Green Degrees Gather Momentum in Business

Environmentalism is no longer just a trend: it's a way of life that is permeating every facet of our culture, from food to fashion to civil engineering. In this social climate, one of the hottest diplomas to lay claim to is an environmental science degree, and nowadays it's not just for biologists and park rangers. As the quest for eco-friendliness becomes more mainstream, green business degrees are cropping up at universities across the country.

The [University of Wisconsin] Board of Regents approved the new degree at its meeting earlier this month. Classes will be completely online, based out of UW campuses in Parkside, River Falls, Stout, and Superior.

UW-Extension continuing education dean David Schejbal said the sustainability management program was developed after CEO's and human resources directors told him there's demand for sustainability experts at their companies.

"They say we can get business majors, they're a dime a dozen, they're all over the place," said Schejbal. "We can get engineering students. We can get those in places. What we can't get are students who understand the combination of the science and the business."

With President Barack Obama's campaign push during election season for a rise in "green collar jobs" has no doubt further fueled the interest in environmental degrees, which are likely to be seen in more and more colleges and universities as the years press on. Already, University of Massachusetts and Upper Iowa University -- to name just a small sampling -- are also getting the ball rolling on Bachelor degrees in sustainable management and entrepreneurship.

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