What Can I Expect from an Online MBA in Sustainability Program?

Online programs combine the same high-quality education as an on-campus program with the convenience of taking classes from home. Remember that no two online MBA in sustainability programs are identical, so it’s important to research and find the one that best suits your goals.

Available concentrations

Some MBA in sustainability programs offer concentrations that focus on the environmental aspect of the degree. These concentrations are ideal for those following a specific career path.

  • Environmental Law: Learn about the disciplines of law, policy analysis, science, and economics, as well as current global issues like pollution and climate change. This concentration is a good fit for MBA in sustainability students who would also like to earn a Juris Doctorate.
  • Environmental Risk Management: With this concentration, you’ll learn how to identify and address environmental risks.

Common degree curriculum

Courses for an MBA with a concentration in sustainability combine core business principles with a focus on the environment. While classes may vary depending on the school, there are several standard core classes that you will likely encounter, such as:

  • Business Ethics: Reviews proper business policies and practices regarding sensitive social issues, corporate governance, insider trading, discrimination, and corporate social responsibility.
  • Sustainable Systems: Covers the latest solutions for businesses that promote sustainability and a healthy environment.
  • Business Leadership: Focuses on what business leaders need to succeed while managing an organization.
  • Data Analysis: Covers how to examine data within an organization to make more informed financial and production decisions.
  • Information Systems: Explores the different types of hardware and software that organizations use to collect, process, and use collected data.

Certification and license preparation

After earning your MBA in sustainability, consider continuing your education with professional certification programs. Such programs will allow you to learn new skills and become qualified for a broader range of job opportunities. Some of the most valuable certifications in this industry include:

  • Registered Environmental Manager: REM is a certification for professionals who are in charge of managing environmental health and safety projects. The certificate requires at least five years of experience in an environmental position.
  • Certified Environmental Auditor: This specialty certification is for environmental compliance auditors who conduct risk audits of equipment and procedures. It is recognized by the U.S. Air Force.
  • ISSP Sustainability Associate: This certification from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals is for new graduates who work in sustainability or related areas.
  • SSC Green Auditors Certification: With this certification, you can show employers that you have the skills needed to help organizations go green.
  • Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer: This certification is intended to identify professionals proficient in environmental laws and regulations.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. If your school doesn’t have regional accreditation, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.

You should also look for programmatic accreditation from the Association of MBAs or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. These organizations hold business programs to exceptionally high standards and only approve the best MBA options in the country.

Program completion timeframe

An online MBA in sustainability requires 32 to 40 credit hours, depending on the concentration and university. Most full-time students can complete the coursework in approximately two years. Part-time students can take three to five years, while those in an accelerated program can earn their MBA in just 12 months.

Another factor that affects the time of completion is the method of delivery. Cohort classes group students together who complete the degree on a rigid schedule. Self-paced programs let students take classes on their own schedule, which may allow them to earn their degrees faster.

Employment Outlook for MBA in Sustainability Graduates

With this degree, you can expect to earn at least $65,000. There are also much higher-paying opportunities available — for example, the top 10% of management analysts make more than $149,640.

This MBA is also excellent for those who value job security, as plenty of openings will be available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of jobs in the country is projected to grow by 3% over the next decade. Most occupations related to sustainability management are expected to grow much faster than that.

While jobs in this field typically only require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, having a master’s will still improve your odds of getting hired and earning promotions.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Operations Research Analyst Operations research analysts help organizations identify issues and find ways to solve them. $85,720 23%
Management Analyst Management analysts help organizations improve productivity and use resources more efficiently. $95,290 10%
Logistician Logisticians manage a company’s supply chain, including how products are acquired, stored, and delivered. $77,520 18%
Market Research Analyst Market research analysts study individual markets to determine the potential success of a product or service. $68,230 13%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations help individuals become more active in their industry. It can also give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.

Financing Your Online MBA in Sustainability Degree

Online degree programs are usually cheaper than traditional on-campus programs, but locating financial assistance can still be tricky. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which gives you information on any grants, loans, and scholarships you qualify for through the federal government. You can also find financial assistance through private organizations.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

What should you do after submitting your FAFSA? The following resources will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible:

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.