Program Overview

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Sustainability and Enterprise (Graduate Certificate)

The graduate certificate program in Sustainability and Enterprise prepares students to advance sustainability practices and communicate sustainability as a means for transformational change, organizational success, and innovation. This program is designed for individuals who wish to develop the sustainable enterprises of the future and employ sustainability as a strategy for enterprise success.

Program Description

Organizations are increasingly aware of the need to address sustainability challenges. The CEOs of large private sector companies and leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors agree that sustainability will be critical to the future success of their enterprises. New types of enterprise models, including hybrids, mission-driven enterprises, benefit corporations, and cooperatives are emerging; and there is an increased demand for professionals who can guide enterprises to include sustainability principles in their operating strategies.

Skills Developed

Skills developed in this program include:

• Applying personal collaborative strengths to work in teams to assess sustainability opportunities and strategies
• Applying sustainability competencies to develop and implement enterprise improvement proposals
• Communicating sustainable enterprise approaches, challenges, risks, and opportunities
• Critically assessing enterprises against a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria
• Identifying opportunities that exist for enterprises that address sustainability problems

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Global Futures
• Location: Tempe or Online
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

15 credit hours

• Required Core (9 credit hours)
  • EMS 523 Strategic Sustainability and Leadership (3)
  • SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3)
  • SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)
• Electives (6 credit hours) Students should see their program advisor for an approved list of electives.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in sustainability, business, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Applicants are required to submit:
  1. Graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. Official transcripts
  3. Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Attend Online

ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Session A/C, In Person, Deadline: 07/15, Type: Final
• Spring: Session A/C, In Person, Deadline: 12/15, Type: Final

Global Opportunities

Study abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit.

Career Opportunities

Career examples include the following roles:

• Chief Sustainability Officer
• Environmental Scientist or Specialist
• Management Analyst
• Project Manager
• Sustainability Consultant
• Sustainability Specialist

Program Details

This graduate certificate in Sustainability and Enterprise may be paired with a graduate degree at ASU or completed on its own. If done independently, a graduate certificate does not meet the requirements for federal financial aid or a student visa.