Accredited Degree Programs in Sustainable Management: Program Guide
Accredited Degree Programs in Sustainable Management: Program Guide
Accredited Degree Programs in Sustainable Management: Program Guide
in Sustainable Management
PROGRAM GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
For this reason, the University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management programs are thoughtfully
designed with input from 21st-century businesses across the United States. Curriculum is hands-on.
Real-world problems are faced head-on. And you learn to develop triple–bottom–line businesses that
balance profitability with the needs of the environment and the wider communities in which we live.
What Is Sustainability?
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Movement toward corporate concern for the “triple bottom line”—financial, social, and
environmental performance—requires radical change throughout the corporation. It is not
“either/or.” The new paradigm is “and also.” A sustainable business excels on the tradition-
al scorecard of return on financial assets and shareholder and customer value creation. It
also embraces community and stakeholder success. It holds its natural and cultural envi-
ronments to be as precious as its technological portfolio and its employees’ skills.
—Charles Holliday, Stephan Schmidheiny, and Philip Watts, Walking the Talk: The Business
Case for Sustainable Development
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Triple bottom line demands that a company’s responsibility be to stakeholders rather than shareholders.
Stakeholders include anyone who might be affected by a company or industry’s practices, from workers
to surrounding communities and beyond. It involves consideration of:
You can help lead the way. Learn more about UW Sustainable Management degrees and certificates.
What is UW-Extension?
The University of Wisconsin-Extension provides statewide leadership that makes it easy for more adult
students to earn a world-class UW education. Whether you are a returning student looking for a credit
program, a working professional seeking a noncredit course, an individual interested in professional
or personal enrichment, or a company interested in updating your training program, we can help you
achieve your goals.
Continuing education and training programs are offered throughout the state by all 26 University of
Wisconsin campuses. Together with the UW campuses, UW-Extension’s Division of Continuing
Education, Outreach and E-Learning serves more than 200,000 lifelong learners each year, from all 72
Wisconsin counties, all 50 states, and 104 countries.
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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
DEGREES
AND CERTIFICATES
DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES
The University of Wisconsin online Sustainable Management degree programs offer online bachelor’s
and master’s degrees, as well as online certificates, that are designed to provide you with a robust
educational experience led by world-class faculty while still making it easy to balance family, work, and
other life commitments. If you have a passion for doing good in and beyond business, consider one of
the following online Sustainable Management degree options:
Bachelor’s Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management empowers students who have completed their first
two years of general education credits to complete their bachelor’s degree.
With a strong focus on the intersections between people, planet, and profit, students can expect a
curriculum designed to provide a sturdy platform on which to make changes in a current workplace
environment or to help secure a position in a company interested in becoming more sustainable.
Recommended for students who have a liberal arts associate degree or previously accumulated
college credits.
Certificates
The two Sustainable Management certificate programs consist of course sets from the bachelor’s degree
program. These certificates are geared toward students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want
to broaden their knowledge in the science or business areas of sustainability.
Students who are looking for a career change or the opportunity to increase their knowledge base
might utilize these certificates as an additional credential. Some students have also taken certificate
courses to prepare for the master’s program.
Recommended for students who do not need a bachelor’s degree, but are not ready or are unable to
pursue the master’s degree.
Master’s Degree
The master’s degree is an excellent opportunity for students to earn a graduate degree while continuing
to work and maintain other commitments. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA.
This degree is designed for students who have an interest in sustainability or environmental issues and
seek to strengthen and further develop their current knowledge. Students who graduate with a Master
of Sustainable Management degree can expect to have a strong foundation for leading change in their
current organization or a strong foundation for finding a new career that requires these systems-think-
ing skills.
Recommended for students who have a bachelor’s degree and are willing to pursue the full 34 credits
required by the master’s program.
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Accredited Degree Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management and the Master of Science in Sustainable Manage-
ment are fully accredited degree programs. These programs are approved by the University of Wiscon-
sin Board of Regents and accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Outcomes
Employers today want people with the skills and desire to meet the growing business challenges of
balancing people, planet, and profit. With this in mind, the University of Wisconsin’s Sustainable
Management programs are designed to equip you with the management skills and problem-solving
knowledge to navigate our new economy and lead sustainable business practices and initiatives.
The program outcomes are specific areas of content knowledge that must be mastered to earn your
degree and succeed in your career ias a sustainable leader. Depending on whether you are seeking a
bachelor’s or master’s degree, these outcomes will vary based on the skills you will need to do well at
each level.
