As the world pushes for a more sustainable future, Georgetown University is looking to promote sustainability in business with a new Master in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM).
The specialized master's degree will be offered through a collaboration between the McDonough School of Business, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Georgetown Environment Initiative (GEI)—a university-wide pledge to improve environmentalism and sustainability.
Why a master in sustainable business?
Georgetown is launching the new MS-ESM as it believes it’s important that future business leaders approach their careers with sustainability at the forefront of their minds.
“This degree encapsulates the idea that both environmental science and business principles are vitally important to achieving sustainability goals,” says Maria Petrova (pictured), assistant director of graduate education at the GEI.
In recent years, we’ve seen sustainability in business promoted through ESG investing—where companies are valued according to their environmental and social impact—and concepts like the circular economy and green finance.
As several countries plan to achieve net zero emissions amid a global push for sustainability, it's widely recognized that business has a central role to play in curbing the climate crisis.
As drivers of creativity and innovation, companies can also have a positive impact by developing sustainable solutions, like Tesla’s zero emissions ‘Model S’ car for example, or Airbus’ planned hydrogen-powered plane.
The effect businesses can have in reducing their climate impact and driving sustainable innovation is the inspiration behind Georgetown’s new program.
“The business world has a tremendous opportunity to address the world’s most complex issues,” says Visha Agrawal, co-academic director and Provost's distinguished Lapeyere family associate professor at McDonough.
The sustainable business curriculum
The Georgetown MS-ESM is scheduled to begin in August 2022. The curriculum features 16 courses and will be taught over 11-months in Georgetown’s Washington DC campus.
The curriculum is split between skill-building and science-oriented courses. The large scientific focus means the program is STEM-designated, allowing international students the opportunity to extend their optional practice training (OPT) by 24 months, giving them the chance to stay and work in the US for up to three years after graduation without needing an H1B visa.
Students will develop their skills during six-week modules, alongside the science programs which are set to run across entire semesters.
The program will cover core components typical of a business masters, including accounting fundamentals, leadership, and business; alongside more specialist subjects. Students will learn about environmental science, climate change impact measurement, and environmental data visualizations, as well as cutting-edge topics such as impact investing and ESG finance.
Modules will be taught through a mixture of theoretical classes and practical business simulators. The curriculum ends with a capstone consulting project, where students will liaise with a company on a real world issue combining business and environmentalism.
“Our graduates will be the experts who bridge the gap between business and the environmental sciences, prepared for a sustainable future,” says Vishal.
Through extracurricular activities including networking events and guest lectures, students will also have access to a wide array of leaders in sustainability. Georgetown’s location in Washington DC means students can interact with policy makers and government organizations, as well as nonprofits and corporations.
Come graduation, Georgetown plans for students to have a clear idea of how they can improve sustainability using business principles, and in what sectors they can have success.
“Our new program will provide graduates [with] the unique ability to lead their organizations at the intersection of environmental science and business,” says Alexander Sens, Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
George Washington University is a good respected institution with strong programs in various studies, including project management, international affairs, politics, medicine and etc. The university provides students with good opportunities for internships and networking.
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I've been enjoying this school so far. I wouldn't alter it, despite the fact that the school is on a hill and that it requires a lot of walking to get around it. For minority and first-generation students, there are a ton of services available. Even though the usual dorm rooms are modest, there is still plenty of area for storage. We have a ton of alternatives every day in the dining halls since they provide so many different dishes from so many different cultures
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Georgetown is my second home. The pre-professional counselors are incredibly helpful, and I feel supported and inspired to pursue my aspirations. We are certainly ranked as the top research university in the nation. They place a high priority on the development of the students as well as their physical and mental well-being.
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Georgetown University is wonderful. The school's amazing diversity is one of its greatest strengths. The athletes are extremely committed to their sport, and the campus is amazing. The dorms are excellent! They are comfortable and spacious. If you ever find yourself bored on campus, you can always go off campus; it's fantastic. You'll never get bored dining in the cafeteria because the food is so delicious on campus.
