Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance Leadership Graduate Certificate

In-Person Classes

Finish in 2 Semesters

12-Credit Program

No GMAT/GRE Requirement

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Ensure Organizations Do Good in the World — and Do Well in Your Career

In our modern world, success isn’t solely defined by financial gains. Businesses and governmental bodies acknowledge the importance of balancing economic prosperity with social and environmental responsibility. If you aspire to drive positive change in sustainable business practices, pursue your Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Leadership Graduate Certificate. Our faculty members bring diverse expertise to the classroom, equipping you with knowledge and skills for addressing climate change, environmental degradation, social injustice, and other pressing challenges within organizations locally and globally.

  • Developed through a collaboration between Minnesota Carlson, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and the Institute on the Environment (IonE)
  • LinkedIn ranked sustainability analyst among the top five Jobs on the Rise for 20241
  • In April 2024, there were more than 24,000 job postings for titles like alternative energy manager, sustainability specialist, and energy analyst in Minnesota2
  • Tuition Discounts*: Make your Carlson degree even more affordable and put your academic goals within reach. U.S. military members, veterans, and employees from our corporate partner organizations are automatically eligible for a 15% tuition discount

ESG Courses Rooted in the Science and Business of Sustainability

Our courses prepare you to consider public policy and sustainable practices in your business career. You can tailor your education to your goals through electives that explore environmental justice, corporate responsibility, and other ESG topics involving finance, supply chains, and leadership.

Change Leadership for ESG Action

Gain hands-on experience in investigating, designing, and implementing ESG improvements.

ESG for Investors and the Economy

Discuss and analyze current ESG topics and potential developments that apply to finance.

Responsible Supply Chain Management

Learn strategies that consider the triple bottom line — people, the planet, and profit.

Admissions Requirements

Take the first step in completing the online Sustainable Environmental, Social, and Governance Leadership Graduate Certificate by submitting your application. Through a streamlined process, you can complete the application and submit all admission requirements entirely online.

Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

Application Fee$75 (Waivers are available for qualifying active duty members of the U.S. military.)
TranscriptsAll official transcripts from previously attended institutions
GRE/GMAT ScoreOptional, but not required
Additional Requirements
  • 2 professional letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Current resume

Meet the Rising Demand for ESG Leaders

Building ESG expertise helps you do more than promote sustainability — you can also boost your earning potential. In 2023, a Reuters report showed finance professionals with job titles containing “ESG” or “sustainability” averaged 22% higher salaries than roles without those designations.3

Career Paths in ESG and Sustainability

ESG Manager $140,990 per year4

Environmental Analyst $69,435 per year5

Corporate Sustainability Manager $104,141 per year6

Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist $64,800 per year7

About the Schools

This certificate is offered through a collaboration with the following schools within the University of Minnesota. The multidisciplinary courses draw on the science of sustainability, organizational change scholarship, concepts of justice, and beyond, providing more insight than training through a professional group or society.

Minnesota Carlson

A leader in business education and research, Minnesota Carlson offers students experiential learning, international education, and access to a vast alumni network.

Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Ranked among the nation’s top professional public policy and planning schools, the Humphrey School equips students for impactful roles in public life at various levels.

Institute on the Environment (IonE)

IonE supports interdisciplinary research, develops global leaders, and fosters transformative partnerships to address the world’s greatest challenges

An Impactful Learning Experience

While continuing your education through Minnesota Carlson, Humphrey School, and IonE, you’ll gain access to a highly supportive team that includes enrollment specialists, career center coaches, and expert instructors. With our extensive alumni network across more than 100 countries, you’ll make incredible connections that empower your success.

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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. LinkedIn. “LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2024: The 25 fastest-growing roles in the U.S.” Retrieved June 25, 2025, from www.linkedin.com.
  2. Lightcast. Job Posting Analytics, Lightcast Q1 2024 Data Set, April 2024, Minnesota. Retrieved from https://lightcast.io.
  3. Reuters. “‘ESG’ in US finance job titles comes with 20% pay premium.” Retrieved June 25, 2025, from www.reuters.com.
  4. Salary.com. ESG Manager Salary in the United States. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from www.salary.com.
  5. Salary.com. Environmental Analyst Salary in the United States. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from www.salary.com.
  6. Salary.com. Corporate Sustainability Manager Salaries in the United States. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from www.salary.com.
  7. Salary.com. Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist Salary in the United States. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from www.salary.com.

*Discounts noted here are not stackable and cannot be combined with other scholarships or discounts awarded by the University of Minnesota.