• The similarities and differences among world cultures, religions, and economic forces—and
how to apply this cultural understanding to real-life business issues
• How to navigate political landscapes at various levels (local, state, national, international), and
how individuals can engage and impact political processes
• How global political issues work, the components of international politics, and the connections
among politics, the environment, economics, and human welfare
• How gender is perceived in various parts of the world; the impacts of gender roles on the
environment, politics, and economics; and how to function within those cultural differences
most effectively
• How to identify potential, innovative, and symbiotic relationships between producers and
manufacturers
• Carbon trading and carbon credits—specifically, how the economy is expected to react to this
new currency and how corporations can be part of the process
• The science behind climate change and global warming, as well as the policy and economic
implications of global warming on businesses and societies
• Water policy and water science—specifically, how to reduce water use; how to increase
efficiencies of water use; what is dry-base processing; how water policy and water law
function and are implemented and enforced
• Logistics and transportation of raw materials
• How supply chain structures function, and how opportunities to brand are identified and
created
• The mechanics of energy generation, energy infrastructure, energy management, energy
policy, and energy purchasing
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• Marketing, communications, and public affairs, with a focus on the human impacts of
manufacturing
• How to perform financial ratio analyses and financial feasibility analyses, and how to
incorporate hard-value benefits and costs in finance
• How to perform industry-specific, triple–bottom–line investigations while fostering an inclu-
sive approach with identical stakeholders
• How to create industry-specific proposals that address triple–bottom–line feasibility factors
Faculty
UW Sustainable Management programs give you a broad-based curriculum with diverse faculty. You
won’t find another degree program that brings together instructors with degrees in all of these fields:
• Accounting
• Botany
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Engineering
• Economics
• Environmental Dynamics
• Environmental Studies
• Geography
• Law
• Logistics
• Psychology
• Range Science
• Resource Management
• Sociology
• Urban Planning
Sustainable Management program faculty members are uniquely qualified to help you get the
knowledge and training to succeed.
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Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is the same flat rate of $390 per credit
whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. All courses are three credits (63 credits total).
Tuition for the Certificate in Sustainable Management is also $390 per credit whether you live in Wiscon-
sin or out of state. All courses are three credits (12 or 15 credits total).
Financial aid is available through your home campus. Contact your home
campus financial aid office for details.
As a returning adult student, you may also consider other resources to help with the cost of an online
degree:
• Grants are awarded based on financial need, and you don’t need to repay them.
• Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement or other criteria; financial need is
sometimes taken into account. You don’t need to repay them.
• Loans are typically offered at low interest rates. Loans must be repaid, usually once you’ve left
school.
• Tuition reimbursement is offered by many companies to their employees. Check with your
human resources department to see what’s available.
• Military benefits are available to qualifying veterans and those currently serving.
• Education tax benefits may be available. Talk to your financial adviser about possible tax
benefits.
• Private loans are available in addition to federal grants and loans. You will need to repay
them.
To apply for federal and state financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA).
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Business Partnerships
We thank the following corporations and organizations for their contributions to the development of
UW Sustainable Management degree programs. Each one has given critical input into determining the
competencies required for the degree.
• 3M
• Eastman Kodak
• FedEx
• Ford Motor Company
• ISO, Inc.
• Johnson Controls
• Kohl’s
• Kranz, Inc.
• Modine Manufacturing
• Quad Graphics
• Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce
• SC Johnson
• U-Fuel
• Veolia Environmental Services
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
If you are an organization interested in becoming involved with the UW Sustainable Management
programs, hosting a capstone student, or offering internships to Sustainable Management students, we
are interested in hearing from you. Please contact us.
If you are a current student seeking an internship in Sustainable Management, please contact your
adviser.
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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
BACHELOR’S
CHAPTER TITLE
AND
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Bachelor’s and Certificate Programs
The study of sustainable management focuses on systems thinking—that is, understanding how individ-
ual things and events influence the whole. As sustainability becomes increasingly important in today’s
economy, a bachelor’s degree or certificate gives you added value with new or existing employers.
Bachelor’s Program
The 21 courses (63 credits) in the bachelor’s program provide a broad understanding of the intersections
among business, natural sciences, and social systems. This degree completion program is offered online
by four University of Wisconsin campuses: UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, and UW-Superior.
Created for working adults, the program allows students to apply previously earned credits (or an asso-
ciate degree) toward the online Sustainable Management bachelor’s degree.
If you have completed the first two years of a bachelor’s degree or if you have 60 credits of transferable
coursework, you may apply directly to the program. Still need the first 60 credits? The UW System
Online Associate Degree Programs may be a good fit for you.
