Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise
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Sustainability + Business Skills.
Earn your Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise from the University of Wisconsin—100% online.
In the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate, you’ll learn business concepts that strengthen an organization’s ability to achieve sustainability goals.
You’ll explore topics, such as:
-
- triple bottom line accounting,
- environmental economics and international trade,
- systems thinking,
- human behavior and sustainability leadership in organizations,
- role of information technology in energy conservation.
The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate is offered through the University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management. Courses and credits earned in the certificate apply to the bachelor’s degree should you choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student.
Courses are entirely online—asynchronous, with zero on-campus, virtual, or in-person meeting requirements—an ideal format for busy professionals. Watch lectures, participate in online forums with your classmates, and—although assignments have deadlines—do homework whenever it’s convenient for you. Learn more about online learning with UW.
Job Growth in Sustainability Expands
“Nearly 60 percent of consumers surveyed are willing to change their shopping habits to reduce environmental impact” according to a 2020 survey by the IBM Institute for Business Value in association with the National Retail Federation.
The sustainability profession is at a pivotal point in its evolution. “Green jobs” are well established in industries such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, natural resource conservation, and waste management, and today, opportunities can be found in nearly any business or organization. As more organizations recognize their role in conserving the planet’s resources, driven by consumer demand for sustainable products and the need for risk mitigation, companies that want to stay competitive will find it difficult to ignore consumer sentiment and the negative business impacts of inaction.
While there is not a universal definition of what qualifies as a sustainability job, professional organizations, like GreenBiz and Sustainable Brands, offer insight on job trends and growth. According to GreenBiz, we’re at that decisive moment, when job opportunities are increasing as sustainability goals expand. With an expanding array of industries recognizing the need to integrate sustainability goals, like corporate social responsibility, into their business practices, every job has the potential to be a “green job”. Now is the time to grow your skills in sustainability.
READ FURTHER: SUSTAINABILITY CAREERS
Earn your bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate in sustainability ONLINE with the University of Wisconsin.
Who Should Apply?
Students enroll in our certificate programs for a variety of reasons, including to learn new skills that help them advance in their current field, gain a competitive edge in the job market, or change careers. Our certificate programs can also serve as preparation for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate offers value to professionals working in a variety of fields, such as: human resources, business, healthcare administration, accounting, finance, sustainability, information technology management, government and public policy, education, and more.
Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration
The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate is a partnership of UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, and UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Admission to the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate does not require an application fee, transcripts, or prerequisites. Please review the following information before completing the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application.
Application Deadline
Your online application and all required materials must be submitted to your preferred home campus generally 2-4 weeks prior to the date classes start (this varies by campus) to be considered for admission.
International Guidelines
This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S., but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation, contact your preferred home campus admissions office.
If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through UW-HELP.
How to Apply
While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.
Step 1. Select a home campus from our list of program partners: UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, or UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.
Step 2. Apply to your preferred home campus using the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application. Please review the application instructions for your preferred home campus below.
- Apply as an “Undergraduate Non-Degree” applicant.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No” and that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Parkside” as the campus.
- Select your certificate of interest: Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise.
- Skip the application fee section (an application fee is not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as an “Undergraduate Non-Degree” applicant.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No” and that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.
- Select “UW-River Falls” as the campus.
- Choose “UG Special/Non-Degree” for program.
- Indicate interest in the Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise in the essay field on the application.
- Skip the application fee section (an application fee is not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
- Apply as an “Undergraduate Non-Degree” applicant.
- When asked “Are you applying as a degree-seeking student?” select “No” and that you plan to take “Undergraduate” classes.
- Select “UW-Superior” as the campus.
- Choose “Undergraduate Non-Degree” for program.
- Indicate interest in the Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise in the essay field on the application.
- Skip the application fee section (an application fee is not required for the certificate).
- Not eligible for financial aid.