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Georgetown university is a Fantastic university. The professors are outstanding, there are lots of ways to participate in campus life, and there are numerous groups and organizations where students can get involved. The campus is lovely and always kept clean, and there are people are willing to assist you 24 hours a day whenever you need help.
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Being at Georgetown university has been one of my best experiences. The Professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and very helpful. You will fall in love with Georgetown because of its daily activities, the vibrant students you will encounter, the food served on campus, and the lush surroundings. The housing and dorms are fantastic. There is no better place than Georgetown University if you’re looking to study, discover new things, make lifelong friends, and have fun!
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Georgetown University is certainly an academically challenging institution, however, if you ask for assistance when you need it, the workload can be managed. Students are happy to assist one another, and most Professor want you to succeed. Student life is vibrant, the location is excellent and everyone here is friendly and welcoming.
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Georgetown University provided an exceptional environment for my academic journey as an expat from Italy. As someone who initially felt apprehensive about moving to a new country, Georgetown quickly alleviated my concerns and made my transition incredibly smooth.
One of the standout features of Georgetown is its diverse and welcoming community, particularly for international students. The campus is teeming with students from various corners of the globe, fostering a rich cultural tapestry that made me feel right at home. The vibrant campus life and numerous extracurricular activities offered ample opportunities to connect with fellow students, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience.
Georgetown's unique setting within the heart of Washington, DC, adds another layer to its charm. While the university is situated in the bustling city, the campus in the historic area of Georgetown provides a distinct and almost intimate atmosphere. This blend creates a truly unique feel and contributes to an unforgettable educational experience.
Initially enrolled in the College with a desire to major in Linguistics and minor in Art & Journalism, I appreciated the flexibility and openness of the Georgetown education system. After my freshman year, I discovered my true passion lay in Marketing and International Business. The university's seamless transfer process allowed me to transition to the McDonough Business School, where I found the perfect fit for my academic aspirations.
Georgetown's commitment to helping students explore and find their academic niche is indeed one of its most commendable qualities. The ability to explore various subjects before settling on a major is a testament to the university's dedication to fostering individual growth and success. The journey from Linguistics to Marketing & International Business exemplifies the beauty of a Georgetown education — a dynamic and supportive environment where students can discover and pursue their true passions.
In conclusion, Georgetown University provided not only a top-notch academic education but also a transformative and enriching experience. From the welcoming international community to the unique campus setting and the flexibility to explore diverse academic paths, Georgetown stands out as a beacon of higher education that truly caters to the individual journey of each student.
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My time at Georgetown University has been an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. From the moment I stepped onto campus, it was clear that Georgetown offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, vibrant community, and unparalleled opportunities.
Academic Excellence: The academic environment at Georgetown is nothing short of exceptional. The faculty members are not only experts in their fields but are also deeply committed to student success. Their passion for teaching and mentoring has been instrumental in my academic growth. The curriculum is challenging yet rewarding, fostering critical thinking and a global perspective that is essential in today’s world. The emphasis on interdisciplinary studies allowed me to explore a range of subjects and develop a well-rounded understanding of complex issues.
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Facilities and Resources: The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities that enhance both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The libraries, research centers, and study spaces are well-equipped and conducive to learning. Additionally, the campus itself is beautiful and historic, offering a serene and inspiring environment for students.
Support and Community: One of the standout aspects of Georgetown is the strong sense of community and support. The university fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, creating a nurturing environment where students can thrive. The dedication to student well-being is evident in the various support services available, from academic advising to mental health resources.
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Amazing curriculum, staff and overall program. Proud and riveting history. Location is ideal, in the middle of a historic neighborhood in our nations capital. So many things to do and to learn on and off campus.
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Comments.
Saturday 7th August 2021, 00.34 (UTC)
By
Anonymous
Great, designed with the OPT in mind....pay for play, or rather pay so you can fake your way into the market with a pseudo STEM degree...Maybe Universities should stop being employment agencies, while local graduating students can't repay their loans.....
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