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Most MBA in Sustainability degree programs seek to integrate the tenets of environmental responsibility and social ethics into traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) curricula. Globalization has made governments, corporations and individuals more aware of the need to use natural resources more efficiently and apply justice equitably. This paradigm becomes increasingly important as the world’s population moves past the seven billion mark, and corporate labor pools extend across national borders to include all types of workers who come from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Here are some typical admissions requirements, examples of course work and career options for graduates of Sustainability MBA programs.
Entry Requirements for Sustainability MBA Programs
Many universities offer the Sustainability MBA to students from various academic and professional backgrounds. This diversity positively contributes to classroom discussions, assignments and special projects. Candidates for this program must have undergraduate degrees from accredited universities, and they must have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Most candidates must also present admissions officers with their GMAT or GRE scores, but many schools waive this requirement for students who had outstanding GPAs as undergraduates or who have relevant work experience. Most universities want to assess candidates’ written and verbal communication skills as well as career aspirations through interviews and targeted, personal essays. Letters of recommendation from former professors or managers as well as professional resumes are also required for admission into Sustainability MBA degree programs at many top schools.
Common Courses for Sustainability MBA Students
Sustainability MBA students can expect to take courses that focus on traditional business concepts as well as those that relate to environmental stewardship and social ethics. Financial and managerial accounting, economics, operations management and financial management are some of the core business classes that students can expect to take during this type of program. Some class topics that relate directly to the specialization area are sustainability theories and frameworks, environmental science and sustainability processes. Most Sustainability MBA curricula also include field work or internship assignments that allow students to gain hands on experience that is guided by seasoned professionals.
Jobs for Sustainability MBA Graduates
Since nearly every business impacts the social and natural environments in which they operate in some way, the places where Sustainability MBA graduates find employment are equally diverse. These graduates can work for government agencies, manufacturers, logistics organizations and information technology companies. The types of jobs that these graduates land include financial managers at chemical companies like Dow, renewable energy operations managers at conglomerates like General Electric and project managers for hybrid electric car makers like General Motors.
Career Development for Sustainability MBA Graduates
Sustainability MBA graduates who want to increase their career options often join professional associations like the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP). Organizations like ISSP offer members access to continuing education courses, certification opportunities and job placement tools. Some professional associations also provide members with mentorship programs and access to important networking events.
Conclusion
Business leaders who have successfully linked corporate environmental awareness and social values to long term increases in revenue have paved the way for academic programs like the Sustainability MBA. Industry now demands a new breed of business leaders who seamlessly incorporate environmental and social considerations into their decision making processes, and most MBA in Sustainability programs are designed to give them the tools and hands on training that they need to do this in real world settings.
Related Reading: What are the Most Popular Concentrations for MBAs?
