University of Michigan
AC-4: Graduate Program

The Erb Institute is a partnership between the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan. The institute’s mission is to create a socially and environmentally sustainable world through the power of business. We do that through research, teaching and business engagement—all focused on preparing and supporting bold business leaders who can adeptly transform companies, industries and entire economies for systemic sustainability. The institute was founded 20 years ago as a dual-degree program in which graduate students receive their MBA from Ross and their MS from SEAS. Today, the institute has grown to include scholarly and applied research on business sustainability, as well as direct business engagement to turn ideas into action through on-the-ground projects with companies, social enterprises and nonprofits committed to business sustainability.

Launched in the fall of 2007, the dual degree confers a master of science (M.S.) degree from the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and a master of science in engineering (M.S.E.) from the College of Engineering (CoE). Global climate change, energy security, ecological degradation, environmental threats to human health and resource scarcity are critical sustainability challenges for the 21st century. Sustainability is based upon the ability to meet societal needs within the context of economical and ecological constraints. This dual degree provides the tools necessary to help meet those needs. The program trains graduate students to protect, restore and create engineered and natural systems that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Graduates have the engineering and sustainability foundations to command jobs domestically and internationally with engineering consulting firms, research and development labs in the private and public sectors, government agencies and NGOs.

SEAS Sustainable Systems graduates are equipped to become these leaders through an interdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on systems thinking, as well as a sound understanding of ecological principles, the capabilities of technology, and the mechanisms that reshape economic and social progress. The curriculum draws on courses from SEAS and across the University of Michigan, many of which are cross-listed with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the College of Engineering for a truly collaborative educational experience. The Sustainable Systems program is led by a diverse team of faculty with expertise ranging from urban infrastructure ecology to renewable electricity and corporate environmental strategy. Much of our research is done in tandem with the Center for Sustainable Systems and the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise.