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Sustainability is an increasingly popular Master's in Business Administration (MBA) specialization. Earning an online MBA in sustainability qualifies graduates for executive management careers in emerging fields, such as renewable energy and social responsibility.
Like general MBA programs, sustainability MBAs require a significant financial investment. According to data collected by BestColleges, the total tuition for an MBA typically ranges from $35,000-$85,000. However, available online programs yield the same return on investment (ROI), with additional perks. For example, online MBAs in sustainability tend to offer shorter paths to graduation and more affordable tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts.
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What Is an MBA in Sustainability?
Most MBA in sustainability programs include core business and management skills and specialization coursework. Foundational courses cover competencies like accounting, marketing, and business strategy. Students also explore corporate social responsibility, environmental compliance, and sustainable investing.
MBAs in sustainability prepare graduates to promote eco-friendliness in executive leadership positions. Advisors recommend that students pursue internships through organizations, such as environmental protection agencies, conservation centers, and green energy companies.
Many programs culminate in a capstone experience. Schools may offer a variety of MBA format options, including full- or part-time and online or hybrid study.
What Can I Expect From an Online MBA in Sustainability Program?
Sustainability as a major is gaining momentum in all types of graduate programs. As businesses increasingly strive to become "green," they need leaders with business and sustainability expertise. Though students can pursue MAs and MSs in majors like sustainability leadership and environmental conservation, only an MBA in sustainability instills management skills in this discipline.
Online MBAs in sustainability also provide significant career preparation and ROI. Online learners often enjoy accelerated completion options and set or in-state tuition rates.
Example MBA in Sustainability Courses
Managing Sustainable Operations
Sustainability Systems
Corporate Environmental Management
Sustainable Investing Theory and Practice
Climate Change Law and Policy
Featured Online MBA in Sustainability Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What are Admission Requirements for an MBA in Sustainability Program?
What Can I Do With an MBA in Sustainability Degree?
Graduates with an MBA in sustainability qualify for high-level executive management roles in emerging fields, such as clean energy and environmental responsibility and compliance. Like a general MBA, a focused sustainability degree can serve both entry-level students and professionals who want to change careers.
As a relatively new field of business, sustainability careers are not as competitive as general management positions that may require an MBA. Job-seekers can set themselves apart from other MBA graduates by highlighting their expertise in social entrepreneurship, sustainable investing, and managing sustainability operations. Graduates can advance as high as chief executive or sustainability officer within a nonprofit organization or global energy company.
Companies employ sustainability managers to improve the company's impact on the environment. Sustainability managers may oversee other departments and help train staff regarding issues in conservation and reducing greenhouse gases. These professionals typically work full time, while sustainability consultants perform similar job duties but in a freelance setting. Learn more about management careers in our business managemnt careers guide
Median Annual Salary: $75,330
Sustainability Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Is an MBA in Sustainability Worth It?
Professionals with an MBA in sustainability enjoy enduring benefits, such as an extraordinary ROI. PayScale calculated the average annual salary of sustainability directors, for example, at over $100,000. In addition, MBA programs in sustainability prepare students for careers in expanding new sectors of business, including green energy, environmental protection, and eco-friendly manufacturing.
An MBA in sustainability can also provide fresh job opportunities to experienced businesspeople. Professionals may pursue a "green" MBA after many years in a business field like finance, marketing, or HR management. The BLS counts "green" occupations among the fastest-growing from 2016 to 2026. According to PayScale, sustainability professionals rated their job satisfaction four out of five stars.
In some cases, senior executives with years of experience may benefit from a specialized certificate more than they would with an MBA. For example, a simple certificate can enhance management skills for professionals in the beginning stages of incorporating sustainability programs within their organization.
Why Get an MBA in Sustainability Instead of a Master's in Sustainability?
While there are some similarities, MBA and master's degrees in sustainability mostly differ in their curricular approach and career outcomes. Online MBAs in sustainability prepare students to become high-level managers in business, with specialized skills in sustainability. Graduates are well-versed in sustainability management, investing, and corporate operations.
Non-business master's degrees in sustainability include interdisciplinary coursework in areas of natural and social science, environmental planning, and conservation. Earning a master's in sustainability suits aspiring researchers, academics, and advocates. A sustainability degree can also lead to further study in a technical field, such as environmental engineering or renewable energy manufacturing.
Students looking to keep their options open to multiple sustainability careers may choose a dual MBA/master's degree. Some schools enable students to concurrently earn an MBA and a master's degree in a field like sustainable development or sustainable systems, ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs in the "green" sector.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
How Do I Choose an MBA in Sustainability Program?
While earning an MBA is generally expensive — with top programs routinely charging more than $70,000 — online MBAs in sustainability can offer the same career benefits as a traditional program. Location, reputation, delivery format, and public or private status affect a school's tuition rates.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online MBA in Sustainability Programs
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Frequently Asked Questions About MBA in Sustainability Programs
Is an MBA in sustainability program hard to get into?
MBA in sustainability programs can be competitive; however, sustainability programs are no harder to get into than an MBA in another concentration.
What can I do with an MBA in sustainability?
MBA programs in sustainability can lead to careers, such as sustainability manager or consultant or top executive at companies that promote eco-friendliness and sustainability resources.
Is sustainability a good career?
Sustainability is an emerging specialization of business administration. Sustainability majors learn to reimagine best business practices for environmental protection. Sustainability is also crucial in making the planet livable in the future.
How much money can I make with an MBA in sustainability?
Salaries vary for sustainability MBA graduates. On the low end, students may earn $60,000 per year as a sustainability specialist, while a top executive, such as the CEO of a sustainability company, can earn an annual salary of $186,000.
Chief executive positions draw the highest salaries, especially in corporate business. Graduates can earn the highest salaries as CEO, president, or executive director of a company with a focus on sustainability.
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Reviewed by:
Krystal Covington, MBA
Krystal Covington, MBA, is a business growth strategist with 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations. Her company, Go Lead Consulting, provides clients foundational tools to build new client and customer relationships.
Covington founded Women of Denver, one of the largest privately held membership organizations in Denver, Colorado. Her program helps women increase their business acumen, sharpen leadership skills and connect with other high-achieving women. Covington received her MBA from Western Governors University in 2012.