Certificate Program
An online Sustainable Management certificate can update your skills and give you a current credential
in today’s tough job market. The certificates help workers retool and transition in their careers. Like the
bachelor’s degree, the Sustainable Management Science and Sustainable Enterprise Management
certificates have been created for working adults and are offered by four UW campuses: UW-Parkside,
UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, and UW-Superior.
Choose one to complement your existing knowledge or enroll in both for a more broad-based skill set.
Have questions? Check with an adviser to see how your previous coursework fits into the Bachelor of
Science in Sustainable Management or discuss which certificate is best for you.
The bachelor’s degree program consists of 21 required online courses. Each course is three credits. There
are no electives. The capstone course is typically taken during the final semester.
Certificates
Sustainable Management students can usually complete a certificate in less than a year. Each online
course is three credits.
Sustainable Management Science Certificate Course List (All four courses are required.)
Sustainable Enterprise Management Certificate Course List (Select five out of six courses.)
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Course Descriptions
SMGT 115 Environmental Science and Sustainability
Prerequisites: None
Overview of the interrelationships between humans and the environment. The material presented in the
first third of the course focuses on important ecological concepts. The remainder of the course deals
with human influence on the environment—and which sustainable practices are best suited to help us
avoid or ameliorate any negative impacts of the aforementioned influence. The ecological concepts are
used throughout to identify and understand possible solutions to contemporary environmental prob-
lems, and to provide a basis for proposing those solutions. Overall, this course will provide you with a
better understanding of how humans can more positively affect the environment in which they live.
Prerequisites: None
The process of using systems thinking in applying the concept of sustainability to various business,
social, and scientific issues. Rather than looking at a problem by analyzing its component parts, you will
learn to analyze whole systems. You will then model the relationships and behaviors to identify leverage
points for change.
Introduction to the discipline of financial and managerial accounting. You will gain a basic knowledge of
the preparation of financial statements and their analytical use. Further, you will explore how this ac-
counting information is applied by managers in the decision-making process to help organizations meet
the triple bottom line (strong profits, healthy environment, and vital communities).
General introductory course highlighting economic, social, and environmental issues facing society. In
addition to covering traditional issues such as markets and prices (microeconomics), government eco-
nomic management (macroeconomics), and international trade, this course introduces economic con-
tent into the analysis of selected topics such as poverty and discrimination, the environment, and the
provision of government services. Critiques of conventional economic thought, within the context of
systems thinking and ecological economics, are integrated throughout the course.
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SMGT 240 Technical Writing for Sustainable Management
Prerequisites: None
In this course, the psychology and mechanics of written communications are thoroughly explored and
widely applied. Also included are nonwritten applications in such business areas as
international/intercultural, nonverbal, and ethical communications related to sustainability.
This course covers interrelationships of organisms with each other and their environments, as well as
investigation into composition and dynamics of populations, communities, ecosystems, landscapes, and
the biosphere, with emphasis on sustainability.
Basic engineering principles and applications for existing and emerging energy technologies. You will
learn about energy production, consumption, and environmental impact, and explore the ways in which
these principles relate to sustainable management. Topics cover a wide range of energy systems,
including nuclear, fossil fuels, wind, solar, biofuels, and biomass.
Prerequisites: None
An examination of the interdependence between natural resources associated with land, air, and water.
You will explore significant environmental issues regarding the policies and problems in the use and
management of natural resources related to soils, vegetation, and landscape within the context of social
needs and sustainability.
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SMGT 330 Marketing for a Sustainable World
Prerequisites: Statistics, SMGT 230 (Triple Bottom Line Accounting for Managers), SMGT 235
(Economics in Society and Sustainability)
An introduction to the theory and methods of sustainable organizational finance. Topics include finan-
cial statements, discounting and budgeting, uncertainty and risk/reward trade-offs, and assessment of
the financial implications of the triple bottom line (e.g., climate change, carbon trading, human resource
management, and creation of environmentally conscious shareholder value).
An examination of the interaction between market activity and the environment. The course applies eco-
nomic analysis to the efficient and sustainable management of environmental goods and resources, and
examines how economic institutions and policies can be changed to bring the environmental impacts of
economic decision making more into balance with human desires and the needs of the ecosystem.
Prerequisites: Statistics, SMGT 230 (Triple Bottom Line Accounting for Managers)
This course explores how technology can be applied to managing sustainable development in an
organization. You will learn about the use of data-processing systems, information systems and
decision-support tools, information-systems planning and development, overview of computer hard-
ware and software, database management, networking and Web technologies, green data centers,
energy-efficiency trends in information technology, and data and information usage in green businesses.
