Green MBA

Green MBA: The Top Three Choices for Environmentally Concerned Students

With the world’s economy knee deep in a seemingly relentless crisis, there is an ever-increasing interest among graduates wishing to continue their studies to do so in the field of sustainability and green issues. The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that the market for clean energy will exceed $13 trillion dollars by 2030 (creating 1.9 million jobs in the process). Those wishing to secure their future career prospects by honing their skill set in line with projected demand (as well as play a part in sustaining our world for generations to come) often choose to study a green MBA. 

The key question is where to study. As might be expected, America’s colleges and universities have risen to the challenge of equipping future leaders with a mindset geared toward sustainability and green issues. The choices can appear endless and lists of the top green MBA programs will often differ according to opinion. Our list considers that a fully focused green curriculum is preferential to those MBA courses with a green “option”. 

Here’s our take on the top three green MBA programs for on-campus study. 

Top Green MBA Programs

1. The University of Michigan 

The University of Michigan takes its green credentials incredibly seriously. The course is delivered via the ERB Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise at the Ross School of Business (which incidentally was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the best schools in America to pursue a sustainable MBA). The building design boasts a number of energy efficient features, not least occupation sensors and water saving mechanisms. Students who successfully graduate from their three-year masters program do so with two degrees - a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS).
 
2. Stanford University

It’s hardly surprising that Stanford would make the grade where green MBAs are concerned. Renowned in many areas of expertise, the Graduate School of Business incorporates a Business Strategies for Environmental Sustainability program and aims to help students explore exactly how sustainable business practices can be turned to competitive advantage for the companies concerned. The Stanford MBA is a residential program delivered over two years with a six-to-one student to faculty ratio. 
 
3. Antioch University of New England

Antioch’s Green MBA weaves sustainability throughout their entire curriculum to help students to better understand how people, planet, and profit (termed the triple bottom line) can be balanced with the need to participate in ethical business practices and adhere to corporate social responsibility requirements. Their Masters of Business Administration in Sustainability enables students to add practical projects to their resume with the inclusion of several skill-building assignments. The course can be completed part-time over three years, at weekends over two years, or accelerated over one year. A weekday evenings program is also available.

The growing interest in sustainable practices means that these three choices are merely the tip of the iceberg. Students should always carefully evaluate the options available to them to ensure that the right choice is made with their specific needs in mind. 

Author Bio:   Linda Forshaw is a Business Information Systems graduate from Lancaster University in the UK. A contributor to DegreeJungle.com, a resource for college students, Linda is a full time mom, writer and blogger specializing in education, social media, and entrepreneurship. Contact her on Twitter @seelindaplay