Online Green ("Sustainable") MBA Programs

Today's economic times are leading many of us to rethink our careers.  Green tech seems to be the future of the economy and an MBA in Sustainable Management seems like just the tool to catapult our careers in the right direction.  But spending two years in a classroom is just not feasible if your working, have kids, or don't live close to a program.  There are multiple Online ("distance learning") Green/Sustainable MBA programs, all of which vary in the focus , time spent in the classroom versus online, and time of completion.  Here's a summary:

School: Anaheim University

Degree Offered: Online Green MBA (They also offer less intensive Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas in Sustainable Management)

% Online: 100% online

Program Description/Philosophy: The program aims to move candidates  “beyond short-term quarterly profits, and focuses on long-term gain by incorporating the environmental and social costs of doing business into management decisions.”

Program Length: 18 months

School: Alliant University

Degree Offered: Bright Green Accelerated MBA

% Online:  One 4-day weekend per month face-to-face (multiple locations, all in California)

Program Description/Philosophy:  Alliant's program is built upon the core belief that “businesses can be successful and truly make a difference in the quality of our lives and that of future generations.”

Program Length: 12-24 months

School: Argosy University

Degree Offered: MBA with Sustainable Management Concentration

% Online: 100%

Program Description/Philosophy:  Argosy describes that this MBA is for "individuals who seek to be the go-to problem solvers for modern businesses” and promises "real-world insights into the leadership qualities, actions, and solutions that resonate in the workplace.”

Program Length: 12-24 months

School: Marylhurst University

Degree Offered: MBA in Sustainable Business

% Online: 100%

Program Description/Philosophy: The goal of Marlyhurst's program is to "prepare you to become a leader who can address environmental and social concerns while contributing to profitable growth within your organization.” A definite plus is that they offer multiple concentrations. including renewable energy, government and policy, green development, and more.

Program Length: 18 months

School: Antioch University of New England

Degree Offered: MBA in Sustainability (the "Green MBA")

% Online: 5 intensive face-to-face 4-day weekends per semester (located in Keene, New Hampshire)

Program Description/Philosophy: “The Antioch MBA emphasizes balancing a company's financial health as well as environmental sustainability, quality of work life, ethical practices, and corporate social responsibility.”

Program Length:12-24 months

School: University of Colorado at Denver

Degree Offered: MBA with specialization in Management for Sustainability

% Online: 100% online

Program Description/Philosophy:  University of Colorado promises to help you “champion the role of business in fostering the long-term health and viability of communities, the environment and the company.”

Program Length: 12-24 months

School: Walden University

Degree Offered: MBA with specialization in Sustainable Future

% Online: 100% online

Program Description/Philosophy: The focus of this program is to obtain "the skills needed to manage large-scale change that adds value, contributes to a sustainable future, and responds to the needs of organizations and society. Explore ways to understand and improve relationships among individuals, organizations, and communities. Incorporate global awareness into planning, operations, and decision-making at all levels of an organization."

Program Length:  22 months

School: Portland State University

Degree Offered: MBA in Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability

% Online: One 4-day weekend per semester face-to-face

Program Description/Philosophy: "This program seeks to produce future business leaders with innovative spirit and a commitment to social, economic, and environmental stewardship."

Program Length: 24 months