MS in Business for Social Impact and Sustainability
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- Ms In Business For Social Impact And Sustainability
At the heart of New York City—an epicenter of global business and social innovation—the Master of Science in Business for Social Impact & Sustainability at IENYC empowers you to drive meaningful change.
This dynamic program combines cutting-edge theory with real-world application, preparing future leaders to harness the power of business for environmental and social good. With a focus on sustainable strategies that align impact with profitability, you will gain the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of responsible business and shape a future where purpose and profit go hand in hand.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
This program is designed for aspiring leaders who are passionate about using business as a tool for positive change. Ideal candidates are proactive, conscious of the potential of business to foster positive change for society and the planet, and eager to implement sustainable practices.
For individuals who are…
- Passionate about driving social impact and sustainability within business.
- Eager to influence and transform business strategies to align profitability with sustainable and ethical practices.
- Motivated to lead change and foster innovative solutions for global challenges that might turn positive impact into a competitive advantage for business.
Looking for…
- A comprehensive understanding of sustainability (social, environmental and economic) as a strategic lever in business.
- Skills to navigate complex global changes and integrate sustainable practices across the value chain.
- Opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders and like-minded professionals.
To become…
- Pioneers in crafting and implementing impactful social impact and sustainability strategies and frameworks.
- Specialists in data analytics and financial strategies to drive sustainable initiatives.
- Innovators in developing products that prioritize sustainability and customer satisfaction.
- Experts in optimizing operations and supply chains for maximum sustainability and efficiency.
- Visionaries launching ventures that address social and environmental challenges through innovative business models.
Have Questions About the Program?
Contact our specialist for personalized guidance tailored to your needs.
Alberto Álvarez - Global Recruitment Senior Manager
Five Reasons to Choose this program
- 01.
Holistic Curriculum
Engage with a curriculum that integrates advanced business principles with cutting-edge sustainability practices, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both profit and impact.
- 02.
World-Class Faculty & Personalized Learning
Learn from top academics and industry leaders who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. With small class sizes and a focus on individual attention, you'll benefit from a supportive learning environment that combines the resources of a global city with the close-knit experience of IE New York College.
- 03.
Hands-On, Real-World Experience
Engage in practical projects, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities designed to help you apply sustainable business strategies in real-world contexts.
- 04.
The NYC Advantage: A Global Hub for Change
Study in New York City—one of the world’s most influential business capitals and home to the United Nations headquarters. This dynamic location offers unparalleled exposure to global organizations, sustainability initiatives, and the intersection of business and social impact.
- 05.
Personalized Career Acceleration
Access tailored career services, one-on-one coaching, industry networking, and exclusive events to fast-track your career in sustainability and business transformation.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF THIS PROGRAM
Understanding the Core of Social Impact and Sustainability
Build a strong foundation in the key principles shaping sustainable business today. This pillar explores the intersection of economics, entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, and governance—while equipping students with essential data analysis skills to measure, assess, and drive impactful decision-making in sustainability and social impact.
Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy
Learn how sustainability is woven into every aspect of modern business, from strategy and new business models to operations and supply chains. This pillar emphasizes sustainable product development, ethical marketing, responsible talent management, and innovation-driven business success.
Driving Social Innovation & Sustainable Solutions
Harness the power of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation to create meaningful change. Explore venture building, social innovation, and emerging technologies that drive sustainable business transformation—preparing you to launch impactful initiatives in a rapidly evolving world.
Leading Change & Creating Lasting Impact
Develop the leadership skills to embed sustainability into business at every level. From change leadership and negotiation to alliance-building, this pillar equips students with the tools to influence organizations, shape policies, and lead transformative change on a global scale.
KEY PROGRAM INSIGHTS
When a business does it right, it becomes a mighty force for good in the world.
Catalyze the positive power of business
MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN
FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE
Study Plan
- OVERVIEW
- TERMS
- 1st term
- 2ND term
- 3rd term
The MS in Business for Social Impact & Sustainability at IENYC provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable business practices.
The program covers a wide range of topics, from foundational principles to advanced applications, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to lead in various fields of sustainability and social impact.
"Strategy for the Common Good" is designed to equip you with the knowledge and analytical tools to master strategic management in a rapidly changing world. This course will teach you how to make strategic decisions that foster sustainable growth across national boundaries. Through this course, you'll gain the skills to analyze and advise firms on the strategic choices necessary for sustainable growth. Prepare to lead with purpose, making strategic decisions that benefit both your organization and the broader world. Join us to become a catalyst for positive change, shaping strategies that ensure long-term success and a sustainable future.
