Find answers to common questions about the online University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management program.
Why earn a degree or certificate in Sustainable Management?
The demand for sustainable management skills continues to grow as more organizations seek to align sustainability with their overall business goals and balance the triple bottom line: people, planet, and prosperity.
A UW Sustainable Management degree provides the business, technical, and environmental knowledge and skills you need to implement sustainable business practices and help any organization succeed in today’s triple bottom line economy.
See our Careers Outlook page to find out more about sustainability and the variety of positions that a degree in Sustainable Management will prepare you for.
What is the triple bottom line?
Business has traditionally measured success by one metric: profit. However, this is changing. The future success of business—including financial success—will depend on the integration of sustainability principles and metrics, including environmental and social performance. This concept of evaluation and integrated performance reporting is known as the triple bottom line: people, planet, and prosperity.
Who will benefit from this program?
UW Sustainable Management is intended for individuals who are seeking to advance their education and career, as well as better lead their organization in a world of limited resources and rising costs and consumer expectations. Working parents, professionals, and veterans will find the flexibility of online courses to be especially convenient.
Ideal candidates for the bachelor’s degree program have 60 credits of transferable coursework, while candidates for the master’s degree program hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Additionally, because Sustainable Management is a different kind of business degree, students with a social and/or environmental consciousness often fit well with the program.
What are the admission requirements?
View the Application and Admission page for details.
Do I need to take the ACT, SAT, GMAT, or GRE?
If you have an associate degree or equivalent coursework, the ACT or SAT is not required for the bachelor’s program. The GMAT or GRE is not required for the master’s program.
Are there any program prerequisites?
The following prerequisite courses are required for admission to the Bachelor of Science program:
- College math
- Introductory biology
- Statistics
- Speech/introduction to communications
It may be possible to satisfy the prerequisites concurrent with foundational courses in the program. For details, contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 608-262-2011, or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
There are no prerequisites for the Master of Science or certificate programs.
If you are not sure whether you meet the requirements for your program, call 608-262-2011 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu to discuss your options.
Can I transfer credits from another institution to be used toward bachelor’s degree courses?
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is a degree completion program, so transfer credits can be used to satisfy the 60 credits required for admission. However, students must complete all 21 courses in the bachelor’s curriculum. Credit earned for equivalent courses at other campuses cannot be substituted for these required courses. Learn more about transferring credits.
How do I know whether my credits will transfer?
Courses completed at other colleges or universities that are comparable to courses taught at the student’s chosen home campus will generally transfer as direct course equivalents. Once you have submitted your application, your home campus will conduct a credit evaluation. Learn more about transferring credits.
How do I apply?
For information on how to apply to the program, Application and Admission page. An enrollment adviser would be happy to help you through the process. Call 608-262-2011 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
What campuses offer this degree?
The Bachelor of Science and certificates are granted by these UW System campuses: UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, and UW-Superior.
The Master of Science is granted by these UW System campuses: UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stout, and UW-Superior.
What is a “home” campus and why do I need to choose one?
Although you will take courses taught by faculty from all partner campuses and complete your degree or certificate online, you will be asked to choose a “home” campus from one of the program’s degree- or certificate-granting institutions: UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, or UW-Superior. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive financial aid (if you qualify), advising, career services, and your diploma.
Is this an online program?
Yes, this program is offered completely online. Although there are no on-campus meetings or requirements, students in the bachelor and master of science programs may need to meet with their preceptor to complete their final capstone project. Details of the capstone will start to take shape during the 1-credit Pre-Capstone course taken prior to enrolling in the Capstone course. Students are encouraged to start discussing capstone requirements with their academic advisor as they plan their academic calendars. Books and materials are handled through an online bookstore. For a list of frequently asked questions about online learning, please see our About Online Learning page.
Are there specific enrollment/start times?
You may enter the program at the beginning of any term: fall, spring, or summer. Fall semester begins in early September, spring semester in late January, and summer semester in early June. For semester schedules and a list of courses view the Course Schedule.
How can I tell whether online learning is right for me?
Check out our About Online Learning page and call an enrollment adviser at 608-262-2011 to discuss whether the online Sustainable Management program is a good fit for your learning style and career goals.
Who are the instructors for the program?
Courses in UW Sustainable Management programs are taught by faculty from participating University of Wisconsin campuses. Online courses have the same rigor, requirements, and expert faculty as classes taught on campus.
What subjects will the program cover?
View the program Curriculum and Courses page for details.
How long does it take to complete a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management?
Students are required to complete all 21 courses (63 total credits). Completion time depends on how many courses a student takes during a semester and whether they attend all three semesters. Students should work with their advisor to formulate a completion plan that takes into account personal time constraints such as work and family obligations. Many students take two courses per semester and some take more. Some of our graduates achieved their degree by taking one course per semester. There is not one approach that works for all students. Our offerings will help you customize to best fit your personal situation.
How long does it take to complete a Master of Science in Sustainable Management?
Students are required to complete all 12 courses (34 total credits). Completion time depends on how many courses a student takes during a semester and whether they attend all three semesters. Students should work with their advisor to formulate a completion plan that takes into account personal time constraints such as work and family obligations. Many students take two courses per semester and some take more. Some of our graduates achieved their degree by taking one course per semester. There is not one approach that works for all students. Our offerings will help you customize to best fit your personal situation.
How long does it take to complete a certificate in Sustainable Management?
You will complete four 3-credit courses. It is possible to complete a certificate in one year. However, based on other work and life commitments, you may decide to take longer.
How long do I have to earn my degree?
Individual campuses have different completion requirements. Please check with your home campus for the actual policy. In some cases, there is the option to petition for more time when needed.
Are internships a required part of the program?
Students are encouraged to participate in internships that provide opportunities for them to apply what they learn in work or field settings, but no internships are required.
What are the program’s tuition and fees?
View the Tuition and Financial Aid page for details.
Can I get financial aid?
A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus for more information.
Are there benefits for veterans?
Yes. Eligible veterans, their spouses, their children, and current members of the military may be eligible to receive state and federal military benefits. For more information, contact the Veterans Coordinator at your home campus.
How can I contact an enrollment adviser?
Call an adviser at 608-262-2011 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu. If you are a current student, please email sustainable@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
Have questions about UW Sustainable Management online programs? Talk to an enrollment adviser.
