Sustainability Specialization Leads Updates to M.B.A.

Changes to Curriculum Keep Degree Program 'Facing Forward'

May 12, 2009
Contact: University Relations
Phone: 410.837.5739

A new specialization in sustainability management, combined with revisions to the curriculum, will keep the UB/Towson M.B.A. program current and applicable to the changing needs of the business community. UB and Towson officials said the updates, which will be integrated into the program beginning this fall, ensure that the degree will continue to attract a range of students who are interested in applying what they learn in the classroom to their current and future careers.

"It's essential for us to keep the program current and meet ever-changing work-force needs," said program director Ron Desi. "Two of our classes have been broadened to examine the global business environment. Three other courses have been revamped to increase focus on managing human resources, leadership, public policy, and technology to effect business strategy. We are intent on keeping the program facing forward."

The program is one of the few M.B.A. degrees in the United States to offer a project management course as part of its core curriculum. Desi said the course and its placement in the core resulted in part from feedback from the business community, students and alumni.

Along with the new curriculum for this fall, the UB/Towson M.B.A. will feature a new specialization in sustainability management, as a growing number of organizations look to more sustainable solutions for business problems.

"Globalization, pollution, decline of industries, human resource challenges and scarcity of resources appear to indicate that many of today's business and economic models are unsustainable," Desi said. "A UB/Towson M.B.A. student specializing in sustainability management will be prepared for an evolving workplace in which businesses continue to adopt triple-bottom-line strategies focusing simultaneously on economic prosperity, social equity and environmental protection."

The sustainability management specialization emphasizes value creation, assessment and enhancement. Central to the sustainability framework is the requirement for managers to inspire innovative approaches to business reinvention, to effectively manage stakeholders, and build coalitions for change.

"Under the emerging 21st century model, corporate sustainability represents a paradigm shift from traditional approaches to management," Desi said.

The UB/Towson MBA program is a collaboration between the University of Baltimore and Towson University, and is AACSB-accredited. Classes are conveniently offered at both campuses and online. Visit the Web site for more information.

The University of Baltimore is a member of the University System of Maryland and comprises the School of Law, the Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts and the Merrick School of Business.