Clark MBA Program Named 17th In Worldwide Sustainability Ranking

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

GoLocalWorcester News Team

Clark University's MBA program has been named a top program in the world for sustainability, according to a new Corporate Knights Global Green MBA Survey.

The Clark University Graduate School of Management (GSOM) MBA program is ranked 17th in the world in the Corporate Knights Global Green MBA Survey, which was announced Monday. The survey provides the definitive annual list examining how universities are faring at integrating sustainability into the academic experience.

“We are very happy to receive this recognition. Not only is sustainability an important emphasis in our MBA program but, more broadly, Clark University demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship in its curriculum, research and policies,” said GSOM Dean Catherine Usoff.

Corporate Knights is a media, research and financial information products company focused on quantifying and animating clean capitalism drivers for decision makers.

Expanded survey, honors for Clark

The survey, which had focused on Canadian schools over the past decade, was expanded internationally this year to encompass MBA programs from 17 countries. Participating schools were assessed in the areas of faculty support, student initiatives and coursework.

“The findings suggest that MBA programs are experimenting with different approaches to sustainability education,” said Global Green MBA project director Jeremy Runnalls. From programs embracing an integrated management approach to MBA programs dedicated entirely to sustainability, there has never been more choice for today’s prospective business students, Runnalls noted. “We found that there was a remarkable amount of innovation happening around the world, and expect this to accelerate.”

The MBA program at Clark

Clark’s MBA program, which scored particularly strongly in the coursework category, offers students numerous opportunities to explore environmental sustainability as a key element of business strategy, according to the university. To enhance the curriculum, students are offered the opportunity to work with mentors, including leading executives and consultants in the fields of sustainability and energy management. In addition, students pursue sustainability consulting projects in the local and regional community, translating coursework and academic principles to practice.

With exposure to courses in areas such as accounting and finance for sustainability, green operations management, eco-entrepreneurship, and sustainability and corporate strategy, Clark graduates are considered well positioned to lead in today’s global market, "in which there is an increasing demand for managers with a deep understanding of strategy, business processes, management practices and government policy related to sustainability," according to the program.

The benefits of Clark's 'Green MBA'

“Clark’s extraordinary record of changing our world is based on its commitment to creativity and innovation," said GSOM Visiting Lecturer in Management and Sustainability Will O’Brien. "Our green MBA is an excellent example because it produces leaders prepared to achieve economic growth, social change and environmental sustainability.”

In addition to offering an MBA with a concentration in Sustainability, GSOM also collaborates with the Clark International Development, Community and Environment Department to offer two dual degrees, including an MBA/MS in Environmental Science and Policy, which includes green business management, management of environmental pollutants and climate change, energy and development. The other dual-degree program, the MBA/MA in Community Development and Planning, addresses the challenges of environmental sustainability, social justice and international development.

Previously voted one of the top “green” business schools by Entrepreneur magazine and a best business school by The Princeton Review, the Graduate School of Management at Clark is a diverse community of learners, researchers, and business professionals that prepares future leaders to think critically, manage collaboratively and contribute to their organizations and society.

The survey and analysis of the 2013 Global Green MBA Survey are detailed at www.corporateknights.com/report/2013-global-green-mba-survey.