An introduction to the operations function in a sustainable organization. Specifically, the course investi-
gates the way green enterprises address issues such as linear programming, continuous and intermittent
production processes, aggregate planning, inventory control, materials management, scheduling, project
management, and quality assurance.
Topics include the spectrum of historical, theoretical, and technical issues applicable to the sustainable
management of natural resources, environmental quality standards, and risk management.
Administrative structures that form the basis for selecting appropriate responses to complex
management problems faced by industry, government, and nongovernmental agencies are identified.
The historical development and current framework of public policy are investigated, and specific
foundational legislation is critiqued.
An introduction to the concepts, functions, processes, and objectives of logistics and supply chain
management activities. The course covers activities involved in physically moving raw materials,
inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of use or consumption. It covers the planning,
organizing, and controlling of such activities, and examines the role of supply chain processes in creating
sustainable competitive advantage with respect to quality, flexibility, lead time, and cost. Topics include
customer service, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, supply chain management,
reverse logistics, green supply chains, and international logistics.
Analysis of the theory and practice of managing international organizations. The course examines
sociocultural aspects and group dynamics of international business and service organizations through
the study of sustainable management practices. Implementation of a triple–bottom–line solution to
organizational problems will be emphasized.
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SMGT 435 International Development and Sustainability
This course considers the historical roots of the societal idea of development. We will investigate eco-
nomic theories of growth and their implications for sustainability, along with interrelationships between
population growth, food security, poverty, inequality, urbanization, technological change, international
trade, and environmental change on local, regional, and global scales. Contemporary issues and
alternatives are explored.
The capstone course gives students a hands-on opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the real
world. Each student will help a real organization solve an existing sustainability problem by
implementing practical knowledge to achieve a triple–bottom–line solution. Issues may range from
supply chain structures to energy efficiencies to environmental and climate concerns. The instructor will
serve as a guide throughout the experience.
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Prerequisites
Some Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management and certificate courses have prerequisites, and
you’ll need to complete those prerequisites before you can take the online courses.
UW Campus equivalents or other college and university equivalents may be substituted to meet these
requirements. Your home campus may have online course offerings to meet the prerequisites, or
individual courses may be available through:
• UW Independent Learning
• UW Colleges Online
Transferring Credits
Credit is awarded for college-level coursework completed at institutions accredited by a regional or
national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
(Foreign institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country.) Courses must be
similar in nature, level, and content to a course in our undergraduate curriculum and applicable to one
of our academic programs. Continuing education courses, graduate-level courses, and courses that are
remedial, technical, vocational, or doctrinal in nature are not transferable.
Courses completed at other colleges or universities that have descriptions closely matching the
descriptions of courses taught at the home campus will generally transfer as direct course equivalents.
Once you apply, your home campus will conduct a complete credit evaluation for you. Keep in mind that
total credits awarded to you may vary by school. For this reason, it is generally recommended that you
apply to at least two campuses offering the program. This way you will be able to get the most out of
your credit transfer—and hopefully save yourself time and money in the long run!
Be sure to talk with an adviser who can help you through this process.
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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
MASTER’S DEGREE
Master’s Degree
In today’s world, understanding how to balance natural, social, and financial systems has become in-
creasingly important for helping you reach your career goals and become an effective leader in business,
industry, and nonprofit organizations. Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Sustainable
Management can expect to have a strong foundation for leading change in their current organizations or
building new careers that require systems-thinking skills.
The 14-course online Sustainable Management master’s program is a collaborative effort of five
University of Wisconsin System campuses: UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stout, and
UW-Superior. A Curriculum has been developed by faculty from each of these five campuses with input
from within the industry to make sure our learning objectives are current and valuable to future
employers.
Designed for working adults with real-world experience, this online master’s degree program offers
flexibility to help students balance family, job, and other commitments.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university and a cumulative
grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, you may apply directly to the program. Students with a GPA of less
than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission but should speak with an adviser.
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Capstone (4 credits total, both required)
Course Descriptions
SMGT 700 Cultural and Historical Foundations of Sustainability (Oshkosh)
In this course, investigate the changing relationships of humans to the natural environment, changes in
dominant scientific perspectives, and the process of scientific debate. Explore the quest for
understanding, manipulating, and dominating the natural world. And learn about cultural and
organizational structures, the role and impact of technology, the systems approach to problem solving,
and their implications for the future.
Through case studies and some pre-reading, we will explore natural cycles, climate, water, energy,
biosystems, ecosystems, the role of humans in the biosphere, and human impacts on natural systems,
with the carbon cycle as a unifying theme. Additionally, we will cover disturbance pollution and toxicity,
carrying capacity, and natural capital.
