In response to corporate greed and negative impacts (including environmental ones), consumers have been pressuring industries to become more socially responsible. To survive and thrive, more and more corporations are taking the concept of “corporate social responsibility” seriously. CSR is a self-regulating business model that includes actions like encouraging activism, incorporating ethical business practices, and funding charitable activities and organizations. To create CSR structures, companies want employees educated in CSR concepts and practices. Here are ten master’s degrees that focus on CSR, sustainable management, and responsible management:
#1. LLM Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (The University of Law)
#2. MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (London Metropolitan University)
#3. MSc Sustainable Management (University of Wisconsin)
#4. Master of Business Administration – Social Enterprise Initiative (Harvard Business School)
#5. MSc in Business Management – Sustainable Management specialization (Steinbeis University)
#6. Master’s in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CMI Business School)
#7. MSc Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management (University of York)
#8. MA In Ethics – Corporate Responsibility (Dublin City University)
#9. Environment and Society Studies – Corporate Sustainability (Radboud University)
#10. LLM Corporate Responsibility and Business Law (University of Essex)
Note: Tuition fees increase every year, so be sure to check each program’s website for the most updated information.
#1. LLM Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (The University of Law)
Location: Multiple campuses, UK
In this program, which is designed for law and non-law graduates, you’ll learn about corporate social responsibility from a theoretical and practical perspective. With guidance from academics, research experts, and former and current practitioners, you’ll develop a well-rounded understanding and expertise in CSR, sustainability, legal technology, and the legal rules surrounding CSR. You’ll need to submit a final thesis of 15,000 words for your final assessment.
The LLM program can be full-time, part-time, or online. If you take the online option, you’re required to attend one of the UK campuses (or an approved overseas center) for all exams. For the 2022/2023 year, domestic students owe £10,500 per academic year in London (£9,500 outside of London and online) while non-domestic students pay £14,000 (£12,000 outside of London). The University of Law has five QS stars and in 2016, the school ranked first in student satisfaction with a 97% score.
#2. MSc Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (London Metropolitan University)
Location: London, UK
With this degree, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to become a sustainability manager focused on areas like environmental law, the supply chain, and employee engagement. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of corporate social responsibility and sustainability thanks to modules like “Fundamentals of CSR and Sustainability” and “Practical Sustainability,” as well as a consultancy project. The dissertation is a 60-credit research project.
The full course takes 1 year of full-time study or 2 years of part-time. We couldn’t find information on tuition for 2022/2023, but since the school is a public research university, tuition is lower compared to private schools. London Met has also won awards for CSR and environmental sustainability.
#3. MSc Sustainable Management (University of Wisconsin)
Location: Online
If you’re looking for an online option, the University of Wisconsin’s master’s degree in sustainable management is a good choice. All 12 courses (8 of which are required) are taken online. The 34-credit curriculum focuses on topics like the relationship between humans and the natural world; economic systems; science; business scenarios; and how an organization can embrace sustainability. The capstone gives you the chance to lead a project.
This master’s degree is a partnership between campuses, so it’s a multi-disciplinary curriculum taught by faculty through the UW system. It’s offered every fall and spring. You’ll pay a flat $740 fee per credit even if you’re from out of state. The University of Wisconsin is ranked #38 in National Universities.
#4. Master of Business Administration – Social Enterprise Initiative (Harvard Business School)
Location: Boston, MA
When this initiative launched over two decades ago, it made Harvard one of the first business schools to integrate research capacity into the corporate social responsibility field. CSR case studies are baked into the MBA program’s core curriculum. You’ll learn about innovative business practices and strategies that fuel sustainable social change. For resources, tools, and knowledge, the initiative looks to the nonprofit, public, and for-profit sectors. In addition to courses that focus on CSR, Harvard Business School offers career development programs and opportunities like field-based learning, internships, clubs, and more.
The MBA takes two years to complete. Not counting additional fees, living expenses, or housing, tuition is $73,400 per academic year. Harvard Business School is a highly-regarded school. It’s ranked #5 in Best Business Schools.
