Certificate in Sustainable Business

Program Overview

BGI’s Certificate in Sustainable Business deepens students’ understanding of sustainable business practices and empowers them to lead more equitable, environmentally-restorative and profitable businesses.

The program consists of three courses, each offered as one 3-credit course per quarter. The three courses parallel those in the 9-credit Foundations of Sustainable Business series in the first year of the Evening MBA program. Courses are taught at the graduate level, and students should anticipate a commitment of nine to ten hours of course-related work per week during each quarter. Classes meet at our Seattle Learning Site.

Weekly Delivery

Certificate students in the weekly program attend a total of ten three-hour classes per quarter, held one weeknight evening per week (no weekend classes).

COURSES

Q1   MGTC 551 FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

The business case for sustainability. Current conceptual frameworks, sustainability
assessments and reporting initiatives. Sustainability as a driver of strategy, innovation
and profit. (3 credits)

Q2   MGTC 552 SYSTEMS THINKING IN ACTION

Use of systems thinking to understand the ecological, economic and social dynamics
of business sustainability. Emphasizes causal loop diagrams, feedback loop stories/
analysis and the basics of stock and flow models. (3 credits)

Q3   MGTC 567 SOCIAL JUSTICE & BUSINESS

Role of business in community and society. The use of business to create wealth and
reduce poverty. Globalization. Stakeholder engagement. Community economic development.
Public-private partnerships. Microcredit. Social entrepreneurship. (3 credits)

Distance Learning Orientation

Students entering the Certificate Program receive training on how to use The Channel, the virtual classroom and the library. Individual assistance is also provided through IT support.