Green MBA

The sustainable development movement is having a large impact on business education and MBAs. One reason is the environmental crises such as global warming and the melting of polar ice caps, but also, businesses are recognizing the financial benefits of going green. The Green sector -- a multi-billion dollar industry -- has created new opportunities in a variety of fields from organic farming and products to sustainable building and technology. Although, green programs are helping to fill the recent demand of people with a business and environmental background, experts predict a shortage of qualified candidates.

Listen to our most recent show on Green MBAs.

Guests include:

* Nicola Acutt, Director of Curriculum Development and Faculty coordination, Presidio School of Management
* Bryan Garcia, Program Director for the Center for Business and the Environment, Yale University
* Erwin Hudelist, President of Hagadone Printing Company and graduate of the Global Leadership and Sustainable Development Program, Hawaii Pacific University
* Liz Maw, Executive Director, Net Impact
* Art Whatley, Professor of Organizational Change and Program Chair for the Masters of Arts in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development Program, Hawaii Pacific University


More programs with a sustainability focus:

- George Washington School of Business -- Environmental Policy and Management MBA concentration
- Bainbridge Graduate Institute -- MBA in sustainable business
- Stanford Business School -- MS In Environment and Resources/ MBA joint-degree
- Dominican University of California -- MBA in sustainable enterprise
- Antioch University New England -- MBA in Organizational and Environmental Sustainability
- Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley -- Social Responsibility MBA concentration
- Thunderbird School of Global Management -- Carbon-Free Degree, school initiative to make all on-campus studies climate neutral

If you know of any more Green MBA programs, let us know!

Traditional MBA vs. Executive MBA

With so many schools now offering executive MBA education, it can be confusing to distinguish the difference between the traditional MBA and the EMBA.

To help you figure out which one is right for you, here are some aspects of each:

Traditional MBA (full-time)

- Average age around 28
- 2 - 8 years average work experience
- For early career professionals
- Good for career changers
- Focus on summer internships and recruiting
- GMAT required


Executive MBA

- Average age around 35
- 12 - 15 years average work experience
- For mid-level to senior managers and executives
- Attend school while working
- No summer internships
- Schedules accommodate full-time schedules e.g. alternating weekends or evenings
- Education is typically company sponsored
- Graduates are often promoted within their company
- EMBAs are usually not career switchers although this is changing. EMBA programs have grown to include career management centers.
- GMAT typically not required


Check out Business Week's EMBA rankings.
Topping the list:

1. Kellogg
2. Wharton
3. Chicago GSB
4. Ross
5. Marshall


Listen to our shows on executive education:

The Executive MBA: Is This MBA Program The Right Choice For You?

Wine MBA: Learn About an Executive MBA Program that Will Delight the Palate

GMAT Not Required: Which B. Schools Are Removing the GMAT Requirement from Admissions Criteria


Our Day in the Life series featuring Executive MBA Programs:

UNC Kenan-Flagler Weekend-Executive MBA Program

OneMBA