Modern enterprises such as traditional businesses, nonprofits and governments recognize the value of embedding sustainability into their operating strategies. Gain the expertise to guide organizations as they address today's challenges and evolve into the sustainable enterprises of the future.
Program description
Organizations are increasingly aware of the need to address sustainability challenges. The CEOs of large private sector companies and leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors agree that sustainability will be critical to the future success of their enterprises. New types of enterprise models, including hybrids, mission-driven enterprises, benefit corporations and cooperatives are emerging; and there is an increased demand for professionals who can guide enterprises to include sustainability principles in their operating strategies.
The graduate certificate program in sustainability and enterprise prepares students to advance sustainability practices and communicate sustainability as a means for transformational change, organizational success and innovation. It is designed for individuals who wish to develop the sustainable enterprises of the future and employ sustainability as a strategy for enterprise success.
Skills developed in this program include:
- applying personal collaborative strengths to work in teams to assess sustainability opportunities and strategies
- applying sustainability competencies to develop and implement enterprise improvement proposals
- communicating sustainable enterprise approaches, challenges, risks and opportunities
- critically assessing enterprises against a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria
- identifying opportunities that exist for enterprises that address sustainability problems
This graduate certificate in sustainability and enterprise may be paired with a graduate degree at ASU or completed on its own. If done independently, a graduate certificate does not meet the requirements for federal financial aid or a student visa.
At a glance: program details
- Offered by: College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe campus or Online
Program requirements
15 credit hours
Required Core (9 credit hours)
EMS 523 Strategic Sustainability and Leadership (3)
SOS 508 Pathways to Sustainability (3)
SOS 509 Leading Sustainability Transitions (3)
Electives (6 credit hours)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see their program advisor for an approved list of electives.
Admission requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Global Futures.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in sustainability, business or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admissions application and application fee
- official transcripts
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Admission Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency. The School of Sustainability requires a score of at least 100 on the TOEFL iBT® taken in a testing center (or equivalent).
Applicants are not required to be currently enrolled in a graduate program at Arizona State University.
At this time, only applications for fall and spring session A are being accepted due to the availability of the core classes SOS 508 and SOS 509 in fall and spring session A only.
Affording college
Tuition estimator
Scholarships
Financial aid
Career outlook
Career examples include the following roles. Additional advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some careers.
- chief sustainability officer
- environmental scientist or specialist
- management analyst
- project manager
- sustainability consultant
- sustainability specialist
Global opportunities
Study abroad is encouraged for graduate students. Nearly all of the College of Global Futures faculty-directed programs offer graduate credit. In addition, the Global Education Office offers more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent.
Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the College of Global Futures study abroad webpage, and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
Attend online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form above and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.