Michigan, The University of Stephen M. Ross School of Business

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan (Ross) offers the world�s leading MBA program for students interested in environmental and social responsibility. The Ross experience prepares students to catalyze change in their future work � whether in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.

Ross� commitment to environmentally and socially responsible business can be seen and felt by students from the very first days that they arrive on campus. All incoming MBA students participate in a two-week pre-term leadership development course that features interactive seminars on globalization, business ethics, and corporate citizenship. In addition to these seminars, the pre-term program also includes a community service project, further illustrating the importance of creating and sustaining healthy natural and social communities.

The �core� MBA curriculum at Ross provides students with a solid understanding of key constructs that underlie each functional area of business. Issues of environmental and social responsibility are woven within the context of core business disciplines, rather than taught as a separate class or lesson � much like the reality that students will face upon graduation. Students also complete a course dedicated to issues of ethics and governance. Ross focuses on providing all MBA students with the analytical tools and diverse perspectives needed to make informed and intelligent decisions about social responsibility issues throughout their careers.

Many elective courses at Ross incorporate environmental and social responsibility within a functional context. Notable examples include Corporate Environmental Strategy, Finance for Sustainable Enterprise, Sustainable Manufacturing, Non-market Strategy, Nonprofit Management, and Systems Thinking for Sustainable Enterprise. Students interested in environmental and social responsibility may also choose to take advantage of many dual degree options throughout the University.

The Frederick and Barbara Erb Institute (a partnership with the School of Natural Resources and Environment) offers the world�s leading dual degree program (MBA/MS) focused on complex interactions between institutions, nature and society. The Institute also delivers cutting-edge faculty research, executive education programs, public conferences, and student project opportunities related to environmental and social responsibility.

Another example of Ross� strength in preparing students to be agents of social change is the unique Multidisciplinary Action Program (MAP) that all students participate in. In a MAP project, teams of students work full-time with domestic and international corporations and nonprofit organizations on projects that test newly acquired business skills and produce valuable information for client-sponsors. MAP projects offer numerous opportunities for students to work specifically on issues related to environmental and social responsibility.