Jagpreet
05 July, 2024
Table of Contents
There’s a debate on a global level, on whether to incorporate sustainability practices in business management. If you follow a value-driven outlook in developing business strategies, it can be a vital aspect leading to the long-term success of the business. As business organisations have understood the need and benefits of sustainability in business, employers are actively looking for knowledgeable professionals to handle such responsibilities. Moreover, understanding sustainability management and its practicality is crucial for every business leader. Owing to these numbers, the number of candidates applying for an MBA in Sustainability Management has increased. If you are also planning for this field, but are confused about whether to invest your money, learn about this programme in detail and the benefits it has.
We have started by getting a broad idea of an MBA in Sustainability Management.
A Master of Business Administration in Sustainability Management is a postgraduate degree of two years. The programme consists of six semesters spread over two years duration. It emphasises developing a sustainable approach for business with the aim to protect the environment and its resources In a way, it teaches how commercial businesses can transform the earth by adopting sustainable techniques. These sustainable practices benefit business growth and help achieve environmental goals. This course broadly covers areas like sustainability and business success, environment management systems, negotiations and leadership skills, environmental physics, and CSR among other areas.
An MBA in SM prepares you to understand the intricacies of environmental protection with the application of innovative technology. Having a strong understanding of sustainability and how to integrate it into business management is a high-demand skill companies look for in managers and leaders.
MBA in Sustainability Management is a new field with a promising future globally. Here’s an elaborate look into the benefits of earning an MBA in Sustainability Management.
Increasing Demand: Sustainability is a major global concern which increasingly recognised by various industries. This has ignited a growing demand for sustainability professionals at the international level.
Accede to Leadership Roles: Sustainability management is an integral part of business strategy. Pursuing an MBA in this specialisation will help you advance your career in leadership positions at a faster pace.
Access to Global Opportunities: The sustainability issue is global, therefore, the opportunities you get in this field are global. Moreover, an MBA programme is known for providing a detailed overview of the international market and networking opportunities which aids in seizing lucrative opportunities.
Job Security: As countries are focusing on achieving global sustainability goals, companies are bound to adapt to the changes. It reflects the growing scope of this field and the job security that follows in the long term.
Before you start your preparation, you must check the eligibility criteria in your desired institution. As every college/university will have different criteria, we have provided some common admission requirements for an MBA in Sustainability Management.
You must be a bachelor’s degree holder in any stream from a recognised university
You must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in undergraduate or the last qualifying exam. There is a 5% relaxation in marks for reserved category students as per government norms.
You need to appear in the entrance exam for CAT/XAT/CMAT/MAT or any other exam accepted by the university. For online mode, entrance exams may or may not be required.
Although work experience is not mandatory, some institutions do prefer 1-2 years of experience.
Please note that the syllabus and coursework of every institution will be different. We have provided the areas that are commonly covered in this course.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Principles and Concepts of Sustainability | Macroeconomics |
Management Concepts | Corporate Social Responsibility |
Social Responsibility | Management Information Systems |
Human Resource Management | Climate Change and Development |
Accounting for Managers | Energy Policy and Management |
People Management | Process Safety Management |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Business, Natural Ecosystems and Community | Integrated Marketing and Communication |
Rural Banking | Consumer Behaviour |
Project Design and Management for Sustainable Development Practice | ESE Framework and Standards |
Accounting and Finance for Sustainability | Elective Courses |
Circular Business Models | Project Work |
Institution Name | Fee Structure | Rankings & Accreditations |
IIM Mumbai | – | 10th NIRF Rank 2023 (Management Category) |
Nalanda University | INR 2,22,000 (full course) | |
Amity University | INR 1,71,000 (per year) | • UGC • AIU • AICTE • 28th NIRF Rank 2023 (Management Category) |
IIM Lucknow | INR 10,95,000 (per year) | • AACSB • AMBA • 6th NIRF Rank 2023 (Management Category) |
SPJIMR | INR 10,00,000 (full course) – PGDM Online | • AACSB • AMBA • NBA • 20th NIRF Rank 2023 (Management Category) |
Techno India University | • UGC • AICTE |
Sustainability is a diverse and evolving discipline. Just like an accountant and HR professional can apply their skills in almost every industry, sustainability professionals are required by various organisations. This means that sustainability graduates enjoy a multitude of career opportunities. Here are some of the most popular career choices for MBA in Sustainability Management graduates:
Job Roles | Average Salary |
Sustainability Manager | INR 12.7 LPA |
Sustainability Director | INR 36 LPA |
Energy Analyst | INR 5.2 LPA |
Environmental Compliance Specialist | INR 10 LPA |
Business Operations Manager | INR 18.1 LPA |
Sustainability Consultant | INR 12.7 LPA |
Environmental Health and Safety Manager | INR 16.6 LPA |
Like any other business sector, sustainability professionals are needed in every major organisation. Although it is still in its growing phase and currently is limited to large business corporations or government agencies, it has a long way to go in the distant future. Therefore, earning an MBA in Sustainability Management is a good option for those aspiring for this domain.
The basic admission criteria are that the candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with 50% marks. You are also required to appear in the management entrance exam like CAT or a separate test conducted by the university.
There are various career opportunities you can opt for after this degree. Some of them are Business Operations Manager, Sustainability Consultant, Supply Chain & Logistics Director, Financial Advisor, Environmental Compliance Specialist, etc.
Amity University, Nalanda University, and IIMs are some of the institutions names which offer MBAs in Sustainability Management.
The tuition for this MBA specialisation ranges between INR 2,00,000 to 11,00,000 in different colleges.
It generally takes two years to complete this degree full-time. Otherwise, you can take a maximum of 4 years to complete it.
An MBA in sustainability management graduate can work in an engineering firm, manufacturing firm, business organisation, NGO, and other such organisations.