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MBA program features

Format

Our MBA in Sustainable Innovation is a full-time program designed for working professionals, delivered in person, 1 weekend per month over 24 months.

  • program length: 24 months
  • delivery: in person / 1 weekend per month on campus
  • program start date: September
  • cohort size: 35-42 students
  • program orientation: early September on campus

Curriculum

Our courses are built on the core principles of a traditional MBA, but reimagined through the lens of sustainable innovation—equipping leaders to drive transformative, responsible change from the ground up. This approach allows students to fully engage with the complexities of the modern world.

Classes are small. The focus is on:

  • group dialogue
  • simulations and case studies
  • applied projects
  • individual reflection

Our courses emphasize problem-solving and student-centred learning, connecting practical theory to useful, real-world applications.

We teach courses in 6 integrated blocks with 2 courses delivered over multiple blocks.

Year Fall Spring Summer
Year 1 Block 1 Block 2 Block 3
Year 2 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6

MBA courses

Year 1

Block 1 – Foundations of Sustainable Management

Learn how business can be a force for good—driving social justice, environmental action and sustainable value creation while remaining profitable. 

You’ll explore:

  • impact investing and sustainability reporting
  • Indigenous inclusion, climate change and biodiversity loss
  • triple bottom line and corporate social responsibility strategies
  • your personal role in advancing ethical business

Understand how economic systems shape business decisions and global sustainability. Learn to apply economic thinking to today’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

You’ll explore:

  • economic inequality and the economics of innovation
  • behavioural economics, public policy and environmental economics
  • carbon pricing, cap and trade, and carbon markets
  • tools to evaluate economic trade-offs for sustainable outcomes

Find out how financial reporting and managerial accounting can help support values-based decisions.

You’ll explore:

  • climate-related risk and environmental disclosure
  • sustainability reporting standards like SASB
  • the role of accounting in strategy and impact

Block 2 – Transforming Finance, Data and Organizations for Sustainable Impact

Discover how finance can address climate risk, economic justice and sustainable value creation. Learn tools to make responsible investment decisions in today’s evolving economy.

You’ll explore:

  • ESG integration, impact investing and fossil fuel-free investing
  • clean revenue and responsible investments
  • strategies for building a low-carbon economy

Use data to make smarter business decisions. Learn how analytics can drive efficiency, sustainability and ethical business outcomes.

You’ll explore:

  • predictive modelling and statistical analysis
  • regression analysis, data visualization and AI/machine learning
  • digital ethics and data privacy
  • identifying and protecting vulnerable populations

Learn how to design organizations that support equity, resilience and sustainability. Design structures that promote social cohesion, civil society and inclusive innovation.

You’ll explore:

  • inclusive organizational design
  • democracy and alternative governance models
  • community development, workplace diversity and empowerment
  • strategies for regeneration
  • reimaginging leadership

Block 3 – Leading Connection, Creativity and Systemic Change

Discover how marketing can build trust and promote positive change. Learn to engage customers through storytelling and digital strategy.

You’ll explore:

  • socially responsible and cause-related marketing
  • consumer behaviour and brand trust
  • alternative media, data and technology
  • aligning corporate responsibility with customer relationships and market success
  • responsible consumption

Use creative thinking to solve complex challenges. Learn to design innovative solutions that support sustainability and social change.

You’ll explore:

  • design thinking and systems-based approaches
  • ethnographic research, user insight and rapid prototyping
  • generating innovative, impact-driven strategies

Learn how to align, develop and engage talent in a world shaped by globalization, technology and rapid change.

You’ll explore:

  • career sustainability, regeneration, job design, job crafting and resilience
  • managing strengths, advisory networks and professional identity
  • inclusion, empowerment, meaningful work and social well-being

Year 2

Block 4 – Operationalizing Strategy for a Regenerative Future

Redesign operations to restore ecosystems, build resilience and advance equity. Move beyond sustainability to regeneration.

You’ll explore:

  • circular design, regenerative economics and ethical operations
  • pollution control, waste reduction and product lifecycle impact
  • systems-based decision-making
  • community-driven innovation
  • responsible supply chains

Learn how to see the big picture and make long-term strategic decisions that help organizations succeed.

You’ll explore:

  • strategic analysis of internal and external environments
  • corporate responsibility, ethical management and effective governance
  • innovation, environmental and social responsibility, and effective stakeholder engagement

Block 5 – Building Trust through Digital and Social Systems

Learn how digital tools and technologies can support ethical, sustainable business.

You’ll explore:

  • business model innovation, public trust and ethical decision-making 
  • cybersecurity, AI and IT governance
  • the risks and opportunities in digital transformation

Build the skills to lead cross-sector partnerships that drive change. Learn how collaboration drives sustainable development, innovation and social responsibility across sectors.

You’ll explore:

  • alliances, networks and public-private partnerships
  • inclusive leadership, trust-building and community engagement
  • stakeholder relationships, cultural diversity and social accountability

Block 6 – Creating Purpose-Driven Ventures

Learn how to design ventures that tackle social and environmental challenges using innovative business models.

You’ll explore:

  • social innovation and social enterprises
  • the role of the social entrepreneur in creating value for beneficiaries
  • building a lean business plan
  • advancing social responsibility, sustainability and social good

Explore emerging topics in business shaped by evolving industry needs and faculty expertise. Stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world.

You’ll explore:

  • specialized subjects like circular economy or digital ethics
  • tools for navigating complex, evolving business challenges

Multi-Block Courses

Become the kind of leader the world needs now. Discover regenerative leadership as a foundation for guiding ethical, resilient and purpose-driven organizations in a complex world.

You’ll explore:

  • reflection, sensemaking and systems thinking
  • global partnerships and international development
  • ethical decision-making and citizenship
  • a leadership philosophy rooted in collective action and social well-being

Apply everything you’ve learned in a real-world project. Work in teams to solve a client’s challenge and deliver actionable, high-impact solutions.

You’ll explore:

  • project management, critical thinking and stakeholder engagement
  • research, analysis and sustainability consulting for impact
  • practical experience in system-based approaches and sustainable value creation

Note: we deliver MBA 523 in blocks 1-4 and MBA 596 in blocks 4-6.

Career development

While in the program, you have access to professional, customized supports to help you grow, launch or pivot your career. We provide you with tools and resources, reflective learning activities and one-on-one coaching so you can make the most of transformative experiences and new connections.

Industry mentors

Elevate your MBA journey and gain invaluable insights from an engaged group of nearly 150 seasoned business leaders. Join our mentorship program to connect, learn and thrive. 

Alumni network

More than 1,400 UVic MBA alumni have amazing careers all over the world, in just about any industry you can think of. Join a community of like-minded professionals. Students are welcome to attend networking panels and events with MBA alumni.

Get to know a few of our alumni through alumni stories.

If you're considering applying to the program and would like to connect with a grad, please email us!

Experiential learning travel

All MBA students participate in a 1 week trip; a customized, unparalleled opportunity to meet pioneers in sustainable innovation and organization change. It's designed to give you an insider’s view of transformational work being delivered by leading and impact enterprises. Return to work and the classroom with ambition and action calibrated to the scale of radical change needed to create resilient communities, economies and ecosystems. 

Note: There is a one-time fee of $6,000 for this required trip.

Learn more

Interested in learning more about the MBA in Sustainable Innovation? Register for an info session