My MBA Career: Integrating Sustainability at Top Business Schools – Corporate Knights Magazine

Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Business Schools Recognized in 2023 Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking for Sustainability Focus

The Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking for 2023 has unveiled the top business schools that prioritize sustainable development in their curriculum. This year’s ranking considered 209 business schools worldwide, focusing on the proportion of the core curriculum that addresses sustainable development concepts.

Bard College’s MBA in Sustainability, under the guidance of Eban Goodstein, secured an impressive fourth place on the list. Furthermore, it claimed the number one spot in the Princeton Review’s ranking of Green MBAs in the United States. Goodstein firmly believes that conventional MBA programs that either ignore sustainability or relegate it to an elective status should be consigned to history.

In a significant development, the French Ministry of Education has issued a new competency framework for business schools. This framework places corporate social responsibility, as well as orientation towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, at the core of business education. This move aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable business practices.

Audencia Business School in France witnessed a remarkable leap in the rankings, moving up nine places due to a substantial increase in its core sustainability courses. This highlights the school’s commitment to preparing students for careers that prioritize sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Another notable institution on the list is the Schulich School of Business at York University in Canada, directed by Mike Valente. It ranks 16th and emphasizes the need for students to understand sustainability issues to pursue more fulfilling careers.

The Corporate Knights ranking also evaluated the percentage of recent graduates who secured positions in impact organizations, such as non-profits and companies with a focus on sustainability. This emphasis on real-world impact adds a social-purpose lens to the programs, stressing purpose over profit. However, it is important to note that this social purpose framework is not yet widely incorporated into business school curricula, indicating room for improvement.

The overall trend among business schools is a promising shift towards prioritizing sustainability and social purpose in their curriculum. Nevertheless, there is still work to be done to ensure broader integration of these essential values into business education.

As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges and social issues, business schools must adapt and equip future MBA graduates with the tools and knowledge needed to address the pressing sustainability concerns of our time.