Best MBA in Sustainability Degree Programs of 2024

As climate change and environmental awareness become increasingly a part of our lives, businesses are taking note and creating jobs that address sustainability in the workforce. These jobs include sustainability managers who ensure a company’s supply chain and independent consultants who work with multiple firms to develop environmentally friendly policies. Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in sustainability is an ideal way to prepare for these roles.

As a relatively new sub-section of the business field, job growth for sustainability occupations can be difficult to predict, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there will be an increase in environmentally-focused jobs through 2030. Global professional services firm Deloitte also predicts an increase in ‘green collar jobs’ that require knowledge of business and sustainability practices, such as sustainability manager, compliance manager, and ESG portfolio manager.

MBA in sustainability programs can take one to three years to complete, depending on the student’s experience level and the program’s pace. Tuition varies by program, but according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual tuition for graduate programs during the 2021-22 academic year was $12,596 at public institutions and $29,931 at private non-profit colleges.

How to Choose an MBA in Sustainability Degree Program

Choose your area of study

If you haven’t already, take some time before you begin your search to reflect on your goals and confirm that an MBA in sustainability is the ideal way to achieve them.

MBA programs are designed for individuals who want to develop or sharpen business skills, often to advance into leadership positions like manager or executive. An MBA in sustainability will cover the general business skills needed for these roles while specializing in sustainability’s role in business practices and policies. Individuals with this degree can go on to work as sustainability consultants, compliance directors, logisticians, resource managers, and more.

Also, think about what you need from your program logistically. Can you attend weekday classes during business hours, or do you need a program with evening and weekend classes? Are you enrolling full-time or part-time? Can you accommodate an entirely in-person program, or do you need the flexibility of an online MBA in sustainability?

Research schools and programs

Once you know the type of MBA in sustainability program you’re seeking, you can begin researching your options.

To help you determine if a program is a good fit, ask the following questions:

• What is the program’s curriculum? How does it align with your interests and goals?
• Who are the faculty members, and what are their qualifications?
• Are there internship requirements or other experiential learning components?
• What networking opportunities are available to students?
• What support services does the institution offer graduate students, including tutoring, tech support, and mental health care?
• What scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available?
• What type of accreditation does the institution and program have?

This last question is essential, as a school’s accreditation status can impact your eligibility for financial aid, future employment, and further educational opportunities. Schools in the U.S. can be regionally or nationally accredited, with regional accreditation being the more widely recognized accreditation status. MBA programs can also have programmatic accreditation through agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). You can verify if a school and program are accredited through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s database.

Most schools publish relevant information about their programs on their websites, but you can also learn more by speaking to an admissions counselor or program representative, attending an in-person or online open house, or following schools and programs on social media.

Prepare for tests and applications

As you research schools, note their application requirements and deadlines. You can usually find this information on the school’s website, or you can contact their admissions office for more details. Find out if the program has specific eligibility requirements, such as an undergraduate degree in business, a minimum undergraduate GPA, or a minimum amount of professional experience.

A standard application for an MBA in sustainability program will include the following:

• Completed application and required fees
• Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools previously attended
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Personal statement
• GRE or GMAT scores

If you still need to take the GRE or GMAT, or if your scores are over five years old, plan on taking one or both of these standardized tests well before your application is due. Students have multiple opportunities throughout the year to take these exams and various ways to prepare for them, including self-paced study or prep classes. Because they can be challenging, account for the time needed to retake the exams if you don’t achieve your desired score on the first try.

Select your program

The number of MBA in sustainability programs you choose to apply to is a personal decision. Because admissions to MBA programs can be competitive, especially at top-tier business schools, you may choose to apply to multiple schools to increase the odds of acceptance. However, if only one or two programs meet your needs and interests, you may want to focus on applying to those schools. If you’re accepted to multiple MBA in sustainability programs, compare your options to the priorities you outlined in step one to help you decide which program is the best fit for you.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

As part of your research and selection process, gather information about the program’s cost and available financial aid resources. You can find this information on the school’s website or speak to a financial aid counselor at the institution.

Students who plan to use need-based financial aid, such as federal student loans, grants, or work-study, must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Colleges use the information from this application to determine eligibility for aid based on financial need, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans through the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program. Schools will also use this information to award their own need-based scholarships and grants.

Other options for paying for an MBA include scholarships from external sources, such as professional associations, nonprofits, private scholarship funds, and community or religious organizations.

Because of the desirability of MBA skills, many employers will offer workers financial support to pursue this degree. If you plan on working while earning your MBA in sustainability, ask your employer about tuition assistance benefits they may offer.