#5. MSc in Business Management – Sustainable Management specialization (Steinbeis University)
Location: Online
Taught in English, this online MSc educates you on business foundations, sustainability issues, and legal regulations within sustainability. By the program’s end, you’ll be ready to apply strategic and operational lessons in any business as a sustainability consultant, risk management specialist, or related careers. Courses include Strategic Management, Business Organization, Sustainable Growth Strategies, and The Future of Business Organization.
The 120-ECTS program is a year long. Tuition is €74.5 per credit. You’ll take the program through the Institute of Executive Capabilities of Steinbeis University. Steinbeis is a private German university ranked #11 out of 36 universities in Berlin.
#6. Master’s in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CMI Business School)
Location: Madrid, Spain
This program offers you the chance to learn about the latest advances and best practices in corporate social responsibility. You’ll learn about complex challenges, effective solutions, leadership skills, and how to look at CSR from a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective. With this degree, you’ll be ready to take part in the CSR community and lead research and development in the field. The program is equivalent to 60 ECTS credits.
Options are available for full-time, part-time, or online students. You will need a high level of Spanish (B2). The enrollment process is open throughout the year. Full-time students pay a total of €7.630; blended part-time or biweekly students pay €5.380; and online students pay €4.070.
#7. MSc Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Management (University of York)
Location: York, UK
This MSc relies on the academic expertise and professional experience found at the School of Business & Society and the Department of Environment and Geography. You’ll learn about sustainability-driven business models and the ethical, governance, accountability, marketing, and legal parts of corporate sustainability. Core modules include Business and Environment; Environmental Management; and Research Skills and Methods. In place of a traditional dissertation, you can complete a placement-based dissertation at an approved organization of your choosing.
With full-time study, the MSc takes 1 year. UK students pay £9,990 while international/EU students pay £22,250. The University of York is ranked #24 in the UK by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.
#8. MA In Ethics – Corporate Responsibility (Dublin City University)
Location: Dublin, Ireland
The DCU School of Theology, Philosophy and Music and the Institute of Ethics run this specialist pathway. You’ll learn about the ethical, social, and governance parts of business decision-making and operation, as well as how to apply these frameworks to responsible business management. Courses include Business Ethics, Finance and Corporate Governance, and Human Rights & Social Justice. You’ll complete a 15,000-word thesis.
This MA is designed to be taken part-time over two years. EU students pay €4,000 Per Annum while non-EU students pay €7,400 Per Annum. In the 2021 Eduniversal’s Rankings of Best Masters and MBA programs in Corporate Social Responsibility, Dublin City University’s program is ranked #37.
#9. Environment and Society Studies – Corporate Sustainability (Radboud University)
Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
This specialization teaches you about corporate social responsibility, innovation, theory, and corporate sustainability. Lectures from professionals and practical assignments ensure you can apply everything you’ve learned. Different parts of business administration can be included in the specialization. During the program, you’ll get an opportunity to travel abroad for coursework, an internship, or your thesis. Courses include Sustainability and Societal Transformations; Organizational Change; Intervention in Organizations; and International Environmental Politics.
The 60-ECTS program takes one year. The legal tuition fee (which applies to EU/EEA/Swiss/Surinamese students who haven’t gotten a Master’s degree in the Netherlands yet) is €2,209.00. The Institutional tuition fee EER is €17,943 and the Institutional tuition fee non-EER is €22,000. Radboud University is ranked #107 in Best Global Universities.
#10. LLM Corporate Responsibility and Business Law (University of Essex)
Location: Colchester, UK
This course offers you the knowledge and tools necessary to identify, analyze, and evaluate the legalities, principles, models, and frameworks of corporate responsibility, ethical business, business law, corporate governance, and more. Covered topics include human rights within business, environmental law and policy, and the legal aspects of CSR. You’ll get access to things like the Essex Law Clinic, moot competitions, the Model UN, and more.
Full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 years) study options are available. Full-time UK students pay around £9,660 while international students pay £20,700. The University of Essex is ranked #51 for Law in the World University Rankings 2021.
