MS Sustainable Business

The Master of Science in Sustainable Business equips students with essential skills for sustainable business practices.

The program is a highly immersive, 10-month course that integrates interdisciplinary knowledge from various colleges, including the Leeds School of Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the College of Arts & Sciences. A total of 30 credit hours are required to complete this degree. 

Mandatory All Student Orientation will take place August 3-13, 2026 on the CU Boulder campus. 

A program specific boot camp for MS Sustainable Business students takes place August 3-7, 2026. 

Classes start August 15, 2026.

Additionally, Advising & Next Steps Sessions are required virtual pre-orientation events offered by the graduate student services team to help MS Sustainable Business students prepare for the program. Dates for 2025-26 have not yet been determined.

Note: Calendar dates are tentative and subject to change. 
 

The MS Sustainable Business program consists of 30 credits taken over 2 semesters, and runs from August to May. Courses are 3 credits each unless otherwise stated.

The MS Sustainable Business program begins on August 20, 2026.

Fall Semester Courses (August 20 - December 11, 2026) - 15 credits total 

Fall Semester (Session A) Courses: 7.5 credits
     Sustainability Systems & Natural Processes (2.5 credits)
     Measurement & Accounting for Sustainable Systems (2.5 credits)
     Sustainability Data Inference, Visualization, & Story Telling (2.5 credits)

Fall Semester (Session B) Courses: 7.5 credits
     Design and Implementation of Sustainability Policy & Regulation (2.5 credits)
     Managing Sustainable Process & Technology Transitions (2.5 credits)
     Principles for the Design of Sustainable Technologies (2.5 credits) 

Spring Semester Courses (January 7 - April 30, 2027) - 15 credits
     Elective Coursework (12 credits)
     Capstone / Integrated Experience (3 credits)

MS Sustainable Business students will consult with their academic advisor to select 12 credit hours of elective coursework. 

Program Electives include:
     MBAX 6130 Sustainable Venturing
     MBAX 6815 Sustainable Real Estate
     MBAX 6930 Commercializing Sustainable Energy Technologies
     MBAX 6295 Sustainable Finance
     MBAX 6720 ESG Reporting & Analysis
     MBAX 6000 Socially Responsible Enterprise
     MBAX 6140 Social Entrepreneurship in the US & Global Economies
     MBAX 6368 CPG Marketing Applied to the Natural & Organics Industry
     MSBX ____ Sustainable Supply Chain

Elective courses offered may vary from the list above. Course offerings each year are subject to change based on faculty availability.

Tuition and program fees will vary based on a student's residency status. The estimated total cost of attendance for an academic year could include expenses such as a campus meal plan, books and supplies; and items that are not billed by the university, such as personal expenses, housing, groceries, transportation and medical insurance.

Applicants to the MS Sustainable Business program are automatically considered for competitive merit scholarship awards. Selected candidates will be notified of their scholarship in the admissions letter.

     Estimated Cost of Attendance
     Financing Your MS Degree

Students may also apply for scholarships and fellowships from private sources (outside of the University of Colorado Boulder and the Leeds School of Business) to help finance their degree.

     List of Outside Scholarship Search Websites
     List of National Fellowships

Prospective students considering the MS Sustainable Business program should review our website for more information about:

• Admissions criteria and application requirements.
• Application deadlines.

If you decide to apply, you will start by creating an account in our application portal.

The MS Sustainable Business program is new and still awaiting U.S. approval to issue I-20s.

This program is currently open to US students ONLY. International students interested in sustainability programs should contact the graduate admissions office at leedsgrad@colorado.edu to discuss their options.

Leeds values the leadership and management skills our veterans contribute to the school.

Our Master of Science programs offer collaboration, community, and support to build on the skills you’ve developed during your military service. We will help you build the business skills that will prepare you for a significant role in a civilian career. We also recognize that our military veterans are making a significant transition into a civilian career, and offer resources and support.

Office of Veterans Services

MBA Veterans Club (MS students may participate)

Also note: The application fee for active US military and US military veterans will be automatically waived at the time of submission.

If you have questions, we invite you to connect with us in one of the following ways:

• Sign up for a virtual event or appointment to speak with Kim Gutierrez, Assistant Director for Graduate Admissions, about Master of Science programs at Leeds.
   
• Send us an email at leedsgrad@colorado.edu.
   
• If you would like to be added to our mailing list, complete our interest form for Master of Science programs at Leeds.

Additional Resources regarding the Leeds School of Business:
     Leeds School of Business Homepage
     View a pre-recorded information session for Master of Science programs
     Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR)
     Faculty Directory

Other Campus Websites of Interest:
     Housing and Dining Information
     Student Employment