SMGT 720 Applied Research and the Triple Bottom Line (Superior)
Learn how to document and project internal and external costs resulting from the inseparability of the
natural, social, and economic environments. Additionally, gain the ability to assess sustainability issues
using basic modeling techniques, cause and effect, root cause analysis, regression analysis, and
business-scenario-based cases.
This course delves into the law and ethics regarding sustainability of economic development and emerg-
ing environmental challenges at national and international levels, including National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), Carbon Footprints, Kyoto protocol,
and Brundtland Commission. We will also explore the policy and role of government and its agencies
(such as Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Interior, etc.) in building a more just, prosperous, and
secure environmental common future.
Understand the economy as a component of the ecosystem in which it resides, with natural capital add-
ed to the typical analysis of human, social, built, and financial capital. Explore traditional micro, macro,
and international trade theory and policy and the implications of sustainability. Topics include: history
of economic systems and thought; globalization and localization; distinguishing between growth and
development; the nature and causes of market failure; consumption, consumerism, and human
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well-being; emerging markets; technological change; business organization and financial market alterna-
tives; demographic change; and the global food economy.
Explore how the built environment came to be, and how it intersects with human needs such as water,
air, food, waste, transportation, healthcare, and education. Evaluate community design and what a sus-
tainable community looks like, and study related technologies while evaluating alternatives and
discussing unintended consequences. This course will include case studies.
SMGT 760 Geopolitical Systems—Decision Making for Sustainability on the Local, State,
and National Levels (Green Bay)
This course is an examination of decision making and public policy for sustainability at the national,
state, and local levels, with emphasis on the social, economic, and political factors affecting decisions
within both the public and private sectors. Attention is given to formal American policymaking
processes, informal grassroots activities and consensus building, public engagement with sustainability
decisions, corporate sustainability actions and reporting, the promise of public-private partnerships and
collaborative decision making, and practical examples of how decision making fosters effective transi-
tions to sustainability goals at all levels.
Get a macro-level perspective on leading sustainable organizations. Topics addressed include: organi-
zational change and transformation processes, strategic and creative thinking, organizational structures
and their impacts, conflict management and negotiation, stakeholder management, and situational
leadership styles and behaviors. We will focus on how organizational leaders develop and enable
sustainable organizations, especially in times of environmental change.
Dig into corporate social responsibility as we evaluate risks and potential impacts in decision making,
recognizing the links between the success of an organization and the well-being of a community.
Explore ways to integrate corporate social responsibility throughout an organization by creating metrics
and communicating CSR policies internally and externally, and take a hard look at the development of
best practices in an organization pertaining to corporate social responsibility.
In this course, planning, organizing and controlling the organization’s supply chain is examined in the
context of the triple bottom line, and total cost analyses or product and process life cycles are consid-
ered in the context of strategy and operations. Topics include: sourcing, operations, distribution, reverse
logistics, and service supply chains. Process measurements and the impact on organizational
performance in the context of footprints (e.g., carbon, water, pollution), and existing and potential
software systems are also covered.
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SMGT 784 Sustainable Water Management (Parkside)
This course addresses practical applications of sustainability in aquatic environments. Topics covered
include water and health, water quality and quantity, governance, assessing the aquatic environment,
water treatment technologies, environmental mitigation, and impacts of climate change. Emphasis will
be on selected areas of interest from the perspective of public health, engineering, and municipal
conservation management.
This course covers the generation, processing, management and disposal of municipal, industrial, and
agricultural waste with an emphasis on the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of various
recovery processes. Additional topics will include producer responsibility, design for environment, and
life-cycle analysis.
In this course, you will build the foundation for your capstone project through research, data analysis,
and scholarly inquiry that results in a project proposal.
The capstone project gives students a hands-on opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the real
world. Each student will help a real organization solve an existing sustainability problem by implement-
ing practical knowledge to achieve a triple–bottom–line solution. Issues may range from supply chain
structures to energy efficiencies to environmental and climate concerns. The instructor will serve as a
guide throughout the experience.
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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started
Earning Your College Degree in Sustainable Management
Congratulations on your decision to go back to school. If you haven’t already spoken with a UW
Sustainable Management adviser, we encourage you to contact us today.
Whether you want to lead your business into sustainable practices, help your company be more socially
conscious, or find more personal fulfillment in your career, our advisers can help. Every step of the way,
we’re here to answer questions regarding:
• Experience the online learning environment by previewing an online class. You can also find
out if online education is a good fit for you by taking a 30-minute readiness assessment
survey. For more information about these tools, please visit the Learning Online page.
