The State University of New York (SUNY) Empire State College has announced it is offering an undergraduate certificate in business and environmental sustainability.
The program is in response to a request from CenterState CEO that the school offer courses in business and sustainability, Empire State College said in a news release.
CenterState CEO is a Syracuse–based business leadership, economic development, and chamber of commerce organization that covers a 12-county region of Central New York.
The certificate program, which includes four courses, encompasses management education in environmental sustainability, ecological economics, business ethics, and managing sustainable organizations.
It is applicable to any individual, business, or organization overseeing the deployment of resources including real-estate organizations and property managers; landscape design, consulting, and contracting companies; construction and manufacturing businesses; and environmental, education, and community nonprofit organizations, Empire State College said.
Students can study online, face to face, or a blend of both to earn the certificate.
In addition, the certificate’s 16 credits are fully applicable toward a bachelor’s in business, management, and economics for those seeking to complete or earn an undergraduate degree, according to Empire State College.
Businesses, government, and nonprofit organizations of all types are “rapidly” increasing their focus on environmental sustainability, college president Merodie Hancock said in the news release.
“The demand for Empire State College’s business and environmental-sustainability certificate is driven by high-cost energy resources, good will, ever-increasing demand by consumers for environmentally sustainable goods and services and overall economic and ethical common sense,” Hancock said.
This certificate program will help the region’s talent meet the needs of area employers with skills and knowledge in environmentally sustainable, cost-saving measures and socially responsible practices, Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO, said in the news release.
“This program’s multiple-study options, including online instruction, will ensure access to more people, which is essential to the growth of the Central New York economy,” Simpson said.
Empire State College in Central New York serves 1,200 students annually at seven locations, including DeWitt, Auburn, Binghamton, Fort Drum, Ithaca, Utica, Watertown, and an advising office at Onondaga Community College, according to its website.
The main office of Empire State College is located in Saratoga Springs, the website says.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com