| College | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Tempe | Arizona |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania |
| George Washington University | Washington | DC |
| Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge | Louisiana |
| University of Michigan | Ann Arbor | Michigan |
| University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill | North Carolina |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles | California |
| University of Wisconsin Madison | Madison | Wisconsin |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | Kentucky |
| Wilmington University | New Castle | Delaware |
Socially conscious companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Walt Disney are always a step ahead. They see change before it happens and they adjust. As our environment, economy, and culture changes, other companies have begun to move towards more sustainable and socially responsible businesses practices as well to keep up. This means, the demand for socially conscious leaders will increase. In response, a number of top universities have developed business programs that emphasize corporate social responsibility (CSR). An excellent example is the MBA/MS program offered at University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.
About the MBA/MS at Michigan Ross
The Frederick A. and Barbara M. Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise is a partnership with University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), which explores how organizations can achieve long-term success through the harmonization of economic, environmental and social interests. The institute’s world-class MBA/MS Program is an integrated three-year experience in which students earn two master’s degrees.
Per the school, “Erb Institute MBA/MS students complete one year of required courses within each school (Ross and SEAS). After completing the core requirements within each school, students typically specialize in a primary area of interest” such as corporate responsibility, conservation, sustainable production, sustainable development, renewable energy, industrial ecology, eco-entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, or green marketing.
There are over 30 courses between Ross and SEAS, and they have been recognized as “explicitly focusing on social sustainability and entrepreneurship, corporate responsibility and change management, and environmental energy sustainability.” The MBA at Ross is available online, part-time.
Other schools that offer CSR or CSR-related programs include:
- Arizona State University, W.P. Carey School of Business and ASU School of Sustainability, MBA with a Sustainable Enterprise Specialization
- Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business, MBA in Ethics and Social Responsibility
- George Washington University School of Business, MBA with a Certificate in Responsible Management
- Louisiana State University, EJ Ourso College of Business, Customized Degree from Nine Subject Areas and Dozens of Electives
- University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flager Business School, MBA with a Concentration in Sustainable Enterprise
- University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, MBA with a Concentration in Sustainability, Society, and Business; MBA with a Certificate in Sustainability and Business
- University of Wisconsin Madison, School of Business, MBA with a Certificate in Business, Environment, and Social Responsibility
- Western Kentucky University, Gordon Ford College of Business, MBA with a Sustainability Certificate
- Wilmington University College of Business, MBA with Concentrations in Environmental Sustainability and Organizational Leadership
Like Louisiana State, many schools also allow MBA students to customize their degree through electives. If you are interested in an MBA program with a CSR or related focus, discuss your goals with the school’s MBA program director. Keep in mind that as this focus area emerges, more schools will join the cause.
If you are a recent MBA CSR graduate, check out Forbes’ The World’s Most Reputable Companies for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Considering an Online MBA? Use our interactive map to find information on schools and colleges offering Online MBA programs in your state and across the U.S.
Sources
"Corporate Social Responsibility." The Berkeley MBA. Haas School of Business at University of California Berkeley, n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2017.
Gloeckler, Geoff. "MBA Rankings: Top Schools for Sustainability." Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg L.P., 22 Jan. 2013. Web. 25 Mar. 2017.
"MBA/MS at Michigan Ross." Stephen M. Ross School of Business. University of Michigan, 2019. Web. 24 Jun. 2019.
Rampton, John. "15 of the Most Innovative MBA Programs." Inc.com. Inc. Magazine, 25 Sept. 2015. Web. 25 Mar. 2017.
Schuetze, Christopher F. "Social Responsibility and M.B.A.'s." The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 Oct. 2013. Web. 25 Mar. 2017.
Smith, Jacquelyn. "The 10 Companies with the Best CSR Reputations." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 18 Nov. 2015. Web. 25 Mar. 2017.
Valet, Vicky. “The World's Most Reputable Companies For Corporate Responsibility 2018.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 18 Oct. 2018. Web. 25 Jun. 2019.
