Corporate Knights’ 2024 Better World MBA Top 40

In an era of escalating global challenges, business education is undergoing a profound transformation. The rise of sustainability-focused MBA programs represents more than just a trend—it’s a fundamental reimagining of how businesses can and should operate in the 21st century. Corporate Knights’ latest ranking of the world’s most sustainable MBA programs offers a compelling glimpse into this educational revolution. 

Naomi Buck’s accompanying article “The world’s most sustainable MBA programs are producing a generation of changemakers” delves into the stories of remarkable individuals who have been shaped by these forward-thinking educational approaches. From entrepreneurs redefining circular economy principles to finance professionals bringing transparency to sustainable investments, these MBA graduates are proving that business can be a powerful force for positive change.

Buck’s article explores the evolving landscape of sustainability-focused MBA programs and how top business schools are integrating sustainable practices into their curricula and producing graduates who are reshaping business paradigms.

Corporate Knights evaluated the top 40 business programs using two key metrics: the sustainability of course content and the impact of graduates in their professional careers. Toby Heaps, the organization’s CEO, emphasizes that these measurements reveal how programs are fostering holistic business leaders of the future.

Several compelling case studies are presented that illustrate the transformative power of these programs, such as Tim Stonemeijer, a University of Exeter graduate who transitioned from the fast fashion industry to working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. His MBA experience reframed his perspective, allowing him to focus on broader innovation and waste reduction strategies across multiple sectors.

The programs share several key characteristics. They offer comprehensive sustainability integration across all courses, international and diverse student cohorts, practical experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world challenges, and networks of like-minded professionals committed to positive change

Educational leaders like Sanjay Sharma from the Grossman School and Ron Jacobs from Maastricht University emphasize that sustainability is not a peripheral topic but a fundamental approach to business. They describe leadership as moving beyond traditional “command and control” models to creating sustainable working environments and addressing broader societal challenges.

The article highlights remarkable examples of impact, such as a NASCAR CEO seeking advice on addressing racism within the organization, demonstrating how these programs encourage leaders to tackle complex social issues.

Perhaps most significantly, the article suggests that sustainability-focused MBA programs are quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception. As global challenges become more complex, these programs are producing graduates who see sustainability not just as an option, but as the only viable approach to business.

The piece concludes with an optimistic vision: business education is evolving to create leaders who understand that true success lies in creating value for society, not just shareholders. These MBA programs are not just teaching a new way of doing business—they are cultivating a new way of thinking about business’s role in solving global challenges.

If you’d like to take a look at Corporate Knights’ Better World Top 40 list, click here.

If you’d like to pursue a sustainability-focused MBA, contact us and speak with one of our EU-based consultants!