Sustainability 101: Top online executive business courses on sustainability

Augment your practice with these executive business courses on sustainability. While some courses are as low as $2,000, those that are a part of MBA programs have, well, MBA degree costs associated with them. These courses take you beyond the typical MBA track, threading together more traditional business learnings with sustainability. 

This is the fourth edition of our four-part series on Sustainability 101: Free and Paid Resources, Courses, Certificates, and Degrees to Build Your Sustainability Knowledge. You can check out parts 1, 2, and 3 at the links below:

Part 1: Free Resources to Build Your Climate Change and Sustainability Knowledge

Part 2: Low-cost and free courses on sustainability

Part 3: Free and low-cost courses and resources on the business of sustainability

1. The Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Learning

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainable Learning offers 8-week online courses in topics ranging from sustainable finance to business strategy and sustainability leadership. I’ll put a special plug in for the Sustainable Marketing, Media, and Creative course, which I contributed to. The course emphasizes the central role of creative and media as being on the frontlines for the transition to more sustainable living. Much love went into the course, which includes the role of purpose, at a personal and organizational level - so much of what we preach here at Marshall Sustainability.

2. Harvard Business School: Business & Environment Initiative

Targeted towards leaders and entrepreneurs, CSR and consulting professionals, and any purpose-driven professionals, HBR’s Business and Environment initiative offers a 3-week, self-paced certificate course on how businesses can affect change and be values-driven in a for-profit space.

3. NYU Stern: Sustainability Executive Certificate Programs

NYU’s Stern School of Business offers certificate programs on corporate sustainability, sustainable finance and investing, and sustainable leadership. Courses are offered both online and in person.

4. INSEAD Business Sustainability Programme

Designed for senior executives and decision-makers, the INSEAD Business Sustainability Programme provides understanding and tools for building and implementing sustainability strategies, models, and opportunities. There are also networking events and conferences on offer.

Top business post-grad and masters programs with a focus on sustainability

When you really want to go for it, a post-grad or master's program will put you clearly on the route to sustainable leadership in your chosen line of work or business.

1. Cambridge Masters of Studies in Sustainability Leadership

This one again comes with a big cheer and a personal recommendation from me as a participant and degree holder. Through a combination of workshops and e-modules, the mission is to empower individuals and organizations to take the lead in tackling critical global challenges. The courses are designed for working professionals and are interdisciplinary, drawing on experts from departments such as Engineering, Geography, Land Economy, and the Cambridge Judge Business School.

2. Harvard Sustainability Master’s Degree Program

In addition to the certificate offerings from its extension school, Harvard offers a Master’s Degree in Sustainability. The program cultivates an understanding of the science, policies, technologies, and financial models that support sustainable development so that you can better help develop innovative, practical, and equitable solutions. You’ll sharpen your analytical research and leadership skills along the way to help you in your role, whether in the corporate or grassroots spheres.

3. NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business

The EMBA program at NYU Stern offers a specialization in Sustainable Business and Innovation. The degree is 22 months and offers experiential learning opportunities abroad, as well as co-curricular and research fellowship opportunities for learning inside and outside the classroom.

4. Tufts University Fletcher Masters of International Business

In addition to a wealth of discipline-specific degree courses on sustainability, the Tufts University Fletcher School offers a Masters of International Business with a focus on preparing graduates to address the most pressing social, environmental, and governance issues of our times. This program is residential, a full two years on campus. Graduates are known to go on to serve with NGOs, as diplomats, and in sustainability policy as well as within business organizations.

5. University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise

Offering a dual-degree MBS/MS program in sustainability, the Erb Institute is a partnership between the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability. The program takes 2.5 to 3 years and combines classroom learning with internships, with the goal of creating graduates who create a lasting impact through business.

6. Cornell SC Johnson Sustainable Global (SGE) Immersion

The SGE Immersion program for MBA students at the Cornell SC Johnson School of Business provides a deep understanding of sustainability in the context of the business sphere, with a focus on critical and strategic decision-making to drive growth and innovation. Special emphasis is paid to critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity with a lens on addressing social and environmental business issues across industries and functions. Courses are multi-disciplinary and culminate in a client-facing project.

7. Yale School of Management Sustainability MBA for Executives: Sustainability Focus

The Yale School of Management Executive MBA offers a sustainability track focusing on sustainable business practices, energy, and climate change. In addition to courses, you’ll participate in Colloquium on Sustainability Leadership, a series of talks with innovators, global CEOs, and policymakers, and a chance for unparalleled networking. The focus is an extension of the long-standing collaboration between the School of Management and the lauded Yale School of Environment.

8. University of Exeter Business School MSc in Sustainable Business Management

Offered in-person at the Penryn campus, the MSc in Sustainable Business Management from the University of Exeter Business School helps students deepen their understanding of the role business plays in creating a sustainable future. From modules in climate change to those in the environment and human health, students will learn about the current concepts and debates from leading experts. Graduates move on to positions of management and leadership across industries and fields.

9. Columbia Business School Focus Specialization in Social Enterprise

The Columbia School of Business Tamer Center for Social Enterprise offers an MBA specialization that will fully prepare students for a career in business-oriented ESG. Focuses range from social entrepreneurship to board and nonprofit management, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, political economy, and international development. Students will graduate with an understanding of the context for decision-making to better address social and environmental challenges.

10. Berkeley Haas School of Business Michael’s Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business

As a part of their MBA track, the Berkeley Haas School of Business offers a certificate in sustainable business. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of the framework and practical skills necessary to implement more sustainable business models, management practices, and technologies to help reimagine how to leverage business to address environmental, social, and economic crises.

Here’s more

Download our comprehensive guide, Resources, Courses, Certificates, and Degrees to Build Your Sustainability Knowledge. 

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