Muhlenberg Students Now Can Earn an M.S. in Sustainability Management in One Year
The program is possible through the College’s new partnership with American University’s Kogod School of Business, and qualified students are eligible for up to $20,000 in merit scholarships.By: Meghan Kita Friday, November 8, 2024 09:01 AM
Professor of Biology and Director of Sustainability Studies Rich Niesenbaum and Kira Wiener ’25 collaborate on a summer research project. Photo by Shaiyan Feisal ’26Muhlenberg’s new academic partnership with American University’s Kogod School of Business provides Muhlenberg students a pathway to complete a master’s degree in sustainability management in as little as one year. Students in this program will have the option to complete the program at the school’s Washington, D.C., campus or online and will be eligible for a scholarship of up to $20,000.
“What it’s all about is empowering the next generation of changemakers for a more sustainable future,” says Professor of Biology and Director of Sustainability Studies Rich Niesenbaum. “This stepping stone to get a master’s and more specific training on the business aspects of sustainability will really prepare them for the job market.”
“What it’s all about is empowering the next generation of changemakers for a more sustainable future. This stepping stone to get a master’s and more specific training on the business aspects of sustainability will really prepare them for the job market.”
—Professor of Biology and Director of Sustainability Studies Rich Niesenbaum
The partnership is geared toward sustainability studies and business administration students, though accounting, economics, finance and innovation & entrepreneurship students may also be interested. Muhlenberg’s sustainability studies curriculum includes business-related courses like Environmental Economics and Entrepreneurship in the Alternative Energy Sector, Niesenbaum says, and business students who’ve taken some sustainability coursework would also be well-prepared for this graduate program.
The opportunity to complete the program from the nation’s capital, where key sustainability-related government agencies are based, or online while entering the workforce is another benefit. Students complete international capstone projects in partnership with companies on the forefront of sustainability.
“Although we have integrated business and economics into our interdisciplinary sustainability studies program, this partnership can offer students the opportunity to further develop the skills needed to make that positive change in companies and organizations that are committed to meeting sustainability objectives.”
—Professor of Biology and Director of Sustainability Studies Rich Niesenbaum
“Businesses have begun to embrace sustainability as an essential part of their mission. On LinkedIn, if you search the word 'sustainability’ under job opportunities, nearly every kind of business shows up,” Niesenbaum says. “They are looking for people with business expertise and a deep understanding of sustainability. Although we have integrated business and economics into our interdisciplinary sustainability studies program, this partnership can offer students the opportunity to further develop the skills needed to make that positive change in companies and organizations that are committed to meeting sustainability objectives.”
Students who are interested can learn more here.
