Saint Joseph's College - ME
AC-4: Graduate Program

The foundation of the degree program is anchored in teaching students to think globally, statistically, systemically and ethically. The concentration focuses on applying the tools of entrepreneurship to endeavors that propel social change and sustainability. Social entrepreneurs, both nonprofit and for-profit, are focused and committed to mission-driven enterprises that seek to solve social, economic, and/or ecological problems. Because sustainability is increasingly a strategic issue central to competitive advantage in a global, interconnected and technologically driven world, managing for current needs without compromising the future requires focusing on the triple bottom line, adding social and environmental considerations to traditional economic performance and being able to make a business case for it. Courses explore the strategy, risk orientation, and organizational considerations necessary to achieve sustainability. Global pressures for sustainability initiatives are considered, including science, humanity, public policy, technological innovation, and industry issues such as supply chains. Development of the organizational goals, strategies, and internal processes and systems needed to successfully integrate sustainable operations is considered. Triple bottom line reporting will be a focus, including major reporting bodies, requirements, advantages, and how to integrate reporting strategically into operations.