The BBA in Sustainability Management is designed to prepare the student for an administrative or management career within a company that is engaged in the green revolution.  The foundation of this program is to provide broad-based knowledge required to add value to the mission and vision of the green organization.  Work experience and prior academic preparation in any major qualifies individuals in this program to develop the necessary competencies in problem solving, technical analysis, and interpersonal skills required for effective management. Both current jobs and new jobs will begin to contain sustainability elements as marketplace economics and government initiatives move toward sustainable practices throughout business and industry. Some of the course work does include focus on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building requirements.

This degree emphasizes development and application of a broad set of skills needed to succeed in this rapidly changing green business transformation process. Topics include all facets of sustainability development, green enterprise management, human capital, finance, marketing, and operations.  Graduates pursue careers in manufacturing, commercial buildings and construction trades, health care, and government.

Career Benefits

According to the 2009 Michigan Green Jobs Report, green jobs are defined as being directly involved in generating or supporting a firm’s green-related products or services. The report further states that the green economy is defined as being comprised of industries providing products or services in five areas:

1. Agriculture and natural resource conservation

2. Clean transportation and fuels

3. Increased energy efficiency

4. Pollution prevention or environmental cleanup

5. Renewable energy production

The emphasis on the practical application of proven business management principles means that students gain the knowledge needed to succeed and learn how to use this knowledge to make a real difference in their companies.  Green jobs can be found across many occupational categories, such as professional workers with specific skill sets directly needed by green-related firms; building trades; production, maintenance, and transportation positions; key positions for small start-up green-related firms; and technical sales representatives.  Coupled with the right work experience, graduates from this program may qualify for the following career opportunities:

• Renewable Technologies
• Government Policy Advocacy
• Urban Planning
• Energy Analysis
• Green Energy Sales
• General Management
• Business Development
• Building Superintendent