2023 Best MBA Programs in Sustainability Management

What is an MBA in Sustainability Management?

An MBA in Sustainability Management is a professional graduate-level degree which provides a Master’s in Business Administration degree along with courses that focus on sustainability. Students who choose to pursue this degree can expect to gain hands-on experience and expertise in current sustainability issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability practices.

Many universities offer dual-degree programs which integrate a JD/MBA in the field of sustainability. With an MBA in Sustainability Management and Analytics, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce with a competitive edge.

What is Sustainability Management?

Sustainability management is the practice of using business practices and strategies to promote environmental, social, and economic goals. It involves understanding the impacts of a company’s activities on people, the environment, and the economy, and taking steps to mitigate and even reverse any negative impacts.

Sustainability managers develop and implement policies, strategies and plans to ensure that their organization’s operations are in line with their sustainability goals. They also monitor the progress of these initiatives to ensure that they are effective and efficient. Sustainability managers work with stakeholders to ensure that their organization’s activities are beneficial for the environment, society and the economy.

100 Best MBAs in Sustainability Management

Find a list of campus and online MBA programs in Sustainability in the the United States. In-person, campus Sustainability MBA programs account for 28 programs while online offerings account for 11 programs. Find Sustainability MBA programs offered and sorted from lowest to highest tuition.

Learn about the career outlook, starting salary prospects, and long-term earnings possibilities in the sections below to help you understand the ROI of earning an MBA in Sustainability.

If you notice any errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.

How Much is Tuition for an MBA in Sustainability Management?

The average full-time Tuition for MBA programs in Sustainability is $55,582.48 with a highest of $141,812.00 and the lowest of $9,156.00

The average in-state tuition for campus MBA program in Sustainability is $55,582.48 compared to the average out-of-state tuition of $63,571.00. The average in-state tuition for an online MBA in Sustainability is $81,136.83 compared to an average out-of-state online tuition of $83,470.17.

With a tuition cost ranging between $9,156.00 and $141,812.00, it may be worthwhile to attend a highly reputable online or in-state program instead of electing to go out-of-state.

You may want to opt for a more affordable degree programs instead of taking out student loans for B-School tuition. A savvy student also realizes that attending an online MBA program can significantly reduce textbook, transportation and living costs.

What is the Career Outlook for Sustainability Management MBAs?

An MBA in Sustainability Management can open the door to a variety of roles in the business and non-profit sectors. With an understanding of how businesses can implement sustainability strategies, graduates of this program will be in demand for positions such as corporate sustainability analyst, sustainability consultant, or environmental manager.

Companies are increasingly looking for people who can help them reduce their environmental impact, and those with an MBA in Sustainability Management are well-positioned to take on these roles. Additionally, those interested in non-profit work can pursue roles such as policy analyst or program manager for organizations dedicated to sustainability initiatives. With the growing awareness of the importance of sustainable practices, the career outlook for Sustainability Management MBAs is bright.

US Department of Labor – Projections Central

What is the Starting Salary for Sustainability MBAs?

The starting salary for an MBA in Sustainability Management is highly dependent on the type of industry and organization that is hiring and the individual’s experience level. With the growing demand for sustainability professionals, graduates with an MBA in Sustainability Management can expect to earn a competitive salary.

Most MBA programs in Sustainability Management also offer internships and other job opportunities to help graduates gain valuable experience and expertise in the field. According to recent data from Glassdoor, the average base pay for an entry-level sustainability management position is $78,000 per year.

Average starting salary for MBA students from universities that offer an MBA in Sustainability today is $87,336.19 with the lowest of starting of $42,294.00 and the highest reported starting salary of $126,250.00.

What Can I Do With an MBA in Sustainability Management?

With an MBA in the highly sought after Sustainability sector, your career has few limits. You use the degree as a stepping stone to a variety of high-level roles in business or government and it opens up new career possibilities or advancement within your current role.

With an MBA in Sustainability Management, you will be able to apply your skills to a range of sectors, from the corporate environment to government and non-profit organizations. You will be able to lead sustainability initiatives in all types of organizations, from small businesses to large multi-national companies. You may also be able to take on positions in research and policymaking, as well as become a consultant for environmental organizations. With the skills you acquire from your MBA program, you’ll have the ability to craft innovative strategies and develop sustainable solutions that have a real-world impact.

As business and industry demands change within the Sustainability sector, a graduate-level degree prepares you for taking on new challenges by preparing you with thinking and adaptation skills required in the every changing world of Sustainability.

