Sustainable enterprises are businesses that are financially prosperous and seek to benefit the environment and society.
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.
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
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EVPP 322 | Business and Sustainability | 3 |
| EVPP 480 | Sustainability in Action (Mason Core) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 7 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Policy and Economics | ||
| Select at least 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| Energy Policy | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy (if the topic is applicable- consult an advisor for guidance) | ||
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Business and Innovation 1 | ||
| Select at least 3-4 credits from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Accounting in a Global Economy | ||
| Introduction to International Business (Mason Core) | ||
| Managing Projects and Operations | ||
| Psychology of Creativity and Innovation | ||
| Social Responsibility and Ethics | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Business Ethics | ||
| Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) (if the topic is applicable- consult an advisor for guidance) | ||
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
- 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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EVPP 395 | Undergraduate Research in Environmental Science and Policy | 1-3 |
| or EVPP 494 | Internship | |
| Total Credits | 1-3 | |