Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact MBA

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel University's Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact MBA prepares students to lead businesses that balance financial performance with social and environmental responsibility. The programme combines core business management subjects with specialised study in corporate sustainability, social entrepreneurship, governance, business ethics, sustainable innovation, and responsible supply chain management, equipping students to develop strategies that create lasting organisational and societal value.

Curriculum Structure

The programme consists of ten core MBA courses, three major electives in Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact, one experiential learning course, and free electives. Students complete 48 quarter credits and can choose from 12-, 15-, 18-, or 24-month study plans.

Year 1: Students establish a foundation in business management, accounting, analytics, finance, economics, marketing, leadership, and operations. Core courses include Essentials of Financial Reporting, Business Analytics for Managers, Analyzing Legal Options in Decision-Making, Corporate Financial Management, Managerial Economics, Marketing Strategy and Planning, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Leading in Dynamic Environments: A Personal, Relational, and Strategic Approach, and Strategic Management. Students also begin selecting sustainability-focused electives.

Year 2: Students deepen their specialisation by selecting three courses from the Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact major. Options include Corporate Sustainability for Managers, Social and Sustainable Innovation, Sustainability and Value Creation, Social Entrepreneurship, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, Social Impact Marketing, Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Logistics, and Legal Aspects of Employment. Students also complete free electives and an experiential requirement, which may include a graduate internship, business consulting, an international business seminar and residency, or an MBA capstone.

The year-by-year structure is illustrative and based on the catalogue's sample study plans. The actual course sequence depends on the selected study plan and elective choices.

Focus Areas

Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Responsibility, Social Impact, ESG Strategy, Corporate Governance, Business Ethics, Social Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Innovation, Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Stakeholder Engagement, Brand and Reputation Management, Responsible Business Practices, Sustainability Reporting, Strategic Management.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to develop and implement business strategies that balance financial performance with social and environmental priorities. They gain an understanding of corporate governance, ethical decision-making, sustainability principles, social entrepreneurship, and the financial implications of social issues. The programme also develops skills in evaluating sustainability initiatives, managing organisational risks, strengthening corporate reputation, leading inclusive teams, and identifying opportunities for responsible business innovation.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MBA is offered through Bennett S. LeBow College of Business, which holds AACSB International accreditation. The Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact major focuses on sustainability, corporate governance, business ethics, and responsible management. It is a business concentration rather than a separate professional certification or sustainability accreditation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Drexel LeBow reports that 93% of its master's and MBA graduates were employed one year after graduation, based on its Class of 2025 outcomes. The college also reports an average salary of $96,235 for master's graduates working full-time. These figures represent the broader LeBow graduate population and are not specific to the Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact MBA.

Potential Career Opportunities: Sustainability Manager, Environmental Consultant, Corporate Responsibility Analyst, ESG Analyst, Corporate Sustainability Manager, Social Impact Manager, Sustainable Business Consultant, Sustainability Reporting Manager, Corporate Governance Specialist, Sustainable Supply Chain Manager, Social Entrepreneurship Manager, Director of Enterprise Sustainability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the MBA in Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. This program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to develop practical skills that are essential for success in today’s dynamic business environment. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, you’ll engage in real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and connect with industry leaders.

Here’s how you can expect to gain practical experience during your studies:

- Drexel’s LeBow College of Business: Offers a dedicated focus on sustainability and social impact, integrating these themes into the curriculum.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: Participate in group projects that tackle real-world challenges faced by organizations in the sustainability sector.
- Internships: Benefit from Drexel’s strong connections with local and global companies, providing you with internship opportunities that enhance your resume and professional network.
- Field Trips: Engage in field trips to organizations and companies that exemplify best practices in corporate sustainability, allowing you to see concepts in action.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software and tools relevant to sustainability analytics and social impact measurement, preparing you for the demands of the industry.
- Research Facilities: Access dedicated laboratories and research centers focused on sustainability initiatives, where you can work on innovative projects.
- Libraries and Resources: Leverage extensive library resources, including databases and journals specific to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
- Institutes and Centers: Collaborate with Drexel’s institutes, such as the Institute for Sustainable Communities, which focuses on research and initiatives in sustainability.

These experiential learning components are designed to ensure that you not only learn about corporate sustainability and social impact but also apply that knowledge in meaningful ways.

Embarking on this journey at Drexel will equip you with the skills and experiences necessary to make a significant impact in the field of corporate sustainability.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MBA in Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact at Drexel University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change in organizations and communities. With a focus on sustainability and social responsibility, students are prepared for impactful careers in various sectors. Typical job roles for graduates include Sustainability Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultant, Environmental Policy Analyst, and Social Impact Strategist.

Here’s how Drexel supports your journey toward a successful career:
- Career Services: Drexel offers robust career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events tailored to connect students with industry leaders.
- Employment Statistics: Graduates of the MBA program have a strong employment rate, with over 90% securing jobs within six months of graduation, often with starting salaries averaging around $80,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established partnerships with leading organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the United Nations, providing students with unique internship and project opportunities that enhance real-world experience.
- Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market and is recognized globally.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to hold influential positions in top companies, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for leadership roles in sustainability and social impact.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MBA in Corporate Sustainability and Social Impact, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainability or a related field. This path can lead to academic positions, advanced research opportunities, or specialized roles in policy-making and consulting. Additionally, you could consider certifications in sustainability management or social entrepreneurship to enhance your expertise and career prospects even further.