I want to have a career related to sustainability and the environment. Right now, I’m thinking about going into business with a focus on sustainable business. Depending on the circumstances, I might also major in environmental studies and double major.
So far, the only selective colleges I know that have a focus on sustainability are Yale (my top choice) and the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan is somewhat far for my taste, though. I live in NJ, so I’d prefer a school in the Northeast. The northern part of Southeast is good, too. I’m not looking for Ivy League prestige per say, but I do want to go to a college that’s pretty selective. A good financial aid package is also a plus, but I can always cross my fingers for a scholarship or something if it comes to that.
Anyone know of any colleges that fits my criteria? There’s a lot of good business schools in the NE other than Yale that also have awesome financial aid packages, but I don’t know what I be learning on the sustainable end. If anyone can clarify for me, that would be great.
I just looked this up, and while Yale and a lot of top schools don’t have an official undergraduate business major, they have a lot of classes and opportunities that will be beneficial for the business world. It’s like this so the students will explore more instead of boxing in on one field.
This is great and all, but it makes me even more confused at what I should be looking for…
Would you consider a LAC? You should take a look at Dickinson, they have their own farm, two environmental studies majors (BA and BS) and a business major. They also have sustainability courses across the curriculum.
You used the term “business school,” which is confusing because you are in high school and that term generally (although not always) implies a separate postgraduate school within a university, not an undergraduate major.
You’re right, however, regarding Yale (and many other first-tier universities) having lots of excellent business- and management-focused undergraduate courses, but no actual business major.
The principal reasons for this includes accreditation practices for MBA programs.
I have not examined the curriculum, but a friend’s daughter, who went to elementary and middle school with my son, is studying sustainable business at Bucknell.
I think a LAC would be a great fit for me, based on the fact that I really like to branch out to other topics, regardless of who I’ll become in the future.
Dickinson seems like a really good college. I like the fact that it has small classes and that the professors are accessible. I’ll definitely look more into it in the future.
@LakeWashington Added to my list! If you can, can you tell me anything about the student atmosphere, rigor, and anything else you find interesting? This goes to anyone else making suggestions!
Also, can anyone clarify if these top-tier schools without an undergrad business major would teach me what I need to know about sustainability/the environment? I’d also like to know what Wharton and other great schools known for business have to offer on the sustainability end.
@doschicos Wow, that’s a lot of schools, and they’re all great. I never thought that it would come to the point where I’d have too many choices to pick from.
Can you tell me anything about the student atmosphere and any other notable things about the schools?
One of my kids went to Dickinson. It has an international business major, but not a full business major like you would think of at a pre-professional university. That said, my daughter’s boyfriend was an econ major at Dickinson and got some great internships and a very good job in business after graduating. It could still be a good fit for the OP, and my D and her boyfriend both loved their time there. Just wanted to clear that up about the business major, though.
I’m gonna be honest… I don’t see schools like Wharton and Ross (and I have a degree from Ross) truly embracing sustainability/environmental issues. It isn’t in their DNA…
Muhlenberg is an LAC in the Northeast with a business major. LACs are more likely to have that environmental focus you are looking for.
Stockton has a great environment and is right in the middle of the Pine Barrens. Perfect for an EnviroScience/Sustainability major! Luckily for you, they have both those majors and a wonderful business/hospitality program. There actually is a giant lake in the middle of campus too. Stockton is an up-and-coming school that has wonderful academics. It’s not as well-known outside of NJ and 95% of the students are probably from NJ. Since it’s a public school, you may have to pay more if you’re OOS. However, if you get your SAT up, you will automatically receive good scholarships. They don’t take the ACT for merit scholarships.
I think your best path would be to major in enviro science or sustainability, and from there, go into business school. Don’t narrow yourself out by choosing the pricey undergrad school. Also, by going into enviro science or sustainability, you can expand your career options and not just think about sustainability business.
Williams has three strong environmental programs: Science, Policy and Studies. The first two are majors, the last a concentration. Environmental Policy sounds like it would fit what you’re looking for.
You may have to get creative, This list is interesting, at least for showing how different schools put forth classes in areas from engineering to urban studies to business, etc. http://www.aashe.org/resources/academic-programs/type/bacc/
Seem to be many options for an MBA with a focus on sustainability.
I’m not 100% sure that I’ll go into business, but I am 100% sure I want to do something related to sustainability, so going into environmental studies/policy/science seems like a good plan. I applied for an internship where I might get a chance to work in a business or a bank. If business is for me or not, I’ll be able to find out, and I’ll probably meet people there who’ll be willing to help me map out my plan.
@momrath I know people from Williams, and I like them a lot, so it makes me happy that it happens to be what I’m looking for!
Does anyone know if Amherst, Tufts, and Bard are good, too? I just recently found out Harvard is working towards making itself more sustainable, so is it worth looking into?
@intparent I’m sure that it’s changed since then. With that said, you’ve given me the impression that these business schools won’t give me the focus I want, so I won’t worry about them anymore.