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How To Get Online MBA Sustainability Degree In : Schools, Requirements, Cost, Jobs

  • August 14, 2023

In our world today, the quest to sustain virtually everything ranging from– businesses, corporate bodies, our individual lives, to the planet earth at large is real.

Thus, the ability to know how to provide a balanced approach that minimizes risks to these areas in order to maintain or enhance the quality of life in the future becomes highly essential.

Therefore, an Online MBA sustainability will not only give you a great insight into areas like– economics, business, social (human environment), and environmental science, it will also teach you how to reduce the hazards inherent in those areas. Carefully read through for details on MBA sustainability online program.

Graduates with an online sustainability MBA degree find employment opportunities across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Also, sustainability professionals also help businesses and organizations manage risk, boost profits, attract talented employees, and improve reputations.

Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not keep specific wage data for sustainability jobs, the agency’s economists project significant growth for the field. Graduates may find particularly strong openings in management, science, engineering, business operations, and compliance and auditing.

Data and recent trends indicate that seeking an online master’s in sustainable development expresses a sound investment for students seeking a competitive salary and positive impact.

Therefore, this article furnishes you with the necessary details you need to know about an online MBA sustainability program. Enjoy your read!

Table of contents

What Is Sustainability?

According to Environmental Science, sustainability is a new discipline within the environmental and business fields. It combines economics, business, social (human environment), and environmental science.

That being said, the aim of sustainability is to minimize risks in these areas that pose to be a threat to human existence, thus maintaining or enhance the quality of life in the future. It can also be defined as the study to reduce and alleviate the environmental consequences caused by human actions.

Why Should I Study An Online MBA In Sustainability?

An online MBA sustainability curriculum is made up of courses on foundational business, leadership, and sustainability. Business courses feature topics applicable to any business setting, including accounting, economics, and negotiation strategies. Moreso, leadership courses teach students theories of social psychology, leadership styles, and strategies for fostering organizational change. Courses centering on sustainability consider subjects such as environmental management, sustainable marketing and finance, and climate change.

In addition, an MBA in sustainability focuses specifically on the merging of sustainability and business success and ethics, using the well-trodden framework of a conventional Master of Business Administration to advance sustainability principles.

An online master’s in sustainable development gives even more opportunities to influence environmental and energy policies within businesses, organizations, and government agencies.

With these academic grilling, graduates of an online MBA sustainability program access careers in areas such as sustainable marketing management, consulting, and financial analysis.

In summary, an MBA in sustainability online helps students positively impact businesses and protect the environment.

How Does An Online MBA in Sustainability Degree Work?

Online MBA in Sustainability offers students an awesome peculiar online learning experience. These programs may feature simultaneous or asynchronous formats. In the asynchronous model, students take classes in a decided order, often with the same group of students. Asynchronous programs enable students to progress through courses at their own pace.

Furthermore, online master’s in sustainability programs require students to complete an internship or fellowship, working alongside professionals across a variety of fields. These experiences typically involve traveling to an office or other job site to fulfill a certain number of internship hours.

To be successful in an online sustainability MBA degree, you need to possess discipline and self-motivation.

How Can I Get An MBA In Sustainability?

To get an online master’s degree in Sustainability, you need to select the best online school, as well as, get to know the necessary admission requirements of your chosen school.

Additionally, you need to consider transfer policies, school size, program length, Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements and on-campus requirements.

Furthermore, while choosing a school ensure that MBA in sustainability program is accredited and affordable.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online MBA in Sustainability Degree Program?

Most online sustainability master’s programs in the United States demand two years of courses, including capstones, internships, fellowships, and thesis requirements. However, there are various factors that determine the length of a program, such as enrollment status and program format.

That being said, students who work full time may pursue part-time enrollment, which can add years to the degree. Additionally, asynchronous programs allow students to progress through the course material at their own pace, which may increase or reduce the time to graduation depending on the student.

Therefore, the duration of an online MBA program in sustainability lies in certain factors like transfer credits and program details. and the individual’s capability. However, accelerated programs can allow students to graduate in a year or less.