• Choose a “home” campus. Although your degree will be completed entirely online, you must
apply through a University of Wisconsin campus. For bachelor’s degree or certificate appli-
cants, choose UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, or UW-Superior. For master’s degree
applicants, choose UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stout, or UW-Superior.
• Consider how to pay for school. Financial aid options are available. Talk with your home
campus financial aid office for more information.
• Apply for admission using the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application.
(A $44 application fee may be required for the bachelor’s program, while a $56 application
fee may be required for the master’s.) Certificate-seeking students should complete the appli-
cation as a “Special Student.” There is no application fee nor transcript requirement.
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Admission to the bachelor’s degree program requires 60 credits of transferable coursework with a mini-
mum GPA of 2.0.
Admission to the master’s degree program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally
accredited university (in any discipline) with a minimum GPA of 3.0. No GRE or other entrance exam will
be required.
Registration
We want to make sure your registration goes smoothly. Please use these steps as a guide to help you
through the process. However, as always, feel free to call 1-877-895-3276 or email sustainable@uwex.edu
with any questions you have along the way.
1. Once you have been admitted, your home campus notifies us and we email you a
registration user name and password.
2. Using that user name and password, log in to the registration site using the link provided
in that email or click on the Register Now button. There you can view the current semester
course offerings and select the course(s) you want to take.
3. For each course you select, the system generates an enrollment permission number
for you, which you will receive in an email along with a link to your home campus site.
Using your campus login, proceed to your home campus registration area and utilize the
enrollment permission number(s) to finalize your registration.
4. Pay tuition to your home campus according to the campus policy.
Course Schedule
The selection of courses available for Sustainable Management programs varies by semester. Check the
Course Schedule page on our website for term schedules and a list of upcoming courses.
Textbooks
Most online courses require a textbook. Textbooks may be purchased through our online bookstore.
When purchasing textbooks, please be sure to verify the title, edition, author, ISBN, etc., listed for each
required text in your class(es) and plan ahead to have your textbooks available by the start date of your
course. Visit our website for more information.
If you have questions, please contact Student Services at 1-877-895-3276 or send an email to
sustainable@uwex.edu.
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Scholarships
Opportunities Available to New and Continuing Students in Our Bachelor’s Program
The world needs more sustainable managers. That’s why the University of Wisconsin Sustainable Man-
agement program now offers three exciting scholarship opportunities to help new and continuing
students in our bachelor’s degree completion program pay for their education. Scholarships are cash
awards that do not need to be repaid.
This scholarship is available on an ongoing basis. You may apply for and receive additional scholarships
as you progress through your program.
Important Dates
Scholarships are available for fall and spring semesters only.
Applications due: Scholarship applications are due on the first day of classes each fall and spring se-
mester.
Scholarships awarded: Scholarships will be awarded to qualifying students 20 days after the first day of
classes.
Apply Today
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Visit sustain.wisconsin.edu/current-students/scholarships.aspx for details, including eligibility require-
ments and how to apply. If you have questions, please call Student Services at 1-877-895-3276 or email
sustainable@uwex.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Sustainable Management?
A Sustainable Management certificate or degree gives you the business, technical, and environmental
knowledge and skills you need to be successful in today’s triple–bottom–line economy. “Triple bottom
line” means a consideration of:
The program is primarily aimed at individuals who are seeking to complete their degree, advance their
career, or better lead their organizations as the economy evolves and sustainable business practices
become increasingly important. Working parents, professionals, and veterans will find the flexibility
inherent in this online program to be especially convenient. Additionally, because Sustainable Manage-
ment is more than a business degree, students with a social and/or environmental consciousness often
fit well with the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management is a degree-completion program designed for stu-
dents who already have at least 60 college credits or an associate degree with a 2.0 grade point average
(GPA). (Prospective students who do not have an associate degree can contact one of the participating
campuses or UW Colleges to learn more about earning an associate degree online.)
Admission to the Master of Science in Sustainable Management program requires a bachelor’s degree
from a regionally or nationally accredited university and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
(Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for a provisional admission. Please connect
with Student Services for more information.)
To obtain a Certificate in Sustainable Management, a previous degree is not required. However, some
individual courses do require the completion of prerequisites.
While the programs are completed entirely online, applicants must apply to a participating UW campus.
In fact, it is recommended that students apply to at least two campuses as credits may transfer
differently among campuses. Once your application is received, the campus(es) will review your applica-
tion and determine credit transfers.
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Students then choose a participating UW campus to be their “home” campus. (The home campus will
ultimately grant the degree.)
Applications will be accepted three times a year. Students can begin programs in fall, spring, and
summer semesters.
