Launched in 2014, the Sustainable Innovation Master of Business Administration (SI‑MBA) is an accelerated, full-time, one‑year MBA program at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business. Offered in person in Burlington, Vermont, SI‑MBA combines rigorous business fundamentals with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. 

Students benefit from personalized career guidance, direct engagement with sustainable business leaders, and a high‑touch, collaborative cohort experience. The program prepares graduates to use business as a force for good while building impactful and purpose‑driven careers. In recognition of the program’s impact, SI-MBA has been ranked by Corporate Knights as the #1 Better World MBA in the US. 

Yes. SI‑MBA graduates earn a fully accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Vermont. 

The SI‑MBA is consistently recognized for its leadership in impact‑oriented business education: 

• #1 Better World MBA in the United States and #2 globally by Corporate Knights 

• #2 Best Green MBA and #5 Best MBA for Non‑Profit Management by The Princeton Review 

These third‑party rankings are based on faculty thought leadership, integration of sustainability into curriculum, and real‑world alumni impact. SI‑MBA is widely recognized as a pioneering program that helped define the field of sustainable and responsible business education. 

SI‑MBA embeds sustainability, impact, and systems thinking into aspect of the curriculum—rather than treating them as electives. The program emphasizes: 

• Sustainable strategy, innovation, and change‑making 

• Real‑world projects with mission‑driven organizations 

• Leadership development and professional “soft‑skill” workshops 

• Direct exposure to executives and scholars shaping the future of business 

The result is an MBA experience designed for students who want to lead transformation, not just manage it. 

Yes. SI‑MBA is a fully in‑person, one‑year MBA program. The experience is intentionally high‑touch and immersive, designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and deep connections among students, faculty, and industry leaders — all in Burlington, Vermont. 

A one‑year MBA allows students to: 

• Launch or pivot into impact careers faster 

• Reduce opportunity cost by spending less time out of the workforce 

• Lower overall tuition and living costs compared to two‑year programs 

• Maintain momentum and focus in an immersive, cohort‑based experience 

Graduates emerge job‑ready with strong professional networks and practical experience. 

During the summer, students work in small teams on a practicum project with a sustainably focused organization. Projects span local, national, and international companies across sectors. 

Students: 

• Rank their preferred projects 

• Are matched based on skills, interests, and career goals 

• Work with globally recognized companies such as Unilever, Beta Technologies, Ben & Jerry’s, Burton Snowboards, and more. 

• Work on real strategic, operational, or innovation challenges 

Yes. Students may propose an entrepreneurial venture or independent impact project as their practicum, subject to approval. Several past students have successfully pursued this option. 

Career coaching is deeply integrated into the SI‑MBA experience. Students receive: 

• One‑on‑one career advising throughout the year 

• Support crafting a career trajectory aligned with personal values and strengths 

• Resume, interview, and networking coaching 

• Access to alumni and employer connections 

Career advising is highly personalized and relationship‑based. 

SI‑MBA alumni work across industries including: 

• Impact investing and finance 

• Consumer goods and outdoor industry 

• Nonprofits and social enterprises 

• ESG, sustainability, and strategy consulting 

• Corporate sustainability leadership 

Alumni roles include: 

• Chief Sustainability Officer, NASCAR 

• Product Impact Lead, Burton Snowboards 

Graduates join a global community of change‑makers committed to driving positive social and environmental outcomes. 

Yes. The program integrates guest speakers and site visits throughout the year. Students also attend industry conferences such as GreenBiz and SeeChange. Each student receives a professional development stipend that can be used for conferences, certifications, travel, and lodging. 

Due to the intensive, immersive nature of the program, working during the academic year is not recommended. Students who fully engage in coursework, career programming, and community life gain the greatest benefit.