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Concordia creates sustainability and business minor to prepare leaders for a changing global economy

Concordia College is expanding opportunities for students interested in integrating sustainability into business with the launch of a new sustainability and business minor. 

The interdisciplinary program is shared between Concordia's environmental and sustainability studies program and the Offutt School of Business.  

Students in the minor will learn to explain how environmental systems, sustainability science, and regulatory frameworks influence business operations and strategy while analyzing business cases through scientific, economic, and policy-based perspectives.  

The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, systems thinking, global and intercultural competence, and applied learning through experiential projects, internships, or community partnerships. 

The interdisciplinary approach gives students an advantage by connecting environmental science with business decision-making, says Dr. Jennifer Sweatman, associate professor of biology and program director of environmental and sustainability studies.

“This combination enhances students’ professional readiness and gives them a competitive advantage in a job market that values sustainability leadership, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) awareness, and systems thinking,” she said. 

Graduates will be prepared for careers across a wide range of industries, including consulting, renewable energy, finance, manufacturing, government, technology, marketing, supply chain management, nonprofit organizations, and corporate sustainability. 

“Not only does the program benefit students,” Sweatman added, “it supports the broader community.”