RIT will offer a new path to earn an MS degree in sustainable systems and MBA | Golisano Institute for Sustainability

The Rochester Institute of Technology’s Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) and Saunders College of Business are collaborating on an accelerated pathway that offers the opportunity for a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Systems and a Master of Business Administration.

The program represents a strategic response to the increasing demand for professionals equipped with expertise in sustainability and business management, enabling graduates to take the lead in tackling complex global challenges while driving organizational success.

The new master’s degree in Sustainable Systems and Business Administration combines interdisciplinary courses from GIS and Saunders College, building on RIT’s reputation for excellence in sustainability education and business leadership and offering students a unique opportunity to develop expertise in both areas.

“RIT’s new master’s degree meets a critical need for professionals who can integrate sustainability principles into strategic business decision-making,” said Amit Batabyal, interim head of the Sustainability Department at GIS.

“By combining advanced coursework in sustainable systems with fundamental business principles, graduates will be well positioned to drive innovation and create positive social and environmental impact within their organizations,” said Batabyal, Distinguished Professor and Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics at the RIT’s College. of the Liberal Arts.

The interdisciplinary nature of the program will allow RIT students to explore the intersection of sustainability and business through a variety of specialized courses, including sustainable supply chain management, corporate social responsibility, environmental economics, microeconomics and strategic management. Through experiential learning opportunities, internships and industry partnerships, RIT students will gain hands-on experience applying sustainability principles to real-world business challenges.

According to Bill Dresnack, director of Saunders College’s MBA program, the partnership between GIS and Saunders College came about after a student expressed interest in both degrees.

“I am thrilled that we have collectively responded to a student idea and created a combined program that can serve both businesses and communities,” said Dresnack, associate professor in the finance and accounting department. “The need to combine economic growth and innovation with environmental and social considerations will continue to increase, and at RIT we have the collective resources to play an important role in this work. I am proud to be part of this.”

The new pathway is designed to be completed in two calendar years and offers RIT students the opportunity to earn two master’s degrees in an accelerated time frame. This pathway allows students to save time while positioning themselves in leadership roles in sustainability-oriented industries, including renewable energy, green technology, and corporate sustainability management.

Interested students can participate in this new path by applying to the MS in Sustainable Systems program. Upon successful completion, they are automatically admitted to the Master of Business Administration with guaranteed scholarships.