Sustainable Innovation MBA

Program Overview

The Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business is the leading program for emerging change-makers who believe business can, and must, become a force for good. Our accelerated,  one-year program integrates sustainable business practices across disciplines, focusing on the essential toolkit needed to manage — and transform — business. 

SI-MBA graduates jump back into the world making an impact in half the time than and with half the tuition needed for a more traditional MBA. They become change agents in fields as diverse as impact investing, sustainable development, mission-driven marketing, supply chain management, nonprofit management, and other socially responsible business functions. 

During the full-time, on-campus program, SI-MBA students gain unique access to Vermont’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Students learn from sustainable business leaders working to transform business into a force for good. We continually revise our curriculum and extracurricular activities with input from leading sustainability thought leaders. The SI-MBA experience is capped off with a practicum project, where students work on consulting engagements within sustainable businesses across Vermont, the US, and beyond. 

Our program has been and continues to be the U.S.’s highest ranked green MBA program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the most prestigious accrediting body for business programs. Only 5% of programs worldwide earn this honor. AACSB accreditation means that our curriculum, faculty, and program governance regularly pass an in-depth review by academic business experts.

Businesses of the future need to work for people and the planet. For that to happen, we need to evolve how business is taught. That’s what we’re here to do. Change is our business.

How to Apply

We encourage you to read detailed instructions on the SI-MBA application requirements and process to apply online. Learn more about SI-MBA tuition and scholarship opportunities.

Curriculum

Modules and courses

The program is structured in 4 modules of 8 weeks each. Each module comprises a series of short, intense courses. The students in each cohort learn and grow together as a cohesive group, and form lifelong professional and personal relationships.

Every course integrates discussion on how to embed socially responsible practices in business. Students explore the ethical considerations business leaders must address to build value in multistakeholder environments, and learn from business cases drawn from around the globe.

Sustainability Innovation MBA curriculum

Summer Preparation

• Introduction to Sustainable Business

Foundations of Management

• Business Strategy for a Sustainable World
• Finance for Innovators I
• Sustainable Brand Marketing
• Teams, Collaboration & Inner Sustainability
• Business Economics
• Financial Accounting for Sustainable Enterprises
• Entrepreneurial Family Business

Building a Sustainable Enterprise

• From CSR to Sustainable Value Creation
• Business Sustainability and Public Policy
• Marketing Decision Making Under Uncertainty
• Sustainability Toolkit Workshops
• Finance for Innovators II
• Cost Models for the Transformational EnterpriseData Visulaization

Growing a Sustainable Enterprise

• Sustainable Operations and Green Supply Chains
• Data Analytics for Sustainable Businesses
• Financing a Sustainable Venture
• Crafting the Entrepreneurial Business Model
• Sustainable Strategy I
• Sustainability Toolkit Workshops II

Focusing on Sustainability and Innovation

• Driving Sustainable Change
• Driving Innovation from Base of the Pyramid
• Innovation Strategy: From Idea to Market
• Sustainable Strategy II
• Sustainable Products Branding & Marketing
• Green Supply Chain
• ESG Reporting: A Primer

Sustainable Innovation in Action

• Summer Practicum Project
• Law as a Framework for Entrepreneurial Business
   

Innovators in Residence

To complement the core curriculum, the program also incorporates sustainable business leaders in the classroom through the Innovator in Residence speaker series. 

Deadlines

The Sustainable Innovation MBA program is an intensive one-year accelerated degree, starting at the end of August. Admission to the program is on a rolling basis.

Applications for the 2024-25 cohort will close July 12, 2024.
International student applications to close June 22, 2024.

Be sure to click “submit” on the application before these dates.

Admissions Requirements

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, applicants are drawn from a broad range of backgrounds and therefore we have no particular prerequisites in regards to prior coursework or degrees. We welcome applicants directly out of undergraduate programs who demonstrate one or more of the following in their application: a strong academic record, internship or other work experience, extracurricular involvement and/or research experience.

Each applicant is evaluated holistically, focusing on the applicant’s achievements and strengths as a person, which include but extend well beyond a collection of academic transcripts, test scores, and work experience. GMAT or GRE scores are not required, but applicants are welcome to submit test scores if they feel it will strengthen their application. Applicants often submit test scores when they have a less strong academic record, or little to no quantitative coursework.

Applicants for whom English is not their primary language are required to submit proof of English proficiency. The UVM Graduate College requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90, an IELTS score of 6.5, or a Duolingo score of 110. Application requirements also include 3 letters of reference and a statement of purpose.

To help prepare our students for success in the program, all incoming Sustainable Innovation MBA students are required to complete an introductory accounting course, as well as MBA Math. Both courses follow the UVM Summer Academic Calendar. Depending on your quantitative background, we may accept you conditionally and request that you take an additional quant course before enrolling in the program. Further information will be provided upon admission.

Questions before you apply?

If you have any questions before starting your application, please reach out to us at SI-MBA@uvm.edu. Once you begin the application, you will find guidance in the University of Vermont Graduate College application portal. You do not need to apply all in one session; you'll have the option to save and return to it later.

Outcomes

When you graduate from the SI-MBA program, you join a community of changemakers that transcends graduation cohort, united by a shared belief in the power of business to change the world. Our alumni network is growing fast but remains closely connected. Our alumni launch from our Burlington, Vermont campus to different sectors in business and NGOs around the world. Our alumni are creating impact.

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Our Values

Business as usual is not an option. Our vision is for business to be a catalyst for change. Learn more about our values.

Upcoming Events

The Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program hosts open events throughout the year. Join us for a SI-MBA event and become a force for good. Explore upcoming events.

Meet Our Team

Our team.

Apply

Apply to the Sustainable Innovation MBA at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business.