An MBA in Sustainability prepares you for advanced career tracks within the sector including technical and business consulting, accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, and organizational leadership. The MBA is the degree of choice for world-class executives who have the knowledge and real-world experience to add value to their organizations and apply practical business solutions.

What Are Benefits of Earning an MBA in Sustainability Management?

• Increased Job Opportunities: What exactly will an MBA do for you? Mid- to upper-level management positions are available to you. Jobs that see fewer applicants, such as chief executive officer, are also open to you. Earning your MBA qualifies you for positions that range from department director to enterprise director and chief operating officer. Employment for MBA candidates is projected to increase by six percent per year over the next seven years. Three-quarters of employers say that they plan to hire MBA graduates in 2016, while ninety-two percent are increasing the number of MBA internships that they offer.
• Increased Earnings: A recent study showed that the average MBA graduate’s pay was 50% higher than their position before earning their degree. Even more impressive, in the five years after earning their MBA, the average pay increased by 80%. These figures clearly show the financial benefits of an MBA but they don’t address the personal satisfaction that comes with greater responsibility.
• Sharpen Your Professional Skills: As a graduate of an MBA program, you’ll develop the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive business environment. You’ll learn to think critically about problems, communicate effectively, work on a team and analyze complex financial data. You’ll also have access to some of the brightest minds and the latest resources in today’s business world.
• Greater Job Security: Today’s job market is more turbulent than ever before, filling many with uncertainty and fears of being left out. Earning an MBA not only increases your earning potential but also offers a foundation for greater career stability and security. With the marketable skills to lead teams, take initiative and make positive changes in companies, you can quickly establish a secure foothold in an otherwise shaky job market.
• Become a Respected Member of Your Business Community: Choosing to earn an MBA enables you to position yourself as a respected member of your business community. An MBA increases your professional vocabulary, enhances your strategic thinking and analytical skills, and gives you a broadened level of cultural knowledge. Whether you pursue a program that offers concentrations or one focused on leadership and global management, an MBA will give you the tools and resources you need to succeed.

What Skills Do I Need to be Successful In Sustainability Management?

According to a recent survey by the Financial Times, these are the top-five most important skills employers look for in MBA graduates:

• The Ability to Work with a Wide Variety of People: This attribute is important because not all of the people you are communicating with will have the same educational background, interests, or objectives. Your ability to work with a wide variety of people is what enables you to be a successful manager.
• Time Management and Ability to Prioritize: The ability to prioritize and manage time is one of the most important skills that any professional must master. As your career progresses, your work time will increase, but if you can’t manage your time well you’ll always be at risk of not meeting deadlines and expectation
• Understanding and Mastering the Digital Impact on Businesses: Due to this disruption in business models and processes, many companies have transitioned from analog organizations to digital organizations and individuals competencies in information technology are needed.
• Ability to Build, Sustain and Expand a Network of People: The ability to build, sustain and expand a network of people is one of the most valuable skills that a business manager can have. It’s not enough to know the technical aspects of your job. And it’s not enough to be passionate about your work. To succeed in this position as a business manager, you must also be able to build and sustain an effective network of contacts.
• Ability to Solve Complex Problems: Business management is often about conceiving a strategy that employs the best, most effective solutions to get a job done. The thought process behind solving a complex problem is much more complicated than solving a simple one–making it one of the top skills of modern business managers. Complex problems require the manager to think on their feet, and ask questions throughout the entire process.

What Typical Classes Will I Take in My Sustainability Management MBA Program?

The classes taken in a sustainability management MBA program will depend on the institution, but some of the most common courses will focus on topics such as environmental economics, corporate sustainability, sustainable business practices, and social responsibility. MBA students may also have the opportunity to explore courses related to energy and resource management, as well as risk management and green building.

Depending on the institution, students may also have the ability to pursue a dual-degree program, combining an MBA with another degree such as a Master of Science in Environmental Management and Sustainability. With this type of program, students can deepen their knowledge of sustainability and gain specialized skills in the field, preparing them to become leaders in sustainable businesses.