Generally, online MBA programs last for 18 months to 2 years.

What Courses Should I Expect In An Online MBA In Sustainability Degree Program?

An online masters of business degree in sustainability covers the following courses;

Sustainable Systems

This course examines the relationship between financial gain and ecological practices. Furthermore, it prepares students to enter careers in consulting and management. Topics encompass strategies for reducing carbon emissions, developing community partnerships, and instigating corporate reforms that foster sustainability.

Economics of Sustainability

Students enlisted in this course learn about the principles of sustainability and environmental concerns in the business world. Furthermore, it prepares students for financial advisory roles.

This course examines capital—both human and financial — that reshapes sustainability. Moreso, students explore issues of consumerism, technological advances, and the use of natural resources.

This course imbibes students with the knowledge required for management positions in areas such as marketing and consulting. Additionally, it provides an overview of the legal and ethical issues impacting sustainable economics.

Lastly, it familiarizes students with climate change policies, legal protection of the environment, and local and international laws impacting business strategies.

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What Are The Admission Requirements For An Online MBA In Sustainability Degree?

To be eligible for an online MBA in sustainability, you need to consider the following requirements;

  • Undergraduate Study – Students don’t need not have a background in environmental science, STEM, engineering, or business, but absolutely need to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Some schools expect higher.
  • Letters of recommendation – Most schools will demand at least two letters of recommendation, and some will expect more.
  • Experience – Some sustainability master’s degree programs target mid-career professionals and demand business experience.
  • GRE Scores – Be sure to take the GRE before applying. While schools don’t usually set a minimum for the GRE, high scores will increase your chances. Business-centered sustainability programs may want the GMAT instead.

How Much Does It Cost To Get An Online MBA In Sustainability?

There’s no specific cost for MBA sustainability online as the price varies according to institutions. However, the price ranges from $25,000 to $50,000.

What Can I Do With An MBA in Sustainability Degree?

Those who earn an MBA in sustainability are automatically qualified for dozens of positions throughout the sustainable business sector. The following occupations below are open to you.

Management Analysts

With an online master’s in sustainability, you can serve in a consulting capacity to address specific business problems. However, management analysts collect data through investigations and interviews. With a focus on organizational efficiency, management analysts with training in sustainability provide advice for business practices that reduce misuse and optimize clean production.

Personal Financial Advisors

Financial advisors aid clients with their financial investments, including educating clients on risks, planning for various life stages, and interpreting investment reports. An online MBA sustainability degree furnishes personal financial advisors with the expertise needed to help clients make socially responsible investments that promote environmental preservation.

Operations Research Analysts 

Much like management consultants, operations, and research analysts are asked to help optimize the day-to-day operations of companies, organizations, and government agencies. In addition to that, they use complex algorithms and statistical reports to pinpoint areas where improvement is needed and identify solutions that address these problems in a sustainable, and efficient way.

Top Executives 

Executives conceive policies, strategies, and long-term goals for companies and organizations; in the startup sector, business founders often fill executive roles. With an MBA in sustainability, your leadership competency is on a high level. Therefore, you’re highly qualified and recommended for a top executive position.

Certifications and Licenses an MBA in Sustainability Prepares For

With an MBA in Sustainability, you can easy acquire the following certifications and licenses;

ISSP Certified Sustainability Associate or Professional

Associate certification through the International Society of Sustainability Professionals enables emerging sustainability professionals to improve their marketability. That being said, candidates are to pass a test that examines their knowledge of core sustainability theories and practices. Furthermore, candidates for professional certification need a minimum of five years of professional experience. They must also pass an examination of sustainability and business knowledge.

Sustainability Management Certification

The Sustainability Management Association (SMA) awards three levels of sustainability management certification. Student members of SMA may receive student associate certification that proves their primary knowledge of the field. Associate certification permits recent graduates to receive professional credentials prior to work experience. Professionals with at least two years of related work experience pass for professional certification.

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Which Schools Offer Online MBA In Sustainability?

