Learn sustainability skills and principles that have the power to transform organizations
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the present needs of society without compromising the needs of future generations.” Today, more organizations recognize the role they play in conserving the planet’s resources and improving the communities in which they do business. They need professionals with the skills and knowledge to develop strategic and successful sustainable initiatives.
The potential for positive change exists in every industry—agriculture, forestry, mining and extraction, marketing and communications, education, supply chain, healthcare, entrepreneurship, investing and finance, manufacturing, construction, waste management, water conservation, public policy and administration, and more.
The online UW Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is an ideal choice for adult students of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking a degree that offers a foundation in sustainable practices and need the flexibility an online program offers.
21 Courses. 63 Credits. Online.
The multidisciplinary curriculum was designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business through the lens of sustainability, and covers topics such as: environmental science and policy, the economics of sustainability, triple-bottom-line accounting, systems thinking, natural resource management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and climate change. Explore the program curriculum and course descriptions.
You’ll graduate from the program with the ability to make the connection between business and organizations, environmental science, and social systems for successful sustainable outcomes. Students with a wide range of work experience and education have found success in the program. Explore sustainability careers.
The online learning format offers students, including working adults, a flexible, convenient way to pursue their degree. Because the coursework in the program is entirely online, you can study and do homework whenever you like, wherever you have an internet connection. Courses have no set meeting times and you never need to come to campus. At the same time, you will have ready access to success coaches and faculty by phone and email, and you may take advantage of on-campus resources such as career assistance and libraries.
You’ll earn your degree from the University of Wisconsin, one of the largest and most widely respected public higher education systems in the country. And the multi-campus partnership means you’ll learn from expert faculty across the UW System with strong connections to the industry.
See a Graduate’s Story
Learn about the UW Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management program from one of its graduates.
Program Requirements
The UW Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is a bachelor’s degree completion program designed for adult learners seeking advanced education who have:
- an associate degree or approximately 60 credits of transferable college credit* with a 2.0 minimum grade point average (GPA),
- prerequisite coursework: college math, introductory biology, statistics, and speech/introduction to communications.
UW campus equivalents or other college/university equivalents may be substituted. Learn more about transferring credits.
If you have an associate degree or equivalent coursework, aptitude tests, such as the ACT or SAT, are not required for admission.
*If you have less than 60 credits, it may be possible to satisfy the credit requirements concurrent with foundational courses in the program. Contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu, to be connected with the Academic Director at your preferred “home” campus.
Educational Paths to the Degree
If you still need to complete the first 60 credits, you can earn your associate degree online through the University of Wisconsin.
Need to complete a prerequisite course before applying? Online courses are available through UW Independent Learning.
If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, or which courses you need to take to satisfy prerequisites, please contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 1-877-895-3276, or email learn@uwex.edu.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for the program is a flat fee of $440 per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state, and financial aid is available for students who qualify. Scholarships are offered every fall and spring semester for new and current students.
Accreditation
The UW Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Multi-Campus Partnership
The UW Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is a partnership of UW Extended Campus and UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, and UW-Superior. This partnership allows us to bring you a truly multi-disciplinary curriculum taught by knowledgeable and experienced faculty from across the UW System.
Have questions about UW Sustainable Management online programs? Talk to an enrollment adviser.