What is a Green MBA?

As the corporate and business world scramble to devise strategies to address sustainability, business schools are incorporating eco-friendly courses and degrees into their curricula. One particular degree that is gaining momentum in the graduate school world is the Green MBA.

The Green MBA degree is also referred to as a master's of business administration degree in sustainable enterprise. The degree seeks to emphasis an education in ecological sustainability, financial viability, and social justice. As the world tackles pressing issues such as climate change, the need for individuals to take jobs in clean technology and other ecology sectors is growing. The MBA degree was born out of the world’s need to educate students to effectively tackle climate change and other environmental problems.

The Green MBA is an emerging field of management. As the popularity of sustainability grows, more schools are being encouraged by faculty members and students to provide more opportunities and courses related to the MBA degree. Individuals who seek a Green MBA get an education focused on environmental issues.

The students are prepared by the university program to become equipped to deal with environmental, economic, and social perspectives. Many of the environmental aspects learned through the MBA will be required expertise in a competitive and quickly-changing world. With a traditional MBA degree, learning about the environment is often just an elective; however, with a Green MBA, the environment is the foundation.

Students who pursue a Green MBA often do so for ideological reasons. MBA students often believe that the exploitation of the environment and society should be eliminated from business practices. The Green MBA provides graduates with a more responsible approach to business. The MBA recognizes that a company’s success should be measured by what is called a triple bottom line- planet, people, and profit.

Traditionally, MBA graduates were equipped to launch companies and create new and innovative technologies. With a Green MBA, students are encouraged to start green start-ups that will have a positive impact on the world and the environment. Students who earn their MBA find that they have a range of jobs available upon graduation.

Recent Green MBA graduates are finding jobs in fields such as natural products, consulting, and renewable energy. These recent graduates are helping companies become more sustainable. Students graduate with the skills and experience to help companies evaluate their environmental footprint. A Green MBA also prepares them to lead in the face of global challenges.