Overview
A Master in Sustainability Management is a graduate-level program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental, social, governance, and economic challenges in various organizational contexts. This interdisciplinary degree focuses on sustainable practices, corporate social responsibility, environmental policy, and sustainable business strategies. The curriculum typically includes courses on sustainability science, environmental economics, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement, integrating theory with practical applications to prepare graduates for leadership roles in sustainability.
Career Pathways
A graduate of the Master in Sustainability Management program could pursue either of the following careers,
- Sustainability Manager: Develop and implement sustainability strategies, oversee corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: Manage CSR programs, engage with stakeholders, and report on sustainability performance.
- Environmental Policy Analyst: Conduct research, analyse policies, and advocate for sustainable practices at local, national, or international levels.
- Sustainability Consultant: Advise organizations on sustainable practices, conduct sustainability assessments, and help develop sustainability strategies.
- Green Business Consultant: Focus on helping businesses implement eco-friendly practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and achieve sustainability certifications.
- Program Manager for Sustainability Initiatives: Manage sustainability projects, coordinate with partners, and secure funding for environmental programs.
- Sustainability Coordinator for NGOs: Implement and monitor sustainability programs, conduct outreach, and engage with communities on sustainability issues.
Schools
The top ranked schools for the Master in Supply Chain Management program are,
- Imperial Business School
Imperial’s MSc Climate Change, Management, and Finance program is 1-year and offers coursework on climate change and finance, energy business and strategy, carbon accounting and reporting, innovation in cleantech, and climate change impact and mitigation. Furthermore, students can delve deeper into this discipline by studying electives on clean technology investment, corporate social responsibility, risk management and climate change, and sustainable consumption. In the final few months, students choose between a consultancy project and a work placement that is often regarded to equip students with practical training and skills prior to graduation.
- HEC Paris
HEC Paris’ Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation initially focuses on core courses that include sustainability strategic management, sustainable finance, and sustainable operations management. These foundational courses are designed to empower students to become change-makers in the future. Students then choose electives that include climate change economics, decarbonization strategies, ESG investing, DEI, circular economy strategies, and sustainable innovation among others. Moreover, the introduction of business simulations and projects further facilitates a holistic learning experience on campus.
- ESCP
The MSc in International Sustainability Management at ESCP is a two-year program that allows students to study in Paris and Berlin. Coursework includes topics on environmental and sustainability management, business ethics and CSR, climate change, sustainable finance, and sustainable innovation among others. The program also consists of a week-long seminar in Germany that focuses on opportunities and challenges related to sustainability management globally. Apart from core sustainability courses, students benefit from studying cross cultural management, geopolitics, and sustainability governance and policies that are highly relevant given the global nature of sustainable management. The practical components of this program include consultancy projects with companies, a research thesis, and an internship.
- ESSEC Business School
The MSc in Sustainability Transformation at ESSEC is a 1-year program and focuses on environmental, social, and economic transformation. Students in this program can tailor their curriculum in either of 6 specializations – Circular Economy, Food Transition, DEI, Sustainable Finance, Climate & Biodiversity, and Not-for-Profit Innovation. In addition to these specializations, students also study core courses on responsible marketing, sustainability accounting & reporting, sustainability transformation, and courses in French. In the final few months, students complete an internship and a research thesis.
- EDHEC Business School
The MSc in Global & Sustainable Business focuses on integrating sustainability in strategic decision making. The 18-month program consists of 12 months of core courses and electives followed by 6 months of internship. Core courses include business ethics, responsible procurement, sustainable strategic management, and sustainable marketing among others. A few of the elective courses include business models for sustainability, sustainable finance, global justice and human rights, and managing diversity and inclusion. Prior to graduation, students have the option to undertake certifications in project management, leadership, and foresight innovation and transformation while also completing a 6-month internship to gain relevant practical experience.
- IE Business School
IE’s Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation is a program designed for those who intend to build a sustainable future. The emphasis of this theme is reflected in the curriculum that consists of courses such as impact investing, social entrepreneurship, creative and critical thinking, sustainable business strategy, sustainable value chain, marketing sustainable products, and sustainable strategic governance among others. In the final term, students work in a team to assess a real-world sustainability challenge of a corporation and propose solutions that accelerates the impact of sustainable transformation for a corporation.
- ESADE Business School
The Master in Sustainability Management at ESADE initially begins with highlighting sustainability challenges through coursework on environmental trends and challenges, political and economic impediments to sustainability, and the science of sustainability wherein students learn to assess the impact of social inequality, poverty, and human rights. The following two terms focus on courses that include strategy and branding for sustainability, leading systemic change, sustainable finance, renewable energy and decarbonization strategies, and accelerating innovation among others. The program also includes a study trip to locations such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Cape Town, Seoul, Milan, or Toronto.
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
RSM’s MSc Global Business & Sustainability program focuses on equipping students with knowledge and skills to tackle grand societal challenges. The coursework includes topics on business sustainability, global business strategies, ethics and sustainable behaviour. Furthermore, elective options include circular economy, climate change, social entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, and sustainable food strategies. Last, students complete a thesis component wherein they research topics that suit their preferences.