Creating lasting change requires diverse perspectives
In the business world, authentic sustainable initiatives are multi-faceted and touch many departments, so we approach it the same way. Our Impact MBA contains 31 credits of business sustainability-focused curriculum at its core. Everyone in the program takes these core classes in person and as a cohort. The remaining 13 credits provide the freedom to customize your MBA to what best suits your passions and career goals. The curriculum is STEM designated emphasizing our intent to teach technical skills combined with options for scientific coursework.
Program at a Glance
| Delivery: |
Face to face |
| Location: |
Fort Collins, CO, plus a summer fellowship |
| Length: |
16 months (three semesters–includes a summer fellowship) |
| Start Dates: |
August |
| Schedule: |
Classes four to five days a week, Monday–Friday |
| Credits: |
44 |
| Degree awarded: |
On diploma: Master of Business Administration
On transcript: Master of Business Administration, major in Business Administration with Impact specialization |
Course Descriptions
The classes outlined in the course list below reflect the Impact MBA program of study. The course list is updated annually with newly developed courses and any curriculum changes.
Impact MBA Courses
Degree Requirements
The Impact MBA is a 16-month on-campus program that allows you to choose electives or certificates that fit your career path. Check out this sample roadmap to get an idea of the program's pace.
Impact MBA Roadmap (PDF)
Interdisciplinary Perspectives
To address the most pressing challenges in your community, you’ll need an interdisciplinary perspective. That’s why the Impact MBA engages experts in greenhouse gas accounting, water, climate change and sustainability to teach and share best practices. Your electives in this program engage experts outside of the College of Business and across the Colorado State University campus.
Specialize in your field and refine your skills with business certificates
With your remaining credits, you can customize your MBA experience. Choose from nearly 30 electives and earn a graduate certificate in Carbon Management or Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The Impact MBA provides a strong foundation in business sustainability and enables you to make this an MBA that supports your career aspirations.
Carbon Management Certificate
The Carbon Management certificate equips you with the quantitative and qualitative analytical skills needed to help organizations study, manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This certificate is offered through CSU’s Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation certificate prepares you to start your own business or become an innovator within an existing organization. You’ll explore how sustainable initiatives create value alongside co-curricular programming with the College's Institute for Entrepreneurship.
Global Supply Chain Management Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Global Supply Chain Management prepares you for management roles by developing your skills in analyzing product flow, ethics, risk management and sustainability in innovation. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of supply chain operations and global purchasing logistics.
Organizational Leadership Certificate
The Organizational Leadership Graduate Certificate equips you with the tools to develop a career strategy, personal brand and leadership skills. You'll explore organizational challenges, ethical leadership and employee motivation while crafting strategy informed by social systems.
Sustainable Business Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business prepares you to drive social and environmental transformation in the workplace by centering people, planet and profit. You'll explore the impacts of climate change on business and ethical and regulatory implications.
Co-Curricular Learning
In addition to studying with world-class faculty, the Impact MBA offers intentional co-curricular opportunities.
- Sustainability reporting trainings, such as GRI certification and the FSA credential
- Career Strategy Sessions including specialized impact-oriented opportunities