Certificate of Advanced Study in Sustainable Enterprise (CASSE)     

Join the Movement for Sustainable Solutions in a Finite World

Transform your area of expertise with cutting-edge knowledge of sustainability.

There is broad agreement that human activities are changing the global climate and future consequences are potentially disastrous. Forward-thinking businesses and organizations recognize not only the risks associated with environmental and social challenges—but also the powerful opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. Sustainability is now at the heart of organizational strategies aimed at thriving in a rapidly changing world.

A unique interdisciplinary collaboration among:

• Martin J. Whitman School of Management 
• College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems
• State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• Sustainable Enterprise Partnership

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Sustainable Enterprise (CASSE), offered through the innovative Sustainable Enterprise Partnership (SEP), equips graduate students from across Syracuse University and the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) with the knowledge, skills, and interdisciplinary perspective on the economic, environmental, technical and social dimensions of sustainability to become leaders in sustainable enterprise.

Why Choose CASSE?

CASSE stands apart. Few U.S. business or management schools partner with science and/or engineering schools to deliver sustainability-related curricula, research and outreach. Even fewer integrate business, policy, science and practice in their curriculum. CASSE graduates are disciplinary experts in fields such as finance, marketing, supply chain management, policy, law, architecture or engineering, who also possess deep insights into sustainability challenges and solutions. Graduates are prepared to create innovative strategies and lead meaningful change in addressing complex environmental and social issues. The CASSE core faculty collaborate closely to ensure an engaging and impactful educational experience, preparing you to develop economically viable, innovative and adaptive approaches to complex environmental and social risks.

CASSE can be embedded within students’ primary degree programs. Students must confirm their CASSE planning details with their advisors, as this may help create an integrated curriculum and avoid additional costs and fees associated with earning the certificate. 

.

Certificate candidates must articulate a rationale and focus to support the selection of electives. Students may select electives from their home school/college, which they may have taken as prerequisites to satisfy other requirements; these electives may also be counted toward another program or concentration. In addition to these course requirements, a student must attain at least a B in courses taken to fulfill the certificate requirements and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 to earn the CASSE.

Career Opportunities

CASSE graduates have significantly enhanced career opportunities, backed by substantive expertise and hands-on experience working in interdisciplinary teams. Employers, alumni and current students consistently highlight the CASSE program as a powerful differentiator for securing internships, prestigious positions and advancing career opportunities.

Financial Support

Students may apply for several loan programs to cover the cost of attendance (e.g., Federal Direct Loan Progam, Federal PLUS Loans, Alternative Loan Programs). Part-time students must be enrolled for at least 6 credits (half-time status) to be considered for loan programs.

Additionally, there may be partial scholarships available for students who need to take additional courses above and beyond their graduate degree program to complete the CASSE program.

Curriculum Designed for Impact

Our CASSE Program is open to all currently matriculated graduate students at Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF. CASSE can be completed within one academic year. Certificate candidates are required to complete five courses–three core courses and two electives (15 total credits).

BUA/ECS 650/EST 652:Managing Sustainability: Purpose, Principles and Practice (3 credits) 

• Offered every fall 
• Available as a stand-alone elective, as well as a CASSE core course.

BUA/ECS 651/EST 796: Strategic Management and the Natural Environment (3 credits) 

• Offered through an accelerated format during winterlude (the week before the spring semester starts). 
• Available to all students who have successfully completed BUA/ECS 650/EST 652, or by instructor permission, whether they intend to complete the CASSE or not.

BUA/ECS/EST 759:Sustainability-Driven Enterprise (3 credits) 

• Offered every spring 
• Prerequisites: BUA/ECS 650/EST 652, BUA/ECS 651, first CASSE elective; second elective may be taken concurrently with BUA/ECS/EST 759.

Admission

Admission to the program is available to all matriculated graduate students at Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF. CASSE candidates are required to complete three core courses and two electives. The core courses, described below, are designed to be relevant and accessible to a wide range of disciplines. Students articulate a rationale to support the selection of electives.