Some Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management and Certificate courses have prerequisites. If you
have not completed some or all of these prerequisites as part of an associate’s degree or prior
coursework, you will need to complete them before taking specific courses. UW campus equivalents or
other college/university equivalents may be substituted.
• College Algebra
• Statistics
• General Chemistry
• Introductory Biology
• Introductory Communications
You must apply to the Sustainable Management program through one of the participating campuses.
Bachelor’s degree and certificate applicants apply to UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, or
UW-Superior. Master’s degree applicants apply to UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside,
UW-Stout, or UW-Superior.
Use the Electronic Application for Admission and submit your $44 application fee (for bachelor’s) or
$56 application fee (for master’s), as well as your official college and high school transcripts.
If you have an associate degree or equivalent coursework, the ACT or SAT is not required for the
bachelor’s program. The GRE is not required for the master’s program.
Courses completed at other colleges or universities that have descriptions closely matching the
descriptions of courses taught at the home campus will generally transfer as direct course equivalents.
Once you have submitted your application(s), the respective UW campus(es) will conduct a complete
credit evaluation.
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What campuses are offering this degree?
UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, and UW-Superior developed the bachelor’s degree program
and certificate program in collaboration with UW-Extension. UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside,
UW-Stout, and UW-Superior worked with UW-Extension to establish the master’s program.
Yes. While Sustainable Management students take classes from all partner campuses and complete their
programs entirely online, you will still need to apply to a home campus. Bachelor’s degree and certificate
applicants apply to UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, or UW-Superior. Master’s degree applicants
apply to UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Stout, or UW-Superior.
Having a home campus grants you access to specific campus resources such as advising, career
assistance, libraries, and financial aid offices.
Triple bottom line is the basis of sustainable business management. It stands for the consideration of:
The program is completely online. There are no on-campus meetings or requirements. Books and
materials are handled through an online bookstore.
You may enter the program at the beginning of any term (fall, spring, or summer).
Courses in the Sustainable Management programs are taught by faculty from the six participating
campuses. Online Sustainable Management courses have exactly the same rigor, requirements, and
top-notch faculty as their on-campus counterparts.
It depends on how many courses you take each semester. Twenty courses with three credits each, plus a
capstone course are required. Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer sessions, so it would be
possible to complete the degree in two years, but only if you take full credit loads each semester.
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Students are encouraged to consider their own time constraints when considering time to completion.
Students with work, family, and volunteer obligations may require a slower pace.
It depends on whether you opt for full- or part-time participation in the program. The Master of Science
in Sustainable Management consists of eight courses with three credits each; two electives with three
credits each; and a four-credit capstone experience. A student may take one course a semester or as
many as four. Students take these courses in any order, with the exception of the capstone course, which
must be taken at the end of the program. Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer
sessions. Students are encouraged to consider their own time constraints when considering time to
completion. Students with work, family, and volunteer obligations may require a slower pace.
It is generally possible to complete the certificate program within one year. However, based on other
work and life commitments, you may choose to take longer.
There is no completion deadline. You may take as many semesters as you need to earn your degree.
Yes, benefits are available for veterans. Contact the Veterans Coordinator at your home campus for
detailed information.
A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial
Aid Office at your home campus for detailed information.
Tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management program and the Certificate program is a
flat fee of $390 per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. Tuition for the Master of Science
in Sustainable Management program is $675 per credit.
All courses are three credits (with the exception of the capstone preparation course). Textbooks are
purchased separately and are not included in the tuition. There are no additional course or program fees.
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What subjects will the program cover?
The Sustainable Management programs cover the ways in which natural processes, business structures,
and social needs intersect. Subject areas include:
You are required to take each of the 21 courses in the curriculum. There are no electives, and because of
the unique nature of the program, no other courses may be substituted for courses in the curriculum.
A complete course listing is available.
The master’s degree requires 34 credits to complete. All students must take eight core courses, as well
as two electives of their choice. Every student must also complete a one-credit capstone preparation
course as well as a three-credit capstone experience. A complete course listing is available.
Can credits from another institution transfer to be used toward the bachelor’s degree?
Transfer credits can be used to satisfy the first 60 credits, but not for the balance of the degree
requirements. The 21 courses are all required; none are electives.
Students are encouraged to participate in internships that provide opportunities for them to apply what
they learn in work or field settings, but no internships are required.
SmarterMeasure is a free online personal assessment tool that can help gauge whether online learning
will be a good fit for you. To take SmarterMeasure, use the username and password provided here:
Username: sustainable
Password: management
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How can I support returning adult students?
To support the Adult Student Scholarship Fund, you can give online at the University of Wisconsin
Foundation. Please designate Outreach and E-Learning — Adult Student Scholarship on the form.
