| Some people want to return to school and pursue a | | | | their program of study. For example, individuals |
| masters degree not only to get ahead in the | | | | interested in obtaining a masters degree in architecture |
| workplace, but also to make a difference. Generally, | | | | may ultimately want to pursue Leadership in Energy |
| these individuals choose masters degrees in areas like | | | | and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. |
| social work, psychology and even nursing in order to | | | | Professionals who have experience with |
| care for the well-being of others. Business-minded | | | | LEED-registered projects recognized for strategies |
| individuals might look towards masters degrees in | | | | aimed at saving energy, making the most of water |
| nonprofit administration. | | | | use, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, improving |
| However, individuals who care about the planet can | | | | indoor air quality and more, can take exams to earn |
| take their participation in this year's Earth Day | | | | LEED credentials. Employers may look favorably on an |
| celebrations one step further and channel their passion | | | | architect who is eco-friendly in his or her practices and |
| into a masters degree program. Earth Day was first | | | | who incorporates sustainability into their designs. |
| celebrated in April 1970, but the idea began as early as | | | | Students have a choice of many |
| 1962 as a means of persuading President John F. | | | | environmentally-progressive courses to take if they |
| Kennedy to address conservation as part of a | | | | want to enhance their existing qualifications. Some find |
| nationwide tour, according to an article by Earth Day | | | | that such certificates offered by schools online are a |
| founder Senator Gaylord Nelson. | | | | convenient way to modernize their resume and |
| Whether they are considering enrolling in schools online | | | | background. As more people compete for |
| or on-campus programs, individuals who are hoping to | | | | cutting-edge jobs, taking the initiative to enhance one's |
| obtain a masters degree might want to open their | | | | resume can make a candidate more attractive to |
| eyes to a sustainable MBA program. Such tailored | | | | employers. |
| degrees are increasing in popularity thanks to a | | | | There are also environmental studies that might |
| greater social awareness of environmental issues. A | | | | interest undergraduate students. The Daily Green in |
| recent article in the San Francisco Gate highlighted | | | | July reported on ten of the best colleges for |
| how a sustainable MBA differed from a standard | | | | environmental studies. The report, based on the 2011 |
| business program. The focus here lies on "people, | | | | Fiske Guide to Colleges, included California universities |
| profits and planet" overall. This leads students to think | | | | known for environmental, agricultural and biological |
| differently and ponder global, eco-friendly business | | | | sciences innovations such as green transportation and |
| models. Such programs appeal to prospective | | | | alternative energy. The report also mentioned a small |
| students because they add an element of creativity | | | | liberal arts Florida college set on the Gulf of Mexico |
| and lateral thinking to a traditional masters degree | | | | that's prime for research and a college in Boulder, Col., |
| program. | | | | that is considered a "hot spot for green business and |
| Sustainable MBA programs are evaluated as part of a | | | | advocacy." |
| regular "Beyond Grey Pinstripes" effort from the World | | | | Students might also consider getting involved with |
| Resources and Aspen Institutes. The report evaluates | | | | sustainable campus organizations. One of them, the |
| programs based on efforts to prepare graduates for | | | | non-profit Net Impact, is a global network of emerging |
| social and environmental stewardship in business. | | | | leaders in corporate responsibility and sustainability |
| According to World Resources Institute President | | | | known for using business as a vehicle for social |
| Jonathan Lash, colleges and universities are selected | | | | change. One chapter at a Washington D.C. School |
| for leading the way in providing students with skills to | | | | was recently designated "gold", or outstanding, |
| meet the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, | | | | because of the energy of its members, its dynamic |
| labor issues and more, a report noted. | | | | leaders and excellence in its work, according to an |
| However, pursuing an MBA is not the only way an | | | | item on the Corporate Social Responsibility newswire. |
| individual can add an environmentally aware element to | | | | |