Unlock the power of data to drive sustainable impact with "Introduction to Quantitative Analysis." This course equips you with essential tools for applied research in sustainability, harnessing the growing volume of data to support informed decision-making. Dive into data analytics, visualization, and effective representation techniques that are crucial for crafting business strategies with a social impact. Explore statistical methods tailored for practical sustainability applications, learn best practices in data management, and master problem-solving skills using SPSS. Through engaging hands-on exercises, you'll transform data into actionable insights, enabling you to tackle real-world challenges and lead your organization towards a sustainable and impactful future. Join us to turn data into your most powerful ally for positive change.
"Economic Concepts and Policy" provides you with essential analytical tools to understand and influence the global economy, focusing on how economic strategies can drive progress, prosperity, and sustainability. This course empowers you to tackle the pressing issues of our time by exploring the intersection of economics, sustainability, and policy-making. You will delve into:
The Foundational Principles of Macroeconomics & Microeconomics
Environmental Economics
Sustainable Development
By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the global political economy's structures and processes. You'll be equipped to analyze contemporary economic landscapes and develop practical, fact-based policy arguments to support sustainable business. Join us to transform your understanding of economics and become a leader in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future.
Professionalism in the areas of social impact and entrepreneurship, sustainability or finance requires a hands-on, practical introduction to AI, with workshops focusing on real-world applications and industry-relevant tools. Students will explore AI types, data handling, workflows, ethics, and open-source tools, culminating in a group project with real-world potential. Each session combines theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and project development to prepare students for applying AI in various business contexts.
The "Money as a Force for Good" course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how financial mechanisms can be leveraged to achieve sustainable social impact. In this course, students will explore how financial tools and structures can enable social and environmental impact. Covering the evolution of money and capital, microfinance, venture philanthropy, access to capital, and impact investing, this course uses practical applications to teach students how to make informed financial decisions that align with principles of sustainability and social good.
The "Values-Based Leadership" course is designed to develop leaders who can navigate complex organizational environments with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to sustainability. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, practical applications, and real-world case studies, students will learn to lead with purpose and influence and develop their career paths in alignment with their personal values.
Businesses must adapt and lead responsibly in a world facing environmental degradation, economic inequality, and systemic challenges. "Navigating Global Change" equips students with the skills to address the most pressing global issues impacting business today. Mastering these areas will prepare future leaders with the necessary knowledge to rebalance equity across value chains, promote circular economies, and lead their organizations towards sustainable and inclusive growth. Join us in becoming part of the solution and shaping a better future for business and society.
"Sustainability Policy and Metrics" equips you with the expertise to navigate the policy landscape in the sustainability sector. You'll learn how to track progress towards sustainable business success, and use metrics like carbon footprinting to drive impactful change. Understanding these metrics is crucial for translating sustainability policies into actionable strategies that businesses and NGOs can implement. Through real-world examples and practical exercises, you'll develop the skills to analyze and report on sustainability impacts, ensuring that your strategies are both effective and compliant with governance standards.
This course immerses you in the dynamic world of social entrepreneurship, equipping you with the skills to create innovative solutions to pressing social, economic, and political challenges. Adopt a human-centered design perspective and engage in a hands-on approach to develop your own social enterprise, whether it's a nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid model. Learn to critically assess social entrepreneurship across various contexts and craft a business model that balances financial returns with social and environmental impact. Through this course, you'll not only explore issues you care about deeply but also gain the practical tools to turn your ideas into reality.
Unlock the potential of your brand with "Marketing Strategy for Sustainability." This dynamic course empowers you with the knowledge and skills to seamlessly integrate sustainability into your brand strategy. Move beyond traditional consumer-focused marketing and tackle broader sustainability challenges head-on. Learn to analyze the environmental and social impacts of your products, develop innovative sustainable marketing strategies, and communicate these effectively to consumers. Through engaging teaching methods, you'll discover how to drive positive change and achieve long-term business success by embedding sustainability into your brand’s core operations.
Are you ready to put your skills to the ultimate test? The Capstone Project challenges you to create and execute a robust business plan that has social impact and sustainability at its core. Your performance will be evaluated on the quality of your deliverables, culminating in a high-stakes presentation to a simulated Board of Directors.
This capstone is the pinnacle of your academic journey, allowing you to apply your business knowledge to a real-world social impact and sustainability issue. You'll complete a comprehensive report and presentation, analyze data, and propose innovative solutions for sustainable business success, considering economic, social, and environmental impacts. This project will hone your leadership skills and prepare you for real-world challenges in business and sustainability
Step into the role of a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and lead your organization towards a sustainable future. This hands-on course equips you with the skills to assess business impacts on people and the planet, conduct thorough stakeholder analyses, and develop impactful sustainability initiatives. Dive deep into managing the organizational environment, ensuring that sustainability and social impact are embedded across the entire value chain—from sourcing and production to distribution and customer engagement. You'll design comprehensive sustainability strategies that address today's pressing issues and position your company as a leader in sustainable practices. Join us to become the driving force behind your company's commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future.
