Courses in sustainable management can prepare students to lead organizations in ways that balance the needs of the business, the environment and society. Students can focus on sustainability in a certain industry or job function, as it is a field that is usually relevant to all businesses.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.