Green MBA

Green MBA Programs Overview

The Green MBA program prepares students for a business career that utilizes environmentally sound practices in today’s business world to maximize profit through sustainable activities. Green online MBA programs prepare students for careers on the leading edge of integrating environmental concerns within an economic framework that supports profitability and human dignity. Earning an Masters in Business Administration in Sustainable Business will open the door to a wide range of opportunities in a variety of industries that are re-tooling their efforts to meet a growing consumer demand for products and services that are ecologically friendly. Programs range in length from 12 to 24 months depending on the total number of credit hours required and the number of courses taken per grading period. Online MBA programs offer the flexibility to continue working.

What is a Online Green MBA Degree

Students are introduced to what is known as the Triple Bottom Line in which sustainability is defined in terms of three different impacts: economic, environmental, and social. A Green MBA takes the traditional Online MBA one step further in that it still focuses on how to maximize profits, but it also incorporates how to do so while considering impacts on the environment and people. These programs focus on ethical business as it relates to environmental impacts. Many programs facilitate fieldwork on a local and global basis in which students are exposed first-hand to business environmental issues. Many Green MBA programs are intensive learning experiences that require a high level of dedication to complete. Some are completed in as little as 12 months.

Some Green MBA programs are designed for the working professional to complete coursework while maintaining full-time employment. These programs use night and weekend hours for instruction and several advertise the ability to complete a Green MBA in 24 months using an accelerated academic program.

Many colleges now offer an online Green MBA program. As with other online programs, some residency is required to complete the program, Check with each program for details.

Why a Green MBA Online

Why should you earn a Green MBA Online? Here are some of the benefits:

State and federal business regulators require more environmentally friendly activity in the business place.
Consumers are demanding green practices from the businesses they support and the business world is still scrambling to satisfy that demand.
A large amount of scholarship money is available to Green MBA students from a variety of public and private sources and many private firms offer high dollar contests to Green MBA students to showcase their projects.
You’ll graduate with a better understanding of how sustainability is utilized in various industries.
The Green economy is the fastest growing financial sector.
A Green MBA provides the same benefits of a traditional MBA program including the skills necessary to be a manager, executive, or entrepreneur.

MBA Degree Programs

Click on the links below for more information about online mba programs.

Green MBA Courses & Areas of Study

Individual Green MBA programs will vary depending on which college or university program you choose. The topics listed below are just a sampling of common courses you may encounter during your education. Consult your individual programs curriculum for a detailed list of courses and credit hours.

Critical Thinking for Leadership in Business Redesign
Communication Skills for Business Transformation
Managerial and Environmental Accounting
New Media for Green and Social Marketing
Thriving Regenerative Enterprise
Foundations of Sustainability
EcoCommerce Models
Organizational Behavior for Business Transformation
Social Impacts of Enterprises
Ecological Economics

Green MBA Career Opportunities

More and more companies these days are going green and showing concern for the environmental footprint they have, so the job market for these sorts of positions are fairly new, but growing fast. In addition, it is possible to obtain a traditional managerial position in an environmentally minded company, since more and more companies these days value sustainable MBAs for their environmental responsibility. Below is a list of possible career options for individuals successfully completing a Green MBA program. This does not represent a complete list of career opportunities; it should only serve as a guide to potential career pathways.

Farmer
Structural Engineer
Solar Energy Manager
Green Communications Specialist
Environmental Teacher
Landscape Designer
Forester
Civil Environmental Engineer
Sustainability Manager
Ecotourism Manager
Ecofashion Designer
Urban Planner

Green MBA Educational & Admissions Requirements

Most Online MBA degree programs require a bachelor’s degree related to business. As the majority of Green MBA programs are offered as additional certificates attached to a previously-established MBA program, either being enrolled and pursuing an MBA or having earned an MBA is required to then pursue the Green MBA. Most schools will require transcripts from previous higher education institutions attended as well as a minimum GPA, certain prerequisite courses, and letters of recommendation for admissions. A strong interest in and understanding of utilizing sustainability in business is necessary to successfully complete a Green MBA. Most Green MBA programs require applicants to submit a personal essay detailing their interest in the program and what professional benefits they expect to derive from earning a Green MBA. Some of the best green mba online no gmat.

For more information on applying to a Green MBA program, consult the program’s admissions requirements or call a representative for details. Many programs offer credit for prior coursework, and transfer credits, but it is judged on a per-institution basis. Accreditation can also play a role in determining if you are eligible to transfer credits or experience.

Who should choose a Green MBA Program?

This degree will prepare you for a managerial position with an emphasis on sustainability. You may end up with the title of sustainability specialist, or a similar one, and other people in the company will report to you while you monitor the environmental effects of their actions and advise the company accordingly. If you love the earth and want to make a positive impact, and don’t mind earning a large salary along the way, this degree is the right way to go!

Green MBA Accreditation

There are a number of recognized accrediting agencies and professional associations for MBAs. Make sure you research the accrediting body before you select a program. At this time, many Green MBA programs are relatively new academic ventures and several have not yet completed the accreditation process. As programs grow, more schools should complete the process.

US Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation

AACSB – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
www.aacsb.org

DETC – Distance Education and Training Council
www.detc.org

Green MBA Resources

There are several professional organizations serving this growing career field. The last listing is for an organization solely dedicated to providing financial assistance to students pursuing a Green MBA. These are a great resource and a wealth of information.

AASHE – Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
www.aashe.org

USGBC– US Green Building Council
www.usgbc.org

SBIC – Sustainable Buildings Industry Council
www.sbicouncil.org

ULSF – Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future
www.ulsf.org

AIA – American Institute of Architects
www.aia.org

SMBAF – Sustainable MBA Fund
www.sustainablemba.org

ISSP – The International Society of Sustainability Professionals
www.sustainabilityprofessionals.org