Presidio Graduate School

The New York Times says that if you want to change the world, go to Presidio Graduate School. Since 2003, the Presidio MBA in Sustainable Solutions has been equipping students to become skilled leaders of a more just, prosperous, and sustainable world. The program is designed to help students integrate sustainability and social justice practices to lead businesses toward the common good and to innovate and lead initiatives that result in scalable and lasting change for a better future. Current student Heather Openshaw says in Presidio’s blog The Presidian, “Let it be known that Presidians are drawn together by a mutual passion for making the world a better place.”

While many other management programs are incorporating sustainability, Presidio provides a deep focus on climate change, anti-racism, materiality assessment, and designing for social impact, in addition to preparing students for impactful careers. All students take a one-unit course called Professional Skills for a Career with Purpose designed to support students with their career aspirations. Students will take foundational courses focused on systems thinking, responsible leadership for all stakeholders, and business for the common good. The program is 53 credits, with 12 required courses and 4 units of electives, with a curriculum designed around rigorous management theory and practice, combined with environmental stewardship, social justice, and systems thinking.

The average class size is between 30 to 40 students. To apply, prospective students must submit their academic background, a resume, a personal essay, and optional GMAT/GRE scores as well as optional letters of recommendation. The program is two years for full-time students, and three and a half years for part-time students.

Students have the opportunity to participate in semester-long experiential learning projects where they are able to practice learned theories in real-world scenarios helping corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies work on actual sustainability projects and create impact in real time. There are many other opportunities for students to learn and engage through conferences, networking events, and case competitions.