4 Courses. 12 Credits. 100% Online.
Courses in the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate introduce the business concepts necessary to strengthen an organization’s ability to implement sustainability initiatives. You’ll learn about triple bottom line accounting, economics, human behavior in the organization, and how technology can support sustainability goals.
It is possible to complete a certificate in one year; however, based on work and personal obligations, you may decide to take longer.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
An introduction to the discipline of financial and managerial accounting. You will gain a basic knowledge of the preparation of financial statements and their analytical use. Further, you will explore how this accounting information is applied by managers in the decision-making process to help organizations meet the triple bottom line (strong profits, healthy environment, and vital communities). Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This introductory course highlights economic, social, and environmental issues facing society. In addition to covering traditional issues such as markets and prices (microeconomics), government economic management (macroeconomics), and international trade, this course introduces economic content into the analysis of selected topics such as poverty and discrimination, the environment, and the provision of government services. Critiques of conventional economic thought, within the context of systems thinking and ecological economics, are integrated throughout the course. Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course explores how technology can be applied to managing sustainable development in an organization. You will learn about the use of data-processing systems, information systems and decision-support tools, information-systems planning and development, overview of computer hardware and software, database management, networking and Web technologies, green data centers, energy-efficiency trends in information technology, and data and information use in green businesses. Prerequisites: SMGT 230 (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
An investigation of management principles and theories underlying human behavior in organizations. This course examines how personality, motivation, communication, decision making, leadership, teamwork, ethics, power, diversity, and work stress can create both constraints and opportunities within an “eco-friendly” organization. Prerequisites: Speech/Introduction to Communications (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
How do these courses fit into the bachelor’s degree curriculum?
The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management explores the connection between business, environmental science, and social systems to prepare students for sustainability careers. The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate consists of four courses from the bachelor’s degree curriculum that focus on sustainable business.
The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate and the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate offer flexibility for the student who wants to learn specific skills by only earning a certificate, or prefers to build their skills over time by earning one certificate and then the other, and finally earning the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management by completing the remaining courses. A certificate also provides an affordable option for students who would like to determine their level of interest in sustainable business before investing significant time and money in a bachelor’s degree program, and can also serve as preparation for a master’s degree.
Courses and credits earned in the certificate apply to the bachelor’s degree should you choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student.
Course availability for the Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate varies each semester, and is subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.
Fall 2024
Course Preview Week: August 27 - September 02, 2024
Semester Dates: September 03 - December 13, 2024
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This introductory course highlights economic, social, and environmental issues facing society. In addition to covering traditional issues such as markets and prices (microeconomics), government economic management (macroeconomics), and international trade, this course introduces economic content into the analysis of selected topics such as poverty and discrimination, the environment, and the provision of government services. Critiques of conventional economic thought, within the context of systems thinking and ecological economics, are integrated throughout the course. Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course explores how technology can be applied to managing sustainable development in an organization. You will learn about the use of data-processing systems, information systems and decision-support tools, information-systems planning and development, overview of computer hardware and software, database management, networking and Web technologies, green data centers, energy-efficiency trends in information technology, and data and information use in green businesses. Prerequisites: SMGT 230 (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Spring 2025
Request Permission NumberCourse Preview Week: January 21 - January 27, 2025
Semester Dates: January 28 - May 09, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
An introduction to the discipline of financial and managerial accounting. You will gain a basic knowledge of the preparation of financial statements and their analytical use. Further, you will explore how this accounting information is applied by managers in the decision-making process to help organizations meet the triple bottom line (strong profits, healthy environment, and vital communities). Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