Core Curriculum for MBA Programs

Typical core MBA classes will differ from program to program, however the following list gives you an idea of the kinds of classes you can expect as outlined in curriculum at Wharton MBA and Florida Atlantic University:

• Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership: Develop a leadership style that fits your situation. Learn the many aspects of teamwork and explore the key components of successful leaders.
• Marketing Management: The MBA program in Marketing Management trains students to apply analytical concepts and marketing tools to decisions like segmentation and targeting, branding, pricing, distribution, and promotion.
• Microeconomics for Managers: This course provides an introduction to microeconomics, which is the study of how the markets for goods and services operate. Topics covered include supply, demand, consumer behavior, market price and output, production, cost, simple competitive market equilibrium, simple monopoly pricing and output determination, price discrimination, and bundling.
• Advanced Microeconomics for Managers: Teaches microeconomic theory in a business setting. It helps readers learn how to use microeconomics to enhance decision making and to make more profitable business decisions. The book includes topics such as sophisticated pricing policies, transfer pricing, strategies for dealing with competitor firms, cooperation strategies, managing under uncertainty and more.
• Statistics and Regression Analysis for Managers: Work with two key statistical data methodologies including regression analysis and experimentation. Learn to apply these techniques to real-world situations.
• Management Communication for Speaking and Writing: Management Communication for Speaking and Writing (MBA) will help you strengthen your skills in persuasion, presenting confidently, and answering questions.
• Business Law and Applied Ethics: Businesses, non-profit corporations and governmental entities all engage in activities that can lead to legal disputes. Business Law and Applied Ethics provides an understanding of the principles that govern these disputes and how they apply to businesses. In addition, students will develop skills and tools to lead or manage a business while creating and maintaining an ethical environment.
• Financial Accounting: Financial Accounting provides a thorough overview of the theory, concepts, techniques, and applications that are necessary for understanding the accounting cycle, asset valuation, income determination, financial reporting, basic business taxes, and owner’s equity. This text is an ideal medium for lecturers to use for courses designed for graduate students lacking any previous course in accounting.
• Corporate Finance: Financial decisions are among the most important a corporation’s managers must make. Investment policy, financing policy and working capital policy all depend on a firm’s unique financial requirements and opportunities. Corporate Finance provides tools and applications of corporate financial analysis and forecasting, as well as discussion of the implementation of these policies in current business situations.

Typical Curriculum for an Sustainability Management MBA Concentration

The curriculum for an MBA in Sustainability Management will vary depending on the college or university, but students typically take courses in sustainability management, finance, accounting, business operations, and marketing. Depending on the school, these courses may include topics such as sustainable energy and natural resource management, environmental economics and policies, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and risk analysis.

Students may also take courses in organizational behavior, business ethics and law, and international business. Many schools offer the option of a dual-degree program that combines an MBA with a Master of Science in Environmental Management and Sustainability (EMS). This program allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues while also learning the management skills needed to lead businesses toward sustainability.

What Are the GMAT Scores Required for Acceptance into an Sustainability MBA Program?

It’s important to note that not all MBA programs require a GMAT Score for admissions, but most reputable programs do. With that being said, if you have your eye on a list of competitive programs, it’s best to boost your GMAT Score accordingly. Outside of a solid GMAT Score, B-School admissions departments look at a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and personal statement. A strong undergraduate performance may offset a sub-part GMAT Score.

For campus MBA programs in Sustainability, the lowest GMAT score required from an in-person program is 500 and the highest is 730 with an average GMAT score to be accepted in a campus-based Sustainability MBA program being 602.

For Sustainability MBA programs offered online, the lowest GMAT score required by a university is 500 and the highest is 687 with an average GMAT score to be accepted in an online Sustainability MBA program is 578.

Below you will find a list of the 10 highest and 10 lowest average GMAT scores needed for a campus based program offering an Sustainability MBA concentration.

Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Sustainability

A low Student/Faculty ratio for any MBA may have more of an impact on students wanting smaller classrooms and greater networking opportunities with professors and fellow classmates. For students who thrive in lecture hall environments and do not require the individual attention/one-on-one mentorship from a B-Schools faculty, then a high Student/Faculty ratio may not be an issue.

Of all the Sustainability MBA programs offered in-person and on campus, the lowest Student Faculty ratio is 1:5 compared to the highest of 13:1 while the average Student Faculty ratio for all in-person campus program offering an Sustainability MBA is 4:1.

For Sustainability MBA programs offered online, the lowest Student Faculty Ratio is 1:3 and the highest is 11:1 with an average Student Faculty ratio from MBA programs offering an MBA in Sustainability online is 3:1.

Below you will find a list of the 10 highest and 10 lowest student faculty ratios from campus based programs offering an Sustainability MBA concentration.

Student Enrollment for MBA Programs in Sustainability

The MBA program with the lowest student enrollment that offers an MBA in Sustainability is 5 from University of Houston-Clear Lake. The MBA program with the highest student enrollment offering an MBA in Sustainability is Highest: 1,920 from Duke University. The average student enrollment from all universities that offer an MBA in Sustainability is 550.

100 Best MBA Programs in Sustainability Management