Graduate Certificate in Business, Environment, and Social Responsibility

GOAL: Provide students knowledge and skills to analyze and leverage the interrelations between business and its natural and social environment.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Graduate students from any school on the UW-Madison campus.

OVERVIEW:The Graduate Certificate in Business, Environment, and Social Responsibility (BESR) offers a suite of courses addressing the interrelations between business and its natural and social environment. Students will acquire knowledge and skills in

• identifying causes of environmental and social challenges as they relate to business
• structuring decision making processes to frame and incorporate these challenges in business decisions
• analyzing and positively leveraging the interdependencies between business and its natural and social environment

The portfolio of courses offered in the certificate provides students with a balance of fact knowledge, theoretical understanding, and skills. Students are also encourages to participate in a variety of events and activities that provide a forum to exchange ideas and connect the business community with students and faculty interested in sustainability.

The BESR Certificate is one example of the Wisconsin School of Business' efforts to develop and disseminate insights into sustainability related issues. In the 2009-10 Beyond Grey Pinstripes survey, the Wisconsin School of Business was ranked 17th in the world in business schools committed to environmental and social stewardship.