Housed within the American University Kogod School of Business, the master’s in sustainability management is a program offering students an education at the intersection of business administration, environmental science and public policy.
Devex’s Kelli Rogers sat down with admissions director, David Green, to discuss what this unique program offers, who makes a successful student, and tips for getting in.
In addition to taking a business-centric approach, the degree can leverage others schools on the American University campus, for examples, the school of public affairs, international service or arts and science. They can offer a “robust offering of electives where [students] can tailor or customize their specialization or track,” shared Green.
More on sustainability careers:
► What you need to know: Jobs in corporate social responsibility
► Business mindset a must for career in sustainability
► The undefined path to a career in partnerships
► 4 surprising facts about working in corporate social responsibility
What do they look for in prospective students? “Two to three years of professional work experience,” offers Green who goes on to say that they take a holistic view in admissions where grades, experience and motivation all come into play. They seek students who have done “volunteerism, made impact in their community no matter how small or global” with a willingness to focus on the experiential learning components of their program.
For those considering applying, starting your research a good 18-24 months in advance is advised. Showing interest early can also help you with financing. Scholarships are merit-based and highly motivated students are more likely to see those dollars come their way. “We are a business school, we teach negotiation,” Green shares while not making any promises.
You know you need a postgraduate degree to advance in a global development career, but deciding on a program, degree and specialization can be overwhelming. In partnership with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, Duke Center for International Development, American University Kogod School of Business, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore and the MPA/ID Program at the Harvard Kennedy School, we are digging into all things graduate school and global development in a weeklong series called Grad School Week. Join online events and read more advice on pursuing a postgraduate education here.
About the authors
Kate Warren@KateDWarren
Kate Warren is the Executive Vice President and Executive Editor of Devex, where she leads a global team of journalists, event producers, and communications and marketing professionals to drive conversations around the most pressing and urgent issues of our time, including climate, global health, food security, philanthropy, humanitarian crises, and foreign aid funding. Through live journalism — via in-person and virtual events — along with insider news, analysis, podcasts, content series, and special reports, Kate and her team ensure the most important ideas, voices, and debates reach an influencer audience to drive impact and make progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Kelli Rogers@kellierin
Kelli Rogers has worked as an Associate Editor and Southeast Asia Correspondent for Devex, with a particular focus on gender. Prior to that, she reported on social and environmental issues from Nairobi, Kenya. Kelli holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, and has reported from more than 20 countries.
