BBA Sustainability Management and Technology

Protecting the environment is vital for every person, and it has become an important goal for many organizations. A way to achieve this goal is a commitment to sustainability, defined by the United Nations as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Although sustainability is most often associated with environmental protection and conservation, it also has social and economic impacts. In fact, sustainability professionals are helping organizations achieve their goals by ensuring that business practices are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which reports a positive job outlook for this dynamic field.

Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, is preparing future professionals to lead this work through its Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Sustainability Management and Technology. Offered by Marshall’s Division of Management and Health Care Administration, this bachelor’s degree program teaches sustainable and clean energy solutions for a world that is facing diminishing resources and increased energy costs.

As a sustainability major, you will learn about the history of energy production and the regulations surrounding energy policy, oil and natural gas conservation, sustainability and green management. Centered on the core business elements of the energy industry, the Sustainability Management and Technology bachelor’s program also focuses on management, macroeconomics, accounting, marketing and operations management.

The Sustainability Management and Technology degree program is one of the fastest growing degrees with an emphasis on business environmental and social concerns. An increasing number of businesses across various sectors including finance, healthcare, manufacturing and construction rely on sustainability managers to interpret complex sustainability issues.

Graduates of the Sustainability Management and Technology program add value to an organization that’s focused on sustainability and energy management. Students are prepared to meet the challenges of a technological business environment because their Marshall education enables them to master many in-demand professional skills.

Marshall’s Sustainability Management and Technology program is recognized by The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for educational opportunities with students. The ASHRAE Student Chapter at Marshall University is the only chapter worldwide that’s located within a College of Business.

Students who graduate with a BBA in Sustainability Management and Technology develop the following skills and acquire knowledge in:

Courses in this Marshall bachelor’s degree program provide students with courses in both business and in the Sustainability Management and Technology major. Business courses examine principles in accounting, marketing, management information systems, finance, microeconomics, macroeconomics and more. Major courses enable students to learn about transportation law and public policy, environmental economics, energy management principles, green management and other key topics in sustainability management.

The Sustainability Management and Technology bachelor’s degree program offers two courses (MGT 380-Renewable Energy Principles and MGT 446-Green Management) leading to certification from The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) for students passing the exam with a 70% and above.

Marshall’s program also offers community-based learning and experiential learning experiences for students by working with tri-state businesses.

The program’s faculty instructor and coordinator has approximately 20 years of experience in the field of sustainability and energy management. Classroom facilities for sustainability majors include excellent computer labs where students work with simulations and gain hands-on experience.

Sustainability Management and Technology majors gain a solid background in the history of energy production and in the regulations surrounding energy policy, oil and natural gas conservation, sustainability and green management. Majors also study sustainable and clean energy solutions.

Marshall’s business sustainability degree program prepares students to work in environmental, conservation, sustainable and energy employment in various energy sectors, including electric, natural gas, oil, coal, geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass and other sources.

Marshall’s job placement rate for the Sustainability Management and Technology BBA program is as high as 75%, with many majors starting employment in sustainability and energy management positions directly after graduation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8 percent through 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists.

Careers for a Marshall graduate with a BBA in Sustainability Management and Technology include:

Chief sustainability officers in companies hold positions with such titles as: Corporate Sustainability Process Manager, Director of Sustainability, Director of Sustainability Programs, Director of Sustainable Design, Sustainability Director, and Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability.

The BLS reports that median (or midpoint) annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $73,230 in May 2020.

According to O*Net Online, positions for Sustainability Specialist earn a median (or midpoint) salary of $77,420 annually. Position titles at the manager level include: Campus Energy Coordinator, Energy and Sustainability Strategic Advisor, Sustainability Advisor, Sustainability Champion, Sustainability Consultant, Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainability Specialist, Sustainable Design Champion, Sustainable Design Consultant, and Sustainable Design Coordinator.

Top employers. Sustainability Management and Technology graduates from Marshall have been hired by many top employers, including: West Virginia Office of Energy, Duke Energy, State of West Virginia, CJ Hughes, ASHRAE West Virginia, Landman Companies, and various natural gas and oil pipeline companies.

The mission of the Lewis College of Business at Marshall University empowers students with the skills and knowledge to become successful business professionals in West Virginia and beyond. The college provides a high-quality, innovative business education in a supportive environment that encompasses exemplary teaching, experiential learning, external engagement and impactful scholarship.

The computer labs located within the College of Business provide sustainability management majors with the opportunity to work on real-time projects and simulations. Students also can rely on Marshall’s library for up-to-date data to assist with research projects.

Sustainability majors participate in research projects in classes focusing on sustainability and energy. The BLS (Business Leadership Symposium) Competition held each spring semester allows Marshall students to work directly with area companies in this field. Students in the sustainability degree program work directly with a company to assess energy and sustainability requirements, develop a plan of action, and assist in implementation of the plan.

Local businesses, and federal, state and city governments offer internships in sustainability and energy management throughout the tri-state area for Sustainability Management and Technology BBA students. The West Virginia Office of Energy offers student internships. The Energy Education Center located in the College of Business offers internships and graduate student assistant positions. Other internship opportunities available to sustainability majors at Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Department of Defense, include: