Best Online MBA in Sustainability Programs of 2023
In the era of climate change, ensuring that companies are sustainable and environmentally-friendly is good business. Learn how you can combine environmental management and business principles with an online MBA in sustainability.
Why This Matters
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PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN 1 OF 6 INDUSTRIES
Individuals with an MBA in sustainability can go on to work in a number of different industries, including manufacturing, transportation, business services, government, and more.
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CLEAN ENERGY EMPLOYMENT GREW 3.6% in 2018
Clean energy is one of the fastest-growing job markets in the U.S. right now, as companies continue to focus on developing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
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MANAGER POSITIONS TO INCREASE 7% BY 2028
An MBA will help you advance to senior-level management positions, which are increasing at a faster-than-average pace. Almost 707,000 new manager jobs are expected in the next decade.
Our Research
Our research for this list focused on Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with a concentration in sustainability.
We specifically looked at programs that deliver all or most of their coursework through online classes to ensure accessibility to the greatest number of students, regardless of their location or schedule.
This list includes programs that are offered by regionally and nationally accredited institutions. Degrees and credits from regionally accredited institutions are generally more widely transferable and recognized than those from nationally accredited schools. Many programs are also accredited by agencies like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
We evaluated the programs based on their outcomes, cost, reputation, faculty, and flexibility. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score of 0 to 100 for each program. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 47 hours to write this article
- 132 universities and colleges we assessed
- 299 education programs we compared
The Top 15 Online MBA in Sustainability Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
A bachelor’s degree will qualify you for most entry-level environmental management jobs, although an MBA can help you advance your career by giving you more in-depth business skills. An MBA with a concentration in sustainability will teach you how to approach business management and entrepreneurship through the lens of environmental responsibility and sustainability.
Generally, MBA programs seek students with professional experience and an educational background in a business-related field. If you need to complete prerequisite coursework, you may be able to take those classes through the MBA program prior to enrolling, although this can be an additional commitment of time and money.
Another option is to enroll in a master’s in environmental management program. These programs are more flexible in their admission requirements and more available to students of all backgrounds. They also focus more on the environmental science aspect of management, in contrast to the business emphasis of MBA programs. Consider what your career goals are and what type of education and experience will help you achieve them.
Many MBA programs include an experiential learning component, such as internships or residencies. When researching programs, find out what types of hands-on learning components you are expected to complete so that you can determine if you can accommodate them in your schedule and budget.
What’s Next?
When researching online MBA in sustainability programs, you can ask the following questions:
- Am I eligible for this program? Typically, MBA programs are designed for individuals who have some prior work experience, as well as an educational background in business or a related field. As you research programs, be sure to look at their eligibility requirements to confirm that you have the desired educational experience and amount of professional experience for admission.
- Are GMAT or GRE scores required? It’s also common for MBA programs to ask applicants to submit scores for standardized tests like the GMAT or GRE as part of the application process. If you need to take these exams, you should make arrangements to do so as soon as possible, as it can take several weeks to process your scores.
At this time, you should also begin gathering your application materials as well as confirming application submission deadlines and procedures. This will help your admissions process go smoothly.
Financing your graduate degree is another important consideration. Explore your options for student loans, private and institutional scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits if you are currently working.