Sustainability Management Program

Businesses today face complex challenges that affect people, communities and the planet. Climate change, resource use, waste, inequality and responsible leadership are shaping how organizations operate and make decisions. As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, organizations are looking for graduates who understand these challenges and can help build better systems for the future.

The Sustainability Management major helps you understand how business can be part of the solution. You will explore how companies can grow and innovate, while also protecting the environment and supporting healthy communities. This program focuses on the connection between environmental responsibility, social impact and economic success. You will learn how organizations can make decisions and balance all three. 

Sustainability Management at the Sobey School of Business explores sustainability through a business perspective while drawing on ideas from several areas of study. The program connects business education with topics from economics, environmental science and social studies. Through sustainability-focused business courses and interdisciplinary electives, you will build a deeper understanding of how environmental, social and economic challenges are connected across industries, communities and ecosystems. This approach prepares you to think critically and develop responsible, innovative solutions within organizations.

Hands-on learning is an important part of the Sustainability Management major. In their final year, students choose between Consulting for Real-World Impact (BCOM 4491) and Sustainability Management (BCOM 4748), two experiential courses where they work with organizations on real sustainability projects. These partnerships help students apply classroom knowledge to real challenges such as improving sustainability strategies or reducing environmental impact, while developing skills in research, teamwork, communication and problem solving.

Students can also choose to participate in Co-operative Education, gaining paid work experience and additional opportunities to apply their sustainability knowledge in professional settings.

Graduates with sustainability expertise are increasingly needed across many sectors.

With a Sustainability Management major, you may pursue careers in areas such as:

• sustainable finance

• corporate social responsibility

• sustainability consulting

• sustainability reporting and assurance

• sustainable marketing

• supply chain and logistics

• social enterprise development

You may also find opportunities in government, nonprofit organizations and international institutions working on environmental and social initiatives.

This major also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in business, management, economics and environmental or social fields.

Courses in the Sustainability Management major combine business knowledge with sustainability focused topics.

Examples may include:

• Sustainable Entrepreneurship 

• Exploring Sustainability 

• Business Ethics and Responsibility 

• Sustainability Accounting, Reporting and Assurance 

• Sustainable Finance 

• Sustainable Marketing Management

• Economics of Sustainability 

• Leadership in a Changing World 

• Consulting for Real-World Impact 

Students can also choose interdisciplinary courses that explore sustainability from environmental, social and global perspectives, including topics like climate change, environmental ethics, global development and society and the environment.

Certificate in Sustainability Business