Sustainable enterprises are businesses that are financially prosperous and seek to benefit the environment and society.Green Leaf They measure success in terms of a "triple bottom line" that focuses on three "P"s:

  • Prosperity - Business profitability/value
  • Planet - Ecological integrity
  • People - Social equity

Sustainable enterprises balance all three P's simultaneously, and view solutions to environmental and social problems as investments and business opportunities. Therefore, developing sustainable business strategies requires innovation and the identification of solutions that frequently "leapfrog" existing products, technologies, and best management practices.

The minor emphasizes the private sector as a critical player in helping to solve pressing environmental and social problems, while capitalizing on market mechanisms and competitive opportunities. Students who obtain the sustainable enterprise minor will obtain a business understanding of sustainability innovation, ethical foundations, and regulatory framework to pursue private sector triple bottom line strategies.

This is a Green Leaf program.

Policies

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.

For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.

Banner Code: SSTE

Minor Requirements

Total credits: 17-20

This is a Green Leaf program.

Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.

Students must successfully complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Core Courses

EVPP 322Business and Sustainability3
EVPP 480Sustainability in Action (Mason Core)4
Total Credits7

Electives

Environmental Policy and Economics
Select at least 3 credits from the following:3
EVPP 361
Introduction to Environmental Policy
EVPP 362
Intermediate Environmental Policy
EVPP 432
Energy Policy
EVPP 490
Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (if the topic is applicable- consult an advisor for guidance)
ECON 335
Environmental Economics
Business and Innovation 1
Select at least 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
MBUS 300
Accounting in a Global Economy
MBUS 305
Introduction to International Business (Mason Core)
MBUS 306
Managing Projects and Operations
PSYC 335
Psychology of Creativity and Innovation
Social Responsibility and Ethics
Select 3 credits from the following:3
PHIL 305
Business Ethics
PHIL 343
Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) (if the topic is applicable- consult an advisor for guidance)
Total Credits9-10
1

School of Business students should consult with their advisors regarding MBUS coursework.

Internship

The plan of work for this internship must be approved by the undergraduate coordinator.

Students who are currently employed may request that the internship requirement be waived on the basis of their job experience. Instead of the internship, these students will be required to complete a 3-credit independent study with the minor's director or another faculty member. This alternative will entail independent research by applying sustainable enterprise principles and practices in an analysis of the student's work place, and will culminate in a final project.

EVPP 395Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy1-3
or EVPP 494 Internship
Total Credits1-3