- OVERVIEW
- TERMS
Your Professors are Scholars + Practitioners in Their Field
Curriculum Highlights
Integrated Social Impact and Sustainability Strategy
Develop a deep understanding of how to incorporate sustainability into core business strategies, ensuring both environmental stewardship and long-term profitability. Learn to craft and implement comprehensive sustainability frameworks that align with business objectives.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Harness the power of data analytics and financial strategies to drive sustainable business practices. Gain skills in sustainability metrics, impact reporting, and sustainable finance to support and measure the success of sustainable initiatives.
Innovative Business Models
Explore and implement cutting-edge business models that prioritize sustainability and innovation. Study venture building, and emerging technologies to develop solutions that address pressing social impact and sustainability challenges.
Leadership and Change Management
Build leadership skills essential for driving organizational change and embedding sustainability into business practices. Engage in practical projects, case studies, and internships that provide real-world experience in leading sustainable business transformations and creating a positive impact.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be prepared to excel in roles such as:
- Social Impact/Sustainability Consulting
- Social Impact/Sustainability Project Management
- Sustainable Finance Advisory
- Impact Investment Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Director
- Nonprofit Manager
- Sustainability Auditing/Reporting
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Human Resources for Sustainability & Inclusion
- Sustainable Marketing
- Stakeholder Management
- Social/Environmental Entrepreneur
- Social Entrepreneurship/Innovation Accelerator Manager
- Social/Environmental Innovation Advisor
WHERE GRADS HAVE WORKED
- 90%of graduates advanced in career or pivoted to a career in sustainable fashion or social impactWithin nine months of graduation
- 99%are employed, continuing their education, or starting a businessWithin nine months of graduation
DISCOVER The BluePrint
Get involved with IENYC events
Get involved with IENYC events
Discover a world of opportunities at IENYC events! Join informational webinars on program structure, career pathways, student life and more. Gain insights from alumni and hear from expert speakers. Whether you're interested in exploring your options, deepening your learning or expanding your network, these events offer valuable connections and expert advice. Don't miss your chance to engage, learn and grow with the IENYC community!
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth getting a master's in sustainability?
Jobs in sustainability are in high demand - and trends show that that demand will only continue to grow. In order to build trust with customers and create long-term success, businesses must embrace sustainable business practices. These businesses are looking for experts in sustainability and social impact to spearhead the change.
What is sustainable business transformation?
Sustainable business transformation involves the integral evolution of business practices and strategy in order to promise sustainability and drive lasting positive change.
What can I do with a master's in sustainable development?
There are endless career opportunities for professionals with a master's in sustainable business or development. You could carve out a career in sustainability consulting, project management, financial advisory, impact investing, CSR, HR for sustainability and inclusion, and so much more.
What makes this program unique?
As a program rooted in a smaller, highly engaged academic community in the heart of New York City, we offer a personalized and immersive learning experience. Students benefit from close mentorship, hands-on projects, and direct access to industry leaders. Our curriculum blends financial acumen, sustainability strategy, and impact measurement, ensuring graduates are prepared to drive meaningful change in business and society.
What programs is this master in sustainability & business comparable to?
Similar course titles include: Master of Sustainability, Master of Science in Social Entrepreneurship, Master in Sustainability and Social Innovation, Master of Social Impact, Master in Business Sustainability and other social impact masters. We believe the course complies perfectly for anyone searching for a leading master's degree in social impact, due to its focus on transformative business practices across sectors.
What existing courses have inspired this master of sustainability in business?
We've studied much of the existing portfolio of postgraduate programs to ensure we facilitate the greatest amount of social impact. Master's degree programs from other schools that inspired our curriculum include titles such as MSc Social Entrepreneurship, MSc Social Innovation, MA Social Entrepreneurship, MSc Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and MSc Community Development. Our course combines a holistic approach to all topics covered in these mainstream social impact degree programs, offering a unique business perspective that's driven by modern ethics.
Will a master's in social impact really make a difference to society?
For those passionate about sustainability, business strategies for social impact can be the best way to make a tangible difference in society. After studying with us, you'll be equipped to master sustainability practices, effect positive change in industry and lead business strategy at any level. That's why masters of social impact allow you to really stand out in today's C-suite job market.
How are business, sustainability, and social impact connected?
Sustainable business practices are no longer optional—they are essential for long-term success. This program teaches how businesses can integrate sustainability into their core strategies, leverage ESG frameworks, and contribute to systemic change while remaining financially viable.