The Best MBA Programs for Sustainability
Originally published on August 24, 2023. Updated on April 23, 2025.
In a world where environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility are top of mind, sustainability has become more than a buzzword—it’s a driving force shaping the business world. At its core, sustainability reinforces the idea that businesses can thrive while protecting the environment, promoting social equity, and supporting economic resilience.
Top MBA programs have become training grounds for those who want a career focused on sustainability. If that sounds like you, read on for our list of the best MBA programs for sustainability.
The Best MBA Programs for Sustainability
Note that while we have assigned a ranking of sorts, each of the programs below offers a strong sustainability curriculum and resources. For our ranking methodology, we took into account the overall ranking of the institution, the prominence of each school’s sustainability offerings, and internal client feedback. While our other MBA specialty guides take post-MBA employment statistics into account, that was difficult to consider here as sustainability-focused careers span many industries and functions.
If you’re exploring your options and want expert perspective that aligns with your goals, we’re here to help.
1. MIT Sloan School of Management
Renowned for its pioneering spirit, MIT Sloan offers a Sustainability Certificate Program—and has since 2010. This initiative blends cutting-edge research with real-world application. The program emphasizes sustainable business models and innovative solutions that prepare graduates to make a meaningful, lasting impact.
Explore MIT’s offerings:
2. UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
Berkeley Haas delivers a robust sustainability curriculum that empowers students to navigate the intersection of business and environmental responsibility. The coursework is designed to foster a deep understanding of sustainable business practices, ethical leadership, and systems thinking.
Students have access to numerous interdisciplinary opportunities across the broader UC Berkeley ecosystem.
Explore student opportunities at Haas:
- Haas Sustainability Curriculum
- Michaels Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business
- Summer Minor in Sustainable Business and Policy
- Extracurricular Opportunities
3. Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)
Stanford GSB stands out through its interdisciplinary education, hands-on learning, and commitment to innovation. The program incorporates sustainability into the core business curriculum while also offering practical experience in solving real-world environmental challenges.
Additionally, students can pursue the MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA Joint Degree, which further deepens their expertise in environmental strategy.
Learn more about GSB’s sustainability focus:
For a deeper dive into what makes Stanford GSB unique—including insights on its culture, curriculum, and admissions strategy—check out our Insider’s Guide to Stanford GSB.
4. Columbia Business School
Columbia’s Climate Change and Business Program centers on leveraging markets and business tools to tackle climate challenges. The initiative focuses on creating strategies that mitigate, adapt to, or even reverse the effects of climate change—locally and globally.
In addition, CBS provides a range of sustainability-focused courses that explore the relationship between climate and business strategy.
Learn more about the Climate Change and Business Program:
If Columbia is on your list, be sure to read our Columbia Business School Application Guide before applying.
5. Yale School of Management
Yale SOM embeds sustainability across the curriculum. Students gain a strong understanding of how sustainable practices intersect with various business functions. This prepares them to lead organizations that operate both responsibly and effectively.
The school’s emphasis on global leadership helps students approach challenges with a cross-cultural, socially conscious mindset.
Learn more about SOM’s Sustainability Focus:
6. Northwestern Kellogg
Kellogg offers a specialized Energy & Sustainability Pathway, which serves as a roadmap for students pursuing careers in natural resource-based sectors. The pathway includes courses that help students incorporate sustainability into investment decisions and enterprise strategy.
This structure offers flexibility while helping students develop targeted expertise in this evolving space.
Learn more about Kellogg’s offerings:
Considering Kellogg? Take a deeper look at what sets the program apart in our Kellogg Insider’s Guide.
7. University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Ross offers a unique dual-degree option through the Erb Institute, combining an MBA with a master’s in environmental sustainability or natural resources. This interdisciplinary approach develops leaders who can navigate the environmental challenges organizations face today.
Ross also offers a Business and Sustainability Concentration, which complements the MBA with electives focused on the triple bottom line. These courses provide a well-rounded perspective on integrating sustainability into all aspects of business.
Learn more about sustainability at Ross:
8. Darden School of Business
Darden emphasizes experiential learning through its Sustainability Initiative. Students work on practical sustainability projects in close partnership with companies, nonprofits, and the broader community. The school also offers a well-regarded ESG concentration that gives students the tools to lead with impact.
Beyond the classroom, Darden’s sustainable campus initiatives further reflect its commitment to responsible leadership.
Learn more about Darden’s approach:
9. Duke Fuqua School of Business
Fuqua’s EDGE Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment prepares students to lead in energy and sustainability-driven industries. Through experiential learning and a concentration in Energy & Environment, students explore how to integrate sustainable thinking into real-world business decisions.
Learn more about EDGE and Fuqua’s sustainability focus:
10. Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Cornell Johnson offers a wide range of sustainability courses and initiatives through its Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise. Students engage with real-world sustainability challenges, gaining perspectives that span industries and geographies.
Experiential opportunities allow students to explore sustainable innovation and social enterprise in depth.
Learn more about Cornell’s approach:
Need Help Choosing the Right Program?
We hope you found these resources helpful to decipher the best MBA programs for sustainability as you navigate your journey towards a sustainability-focused career. If you need further assistance in selecting the ideal MBA program for your goals, click here to request an initial consultation.
Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.
