs.
Presidio Graduate School – MBA in Sustainability
The Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco was the first school to offer a green MBA program. They built the MBA and MPA programs in 2003, and they continue to lead the academic world.
This MBA degree consists of 53 credits, 11 core courses, and three electives. Full-time students enjoy a hybrid learning model, engaging in both online distance learning and in-person education. Full-time students can expect to complete an MBA in sustainability in about two years.
Some of the most notable classes include:
- Systems, Sustainability, and Social Justice
- Data Analytics
- Personal Development and Communication
- Climate and Social Responsibility
- Capital Structures and Technology for Impactful Financial Markets
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Sustainability Certificate
MIT is one of the most prestigious research universities in the United States, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they offer a great MBA degree.
At the MIT Sloan School of Management, students can pursue the sustainability certificate, which serves as part of the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative. They created the certificate in 2010 in response to the climate crisis.
Those interested in the certificate program partake in unique courses like systems dynamics. They finish up with a capstone seminar in corporate responsibility and sustainability. This certificate allows you to pursue both your personal and professional goals.
Carnegie Mellon University – MBA in Sustainability
The MBA Sustainability Concentration at Carnegie Mellon University is an excellent way to learn about green business practices and sustainable enterprises. This particular green MBA attracts those interested in fields like logistics, supply chain management, and other applicable sustainable enterprises.
This program includes classes like:
- Energy Policy and Economics
- Energy Finance
- Electricity Market Restructuring
- Catastrophic Risk Analysis
- Government and Business
- Sustainable Operations
Taught at the Tepper School of Business, this green MBA is filled with unique classes that tie in with the Tepper Sustainability Initiative. Initiative members hold regular seminars, share blog posts, and bring awareness to our environmental impact.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus – Sustainability Concentration
Penn State University’s World Campus refers to its online selection of majors and classes. You can earn an MBA in sustainability entirely online. Penn State’s online curriculum has a fantastic selection of courses tailor-made for the real world.
Students choose the sustainability concentration through the Penn State Smeal College of Business, which consists of nine credits. These classes include:
- Sustainability Strategy Development
- Strategy Implementation and Organizational Change
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
The courses educate full-time MBA students on following best business practices, searching for and implementing new green initiatives, and recognizing frameworks for organizational sustainability.
Jobs You Can Pursue with a Green MBA
Let’s look closer at some notable jobs that you can get as a green MBA graduate.
Marketing and Advertising
Whether it is the latest smartphone or sustainable energy, people need to sell these concepts and products to others effectively. How do you convince a corporation to invest in millions of dollars worth of solar panels or other forms of renewable energy?
Not everyone knows about sustainable practices. Marketing and advertising is a great way to use your MBA in sustainability to sell the concept of environmental sustainability to companies and individuals.
Someone with an MBA degree can earn a salary of around $101,019, according to PayScale.
The Fossil Fuel Industry
Most people might not consider the fossil fuel industry a valid choice. However, these companies are more eager to adopt green practices than you may think. Companies like BP, Exxon, and Shell have all joined in funding cleaner, green business projects.
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With cultural, political, and financial conversations turning towards the looming climate crisis, you can expect even more big-name companies to join the push for more renewable energy resources.
Working at one of these companies can let you make changes from the inside. You can slowly but surely steer the fossil fuel industry towards a greener business model.
Education
Educating others is a great way to jumpstart green business and sustainable energy practices. Those with a green MBA can become teachers or professors to further educate others on sustainable businesses. If you enjoy helping others, this might be a great option for you.
Is a Green MBA Program Worth it? A Final Word About MBAs in Sustainable Management
Yes, a green MBA program is worth it. Earning a master of business administration degree opens up a lot of opportunities. In the case of an MBA in sustainable management, you get the added benefit of having specialization in a particular field. You might earn a hefty salary in the process.
There are plenty of great schools and MBA sustainability degrees to choose from. For now, green MBA programs stand out as unique signs of change for green business.
Enrolling in a green MBA program and graduating will not only land you an impressive MBA job in the real world, but will also help you make a positive impact on the future of the planet.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
