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.
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 positions you as a valuable resource to businesses, governments and other organizations as they take steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. You’ll be introduced to the quantitative and qualitative methods that are used to study and manage greenhouse gases. 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. When taken as part of the Impact MBA, you’ll explore how sustainable initiatives create value in unique ways, alongside co-curricular programming with the Institute for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business which includes venture validators, accelerators, mentoring, and pitch competitions.
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 Description
The courses outlined in the PDF below reflect the Impact MBA program of study. Course lists are updated with newly developed courses added every year.
Impact MBA Courses
Degree Requirements
The Impact MBA is a 16-month on campus program that allows you to choose elective courses or certificates that fit your career path. We've provided a recommended road map to give you a sense of what your time in the program might look like.
Impact MBA Roadmap (PDF)
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
- Diversity Equity and Inclusion workshops