An investigation of management principles and theories underlying human behavior in organizations. This course examines how personality, motivation, communication, decision making, leadership, teamwork, ethics, power, diversity, and work stress can create both constraints and opportunities within an “eco-friendly” organization. Prerequisites: Speech/Introduction to Communications (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Fall 2025
Registration Opens: April 14, 2025
Course Preview Week: August 26 - September 01, 2025
Semester Dates: September 02 - December 12, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This introductory course highlights economic, social, and environmental issues facing society. In addition to covering traditional issues such as markets and prices (microeconomics), government economic management (macroeconomics), and international trade, this course introduces economic content into the analysis of selected topics such as poverty and discrimination, the environment, and the provision of government services. Critiques of conventional economic thought, within the context of systems thinking and ecological economics, are integrated throughout the course. Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
This course explores how technology can be applied to managing sustainable development in an organization. You will learn about the use of data-processing systems, information systems and decision-support tools, information-systems planning and development, overview of computer hardware and software, database management, networking and Web technologies, green data centers, energy-efficiency trends in information technology, and data and information use in green businesses. Prerequisites: SMGT 230 (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Spring 2026
Registration Opens: November 10, 2025
Course Preview Week: January 20 - January 26, 2026
Semester Dates: January 27 - May 08, 2026
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
An introduction to the discipline of financial and managerial accounting. You will gain a basic knowledge of the preparation of financial statements and their analytical use. Further, you will explore how this accounting information is applied by managers in the decision-making process to help organizations meet the triple bottom line (strong profits, healthy environment, and vital communities). Prerequisites: College Math (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
An investigation of management principles and theories underlying human behavior in organizations. This course examines how personality, motivation, communication, decision making, leadership, teamwork, ethics, power, diversity, and work stress can create both constraints and opportunities within an “eco-friendly” organization. Prerequisites: Speech/Introduction to Communications (for degree-seeking students only; there are no prerequisites for certificate students) | 3 Credits |
Tuition is a flat fee of $450 per credit. There are no additional course or program fees, with the exception of textbooks which are purchased separately.
- You’ll pay the same tuition whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.
- You will not pay technology fees. If software or special technology is required in a course, it will be provided to you and is included in tuition.
- You will not pay segregated fees (fees for student services, activities, programs, and facilities).
- Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.
Students enrolling in certificate programs may be eligible for financial aid. Refer to your home campus for more information.
Flexibility to earn a certificate or a degree. How does this work?
The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate and the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate offer flexibility for the student who wants to learn specific skills by only earning a certificate, or prefers to build their skills over time, while earning a credential. By earning both certificates, you have completed eight courses in the bachelor’s degree curriculum. Courses and credits earned in the certificates apply to the bachelor’s degree should you choose to enroll as a degree-seeking student. You can start any semester and take courses and certificates in any sequence.
All courses are 3 credits per course. The Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate and the Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate courses are part of the bachelor’s degree curriculum.
Sustainable Enterprise Undergraduate Certificate Courses
SMGT 230 Triple Bottom Line Accounting for Managers
SMGT 235 Economics in Society and Sustainability
SMGT 335 Management and and Environmental Information Systems
SMGT 340 Organizational Behavior and Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability Undergraduate Certificate Courses
SMGT 305 Climate Change and Sustainability
SMGT 310 Ecology for Sustainable Management
SMGT 320 Renewable Energy for Sustainable Management
SMGT 325 Natural Resource Management
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management Courses
To earn the bachelor’s degree, you need to complete twelve more courses, plus the capstone project.
SMGT 115 Environmental Science and Sustainability
SMGT 220 Systems Thinking
SMGT 240 Business Communications for Sustainable Management
SMGT 250 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
SMGT 330 Marketing for a Sustainable World
SMGT 332 Economics of Environmental Sustainability
SMGT 360 Environmental and Sustainability Policy
SMGT 370 Logistics, Supply Chain Management and Sustainability
SMGT 410 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
SMGT 420 The Built Environment and Sustainability
SMGT 435 International Development and Sustainability
SMGT 460 Environment and Society
SMGT 495 Sustainable Management Capstone
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management
Experience UW Sustainable Management
Learn about sustainable management, meet the faculty, read student stories, and more. Read the blog.