Choosing a program is an individual decision, and only you can properly assess whether a target school’s strengths match your educational needs. The following ranked list of schools should serve as a guide in your search for the best online MBA in sustainability programs in the United States.

The schools listed below were selected based on certain ranking factors such as- tuition rate, number of programs offered, graduation rate, employability, and accreditation status. See the list of schools that offer MBA sustainability online below.

Oklahoma State University

Founded in 1890, Oklahoma State University started as the Oklahoma Territorial A&M College.

Six colleges make up the university to award more than 200 undergraduate majors, 79 master’s, and 45 doctoral programs. Oklahoma State University is approved by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks among the country’s best public schools.

The Spears School of Business at the university offers an online MBA in business sustainability through the Michael and Anne Greenwood Center for Online Excellence. The fully online MBA program is made up of 33 credits, which students can typically complete after just 12 months of continuous enrollment. The MBA sustainability concentration incorporates coursework in business and social responsibility, sustainable enterprises, ethical leadership, and social entrepreneurship. The Spears School of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

This course is meant to last for 1 year. To successfully enroll, you need to have a GPA minimum of 3.0, GMAT or GRE test scores, and preferably work experience. Tuition: $505/credit.

Concordia University – Wisconsin

Concordia University offers an online MBA in sustainability management and analytics through the Batterman School of Business. The program consists of 39 credits, which enrollees can complete within two years, even while working full time. Learners can explore social entrepreneurship and industrial ecology, environmental law, micro and macroeconomics, and environmental chemistry and toxicology. The Batterman School of Business retains accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

Courses for the MBA in sustainability management and analytics follow an asynchronous delivery format. Each applicant needs a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0., and the program does not require them to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The school considers graduate-level transfer credits from accredited schools as long as they have not been applied toward the completion of another degree. Tuition: $719/credit

University of Colorado Denver

Also in our list is the University of Colorado Denver. The university’s Business School awards an online MBA in sustainability program that consists of 48 credits. Furthermore, learners earn the degree after 16 months of continuous enrollment, taking 30 credits of core MBA coursework, 12 credits of concentration courses, a three-credit international business elective, and a three-credit free elective. An enrollee pursuing the sustainability management concentration will learn to reduce operating costs, improve overall financial performance, open new markets, and enhance customer loyalty.

To enroll, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, but the program does not have a minimum GPA or work experience requirement. Additionally, candidates must tender GMAT (preferred) or GRE scores. The program follows a rolling admission process, and students can begin the program at any of the three academic terms. The Business School holds is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Tuition: $725/credit

Maharishi International University

MIU’s College of Business Administration offers an online MBA in sustainable business that comprises 58 credits. The college administers the program in conjunction with the on-campus, evening-weekend MBA program. Courses follow either a four-week (two credits) or eight-week (four credits) delivery schedule. Its online MBA program, spans six semesters of continuous enrollment. Furthermore, it follows a cohort model of education and delivers classes synchronously. The College of Business Administration is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

Each applicant needs a least undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Although candidates do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, MIU strongly urges candidates who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement to do so. The program allows for a transfer of up to 18 credits (with a grade of B or higher) gained from an undergraduate degree in business in any of the foundation areas. MIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Tuition: $4,800/semester.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Close to 5,900 students are currently registered at Saint Mary’s, which offers more than 120 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

The university offers an online MBA in sustainability and environmental management. Students can generally complete its accelerated program in just 16-18 months, which consists of 30 credits. A student pursuing the sustainability and environmental management track may register in classes in corporate social responsibility, building eco-friendly businesses, law and ethics in environmental management, and sustainable marketing. Each student needs to complete a capstone project where they practice the knowledge they gained from the program in a domestic or international business setting.

Each aspirant needs a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum GPA of 2.75, and at least five years of work experience. Those who do not meet the work experience requirement must present GMAT scores. Students can transfer a maximum of six graduate-level credits to the program’s 30-credit degree requirement.

Saint Mary’s is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and U.S. News & World Report ranks it amongst the best universities in the Midwest. The business program holds accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Tuition: $665/credit.

