Collaboration Leads to New Sustainability Certificate

The University of Minnesota’s new Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance (SESG) Leadership Certificate begins classes this fall. 

This innovative certificate is a collaboration between the Carlson School of Management, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and the Institute on the Environment (IonE). It is the University’s first graduate-level program in this specialty, targeting the intersection of policy, business, and environmental stewardship. 

The multidisciplinary program addresses a growing need for business professionals equipped to navigate today’s climate, environmental, and social justice challenges.

This leadership certificate is a strategic joint effort to elevate our University’s educational opportunities, giving our students a competitive edge and providing them with the tools to become agents of change across industries.”

The 12-credit certificate is designed for working professionals, with classes offered during evening and weekend hours, including online and hybrid options. The curriculum covers a range of relevant topics such as organizational change, supply chain management, financial reporting, and intergenerational justice.

“Sustainability is a long game—a lifelong pursuit—and this program offers a new path for working professionals to learn new tools and techniques, build their networks, and expand the impact of their work,” says IonE Executive Director Jessica Hellmann. “As a catalyst for interdisciplinary environmental work, IonE is thrilled to be working with the Humphrey and Carlson Schools to build a program that crosses colleges, schools, and the public and private sectors.”

The program is open to all University of Minnesota graduate students and non-degree-seeking students.

Illustration by Sjoerd Van Leeuwen