Atul Jose (Admissions Consultant, F1GMAT): Sustainability has so many contexts. Once you understand how a sustainability framework applies across post-MBA industries and functions, you will be in a better position to shortlist top MBA programs.
While we transition to green energy, new emission standards, and technologies – there are critical industries like the Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, and Consumer Goods that need management talent who can help the industries transition.
So you have to look at Sustainability MBA from two contexts:
One – are you working in Manufacturing or Oil & Gas industries?
Two – are you working in Consulting or Technology or Finance that offers technology, fundraising, and consulting solutions for the transition or building new green technologies?
Depending on the post-MBA path – working directly with the transition or new technologies, there are five schools that you should consider.
1) Fuqua School of Business
Duke Fuqua MBA ranks top for us. The curriculum has an integrated sustainability focus that will help candidates transition from Oil & Gas to Consulting or Finance. The two major sustainability concentrations are Energy and Finance & Energy and Environment. Duke Fuqua also provides two dual degrees for Sustainability - Master of Environmental Management (MEM)/MBA and Master of Forestry (MF)/MBA. As part of Case i3, those who are interested in managing funds with a Sustainability focus will get the opportunity to manage the Sustainable Impact Fund.
2) MIT Sloan School of Management
MIT Sloan MBA leads in the number of electives offered for Sustainability at 74, which you can choose through the Sustainability Certificate program. The program is ideal for anyone interested in the Operations, Innovation. and Strategy side of sustainable businesses.
3) Ross School of Business
Ross MBA has 44 electives under its Business and Sustainability concentration with a strong emphasis on business strategy for sustainable development, operations, systems thinking, supply chain management, and preserving the environment. At Ross, with an MBA, you can also do an MS from the School for Environment and Sustainability.
4) Darden School of Business
If you are looking for global hands-on experience in Sustainability, Darden MBA offers Global Experiential learning opportunities, including Technology and Sustainability in Business (Brazil), Sustainability and Ecotourism in Costa Rica, and Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainability (Sweden).
5) Haas School of Business
Haas MBA offers two concentrations - Energy and Clean Technology & Sustainable and Impact Finance. The two major experiential learning opportunities at Berkeley Hass are the Sustainable Investment Fund and Cleantech to Market. With the Sustainable Investment Fund at Haas, students will get the opportunity to maximize and manage a $3M+ fund implementing ESG strategies and practices. The curriculum is ideal for Technology and Finance candidates.
Learn more about our research on Sustainability trends and the Top MBA/Master’s program in Sustainability