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU has over 3,000 students and offers over 200 fields of study at the certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university holds accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education and ranks amongst the top schools in the North, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The online MBA in sustainability and environmental compliance at Southern New Hampshire University is made up of 36 credits: 27 credits of core MBA coursework and nine credits of concentration courses. Students who lack the business background expected by the program need to enroll in foundational coursework, but these credits will not be used toward the degree requirement of the MBA program.

A student seeking sustainability and environmental compliance concentration must take classes in energy and society, environmental issues, and environmental compliance and sustainability. The program climaxes in a capstone course on critical issues in management.

Each aspirant needs a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75. The program does not demand GMAT or GRE scores. The MBA program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Tuition: $627/credit.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University now boasts a population of over 20,000 on-campus and online students. The seven colleges covering WilmU offer almost 100 areas of study at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

The College of Business at Wilmington University awards an online MBA in environmental sustainability consisting of 36 credits. Students may enroll in seven MBA common core courses (21 credits) and five concentration courses (15 credits). The following courses constitute the environmental sustainability curriculum: economic and financial analysis of environmental issues, environmental regulations and ethical issues, principles of environmental sustainability, project management with sustainable green technologies, and strategic planning for sustainable organizations.

Additionally, courses follow accelerated, seven-week schedules with asynchronous delivery available. However, students start the program by enrolling in the organizational behavior and ethical leadership course.

The College of Business follows an open admission policy. The MBA program does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, and there is no minimum GPA requirement. Students can complete the program in just one year, depending on their academic background and the number of transferable credits they bring into the program. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, while its College of Business holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Tuition: $1,431/3 credits.

University of Saint Francis

The University of Saint Francis enrolls approximately 2,300 students and offers more than 70 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. It holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and ranks among the top universities in the Midwest.

It offers an online MBA in sustainability program accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs. Furthermore, thirty-six credits make up the MBA degree, which students can complete in 12 months on a full-time basis or 24 months part-time. Courses follow an eight-week delivery schedule with six available start dates throughout the year. However, the sustainability concentration requires students to enroll in classes in renewable energy innovations, integrated remote sensing, and foundations of sustainability.

Each candidate needs a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 and a bachelor’s degree from an approved college or university. Those who do not satisfy these requirements must tender GMAT scores. Applicants with more than five years of related professional experience can also present their resumes to improve their chances for admission. The program supports a maximum of 15 transfer credits, or 18 credits if an applicant holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Saint Francis. Tuition: $525/credit.

Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University currently enrolls approximately 2,100 students from 40 states and 14 countries. The university houses over 70 programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Its College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers an online MBA in energy and sustainability. The program covers 39 credits: 27 credits of core MBA coursework and 12 credits of concentration courses, including one elective course. A student pursuing the energy and sustainability concentration may register in classes examining building a sustainable enterprise, energy economics, and the future of energy, business, and society. Each student must fulfill a capstone course on strategic management before graduation.

Furthermore, applicants need undergraduate GPAs of at least 2.8 and bachelor’s degrees from accredited colleges or universities. Also, the program does not require GMAT or GRE scores, but candidates must demonstrate competency in accounting, statistics, and computer skills. Franklin Pierce University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, while its MBA program holds accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Tuition: $665/credit.

Antioch University

Based in New Hampshire, Antioch University is a progressive and student-centric liberal arts school. Antioch has an online MBA in sustainability, a rigorous degree program that can be completed in eighteen months. Antioch’s MBA in environmental sustainability online follows a three-word bottom line, “people, planet, and profit; this curriculum guideline follows coursework in sustainability concepts, efficiency in a global economy, and a commitment to social justice. Antioch’s virtual classrooms are user-friendly, and multiple scholarships are available to qualified students.

Program Tuition: $900 per-credit-hour

The video below shows the top school with online MBAs.

Conclusion

In summary, an online master’s in sustainable development gives you opportunities to influence environmental and energy policies within businesses, organizations, and government agencies and the world at large. Therefore, online MBA sustainability is the best bet.

References

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