Gordon Ford College of Business News

Recognizing the need to anticipate and comply with ever-changing legislation, the Gordon Ford College of Business has developed a Graduate Certificate in Business Sustainability, which was formally approved by the WKU Board of Regents today.

“Sustainability is one the fastest growing employment opportunities in the business world,” said Dr. Jeffrey Katz, Dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. “This graduate certificate provides necessary preparation for business professionals and others seeking a comprehensive background in sustainability issues as related to business.”

The graduate certificate will allow students to study the international standards of sustainability which affect businesses, including compliance, metrics, supply chain issues, and marketing strategies. The certificate comprises one core course and three elective courses for a total of 12 credit hours.

“Businesses are moving from corporate social responsibility to corporate social opportunity,” said Dr. Brian Sullivan, Associate Professor of Management. “The focus is on governing responsible business in a global world.”

The WKU MBA program has led the Commonwealth in integrating sustainability classes into a graduate business program. 

“We started with an emphasis in sustainability three years ago in the fulltime MBA program,” according to Dr. Bob Hatfield, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Research in the Gordon Ford College of Business.  “Our next step is to take now our expertise in business sustainability and offer it nationally through our highly ranked online MBA program.”

This graduate certificate will allow students with graduate standing to study the issues of sustainability which affect businesses, including supply chain issues, compliance, metrics, and sustainability marketing strategies. The certificate comprises one core course and three elective courses for a total of 12 credit hours.   Students can complete the certificate either as a stand-alone certificate or as part of an MBA degree.

Students have three options to earn the MBA. Contact April Schleig at april.schleig@wku.edu or call 270.745.5458 for detailed information about these options.