Top online MBAs in environmental management offer an advantage over bachelor's degrees. They prepare learners for leadership and/or consulting roles in the many industries striving to meet environmental sustainability goals, standards, and regulations.
Given the increasing demand for this specialized skill set, environmental managers can enjoy meaningful, high-paying careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental scientists and specialists earned a median salary of $71,130 as of 2018.
This page highlights the benefits, curricula, and characteristics of high-quality MBA programs in environmental management. It also familiarizes readers with scholarship programs and professional organizations for environmental management MBA students.
What Is an MBA in Environmental Management?
As climate change awareness grows and governmental regulations tighten, companies increasingly rely on environmental managers to help them meet new sustainability standards. MBA in environmental management programs prepare students for careers evaluating and aligning business practices with environmental regulations.
Like "green" MBAs, or MBAs in sustainable business or corporate responsibility, MBA programs in environmental management combine environmental science and sustainability coursework with core business skills in project, operations, financial, and marketing management.
Online MBA programs in environmental management can lead to lucrative positions, such as environmental manager, environmental scientist, environmental engineer, or environmental science and protection technician. The industries employing the most environmental managers include management and scientific consulting, government, and engineering. Top-paying industries include electronics, water transportation, and natural gas transportation.
Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Environmental Management?
Environmental management MBA programs cultivate the knowledge and skills needed to expand learners' career options and assist in career transition, promotion, or salary advancement. Business and scientific professionals may pursue this degree as part of a transition into another role, field, or industry.
Environmental technicians and related professionals may pursue this MBA to qualify for higher-level management positions. Entry-level environmental manager positions typically require natural sciences-related bachelor's degrees, but the added specialization afforded by an MBA can lead to leadership positions. By enrolling in flexible, online MBA programs, working professionals often advance their careers without relocating or giving up their day jobs.
Professionals with advanced degrees and/or in leadership positions tend to make more money, as well. Environmental technicians make a median annual salary of $46,170, according to the BLS, whereas the environmental engineers, managers, scientists, and specialists who supervise technicians and lead projects often make $70,000-90,000 annually.
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What Can You Do With an MBA in Environmental Management?
Online MBA in Environmental Management Curriculum
All online environmental management MBA programs cover foundational business administration topics, such as operations management, and specialized topics like environmental regulatory compliance. However, online environmental management MBA curricula vary by school and program, so compare curriculum options carefully.
Regulatory Compliance This course introduces students to government compliance programs and corresponding business regulatory objectives, plans, and implementation strategies.
Environmental Sustainability This course examines interconnections among social, environmental, and technological problems and solutions. Students learn how companies have changed their approach to environmental issues over time based on new data, theory, technology, and environmental changes.
OSHA Compliance This course familiarizes students with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration's compliance objectives. Students learn to apply these objectives to actual scenarios.
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How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Environmental Management Program
Although environmental program titles can sound similar, these programs can differ widely in curricular focus. Master's programs in environmental engineering typically focus heavily on scientific skills, systems, and technologies, while master's programs in environmental science may cover more general concentrations such as renewable energy or health and safety. MBAs in environmental science, often synonymous with MBAs in environmental management, blend business management skills with advanced environmental science skills.
Online environmental science MBA programs also vary in terms of attendance timelines and formats. Some programs allow part-time enrollment options, ideal for busy professionals, while others offer intensive, accelerated timelines geared toward students with more available time. Many online programs allow asynchronous attendance, enabling students to view lectures at any time, while hybrid programs may require synchronous attendance, on-campus residencies, or on-site internships.
Since visiting campus can provide networking opportunities, even distance learners may want to consider schools within driving distance of home. Often more familiar to prospective employers, some schools may partner with local businesses to provide internship and mentorship opportunities.
Applicants should also consider program quality measurements such as accreditation and outcome data. Schools accredited by regional accrediting agencies garner more prestige than nationally accredited schools. Regionally accredited schools may charge higher tuition, but they often provide more financial aid, as well. Some schools boast higher graduation rates or salary outcomes, so check objective sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics to compare prospective programs.
Scholarships for Environmental Management MBA Programs
As you find ways to finance your degree, consider applying for the many scholarships offered by schools, governments, professional organizations, and private funders. Depending on the scholarship, you may qualify based on identity, financial need, academic merit, or some combination of these factors. The scholarships described below provide funding to students in environmental programs.
Professional Organizations for Environmental Management
Professional organizations for environmental management help students and professionals stay abreast of current trends and opportunities in their field. The professional organizations described below offer continuing education, employment resources, networking, and leadership opportunities. These organizations also advance the field through research, publications, and conferences.
National Association for Environmental Management
A nonprofit organization designed to support corporate leaders in improving environmental practices, NAEM offers current research, conferences, and webinars. It also provides blogs and reports on relevant topics, including sustainability management, health and safety, and software and data management.
Soil and Water Conservation Society
This international society of 3,000+ conservation leaders engages in policy work, conservation projects, and professional development. SWCS also holds networking events, publishes journals and books, and collaborates with organizations providing public education on conservation.
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
This nonprofit provides professional development for environmental and safety industry professionals. The NREP maintains a job bank and runs many relevant certification programs and workshops.
Environmental Design Research Association
Since 1968, this international organization has sought to integrate environmental teaching, research, and theory. To this end, EDRA offers publications, conferences, awards, and a career center.
National Association of Environmental Professionals
NAEP provides networking, education, and other career resources for environment-related professions. These resources include conferences, training, awards, and a job board.
Top Online MBA Programs in Environmental Management
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