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MS in Business for Social Impact and Sustainability

Duration1 Year
locationNew York City
FORMAT Full-time
Mode of StudyIn person
intakeSeptember
MS IN BUSINESS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT & 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.

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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.
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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.

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    Catalyze the positive power of business

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    MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN

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    FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE

Study Plan

Program Structure
OVERVIEW
    TERMS
    Business Strategy for the Common Good
    Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
    Economic Concepts and Policy
    From Code to Intelligence: Applied AI for Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
    Money As A Force For Social Good
    Values-based Leadership
    Navigating Global Change
    Sustainability Policy & Metrics
    Impact through Social Entrepreneurship
    Marketing Strategy for Sustainability
    Capstone: Integrative Business Challenge
    The Chief Sustainability Officer
    Program Structure

    Your Professors are Scholars + Practitioners in Their Field

    Curriculum Highlights

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    • A group of professionals are engaged in a business meeting around a wooden table with laptops and documents.
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    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

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    • 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

    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

    • 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.

    • Sustainable business transformation involves the integral evolution of business practices and strategy in order to promise sustainability and drive lasting positive change.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.