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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
LEARNING ONLINE
Learning Online
About Online Learning
With online learning, you have the power to choose when and where to learn—and the freedom to
participate in your courses from wherever you have an Internet connection. What’s more, a UW online
degree in Sustainable Management provides students with the same accredited, first-class education,
renowned faculty, and rigorous standards that the University of Wisconsin is known for and that
employers highly regard.
While you are studying online, you can expect to feel supported and connected to both your
classmates and faculty. Interaction with other students in your online classes is commonly conducted
through email, online discussion boards, and group projects. Plus, University of Wisconsin faculty are
readily involved in providing feedback and answering questions.
See for yourself what taking college courses online is like and preview online classes.
Username: smgtlearner
Password: SMGTD2L
You can also find out if online education is a good fit for you by taking a 30-minute readiness
assessment survey.
Username: sustainable
Password: management
Online courses have more flexibility than in-person offerings. Students still have deadlines and due
dates, but there is never a specific time you need to be online. This allows greater flexibility for work
and family obligations. Online learning eliminates the need to drive to campus, find a place to park,
and hike to the classroom.
Online learning requires only basic skills such as attaching a Word document to an email or posting
pictures on Facebook. Please visit our course demo (Username: smgtlearner Password: SMGTD2L)
for an example of how your course will look and feel. We also have Technical Support available
throughout the day and evening hours. If you do run into a problem, our tech-support crew will
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evaluate the problem and assist you in resolving it.
No, there is never a need to come to campus. However, some students do choose to participate in
the graduation ceremonies at their campus.
Yes, instructors are available by email, phone, or Skype. There is also an “Ask Your Instructor”
discussion board within each course. This allows students to post questions and everyone can see
the answer. Some instructors give online “office hours” as well.
No. Courses are asynchronous, which means we do not expect students to be logged in or
participating at the same time. Our students are located across the country, and it would be difficult
to get everyone online at the same time. However, there will be deadlines in your course. For
example, a discussion post might be due on Friday. But some students may do their posts on
Tuesday and some may wait until Friday. This allows students the greatest flexibility for busy lives.
Tests are taken online inside the Sustainable Management learning management system. Some
exams/quizzes may have time limits. When you log in and click “start,” the clock timer will begin
and you will complete the test within the designated amount of time (for example, Tuesday through
Friday), and you will be able to log in and take your test when it best fits your schedule.
Some courses offer opportunities for work with fellow students. Groups tend to work via email or
Skype. There may be an extra piece of technology inside a course to assist with a group
PowerPoint presentation or other special situation. We provide any such tools that are necessary
inside the course. Many students enjoy this group work and have formed friendships with their online
colleagues.
No, you will have a user ID and password that are unique to you. You can use these to access courses
from any computer with the appropriate Internet speed and processing capabilities.
Student Services can help! Please contact our office by phone at 1-877-895-3276 or email at
sustainable@uwex.edu for assistance.
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Technical Requirements and Support
Technical Requirements
Learning and completing your coursework online requires sufficient technology and Internet access.
We recommend that you meet these minimum hardware specifications:
If you have a slow Internet connection, you will need to procure high-speed Internet access. Consider an
alternative source such as satellite or wireless offered by a mobile provider.
Visit the Tech Support Portal for more information about minimum system requirements, supported
operating systems, supported browsers, system-check for plug-ins, and computer and Internet security
information.
Technical Support
If you need technical support while completing your coursework, please visit the Tech Support Portal
(ce.uwex.edu/technical-support/) for helpful information and resources.
You may also contact UW-Extension Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning (CEOEL)
Tech Support toll-free at 1-877-724-7883 (seven days a week, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.) or by email at
techsupport@uwex.edu (Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.; and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) except legal headlines. All times are U.S. Central Time. Please
provide your name, your course number, the Web address (URL) you are attempting to access, and a
brief summary of your concern, including any error messages.
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SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
CONTACT US
Contact Us
Student Services
Thinking of applying to the program? Speak with Student Services for answers to your questions, or to
schedule a no-hassle personal advising session to talk about your options.
Call: 1-877-895-3276
Email: sustainable@uwex.edu
Student Services office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, U.S. Central Time. If you
are hearing impaired, you may call 711 for Wisconsin Relay.
You may also submit your questions online by completing the Request More Information form on our
website.
Technical Support
Have a technical question? Visit the Tech Support Portal at http://ce.uwex.edu/technical-support/ for
helpful information and resources.
Please provide your name, your course number, and the Web address (URL) you are attempting to
access in any emails or calls in addition to a description of your concern.
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