The Sustainable Business: Becoming a Change Agent Specialization, offered by the University of Colorado Boulder through Coursera, is a three-course online program designed to empower learners to drive sustainability within organizations and communities. This specialization equips participants with the skills to act as change agents, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into business practices. Accessible to global learners without prerequisites, it is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and students aiming to lead sustainable transformation, requiring approximately 3 months at 3–4 hours per week.

Core Content

The specialization includes three courses: Defining the Business Case for Sustainability, Strategies for Sustainable Business, and Driving Change for Sustainable Business. It covers the fundamentals of sustainability, including the business case for ESG integration, stakeholder engagement, and strategies for systemic change. Learners explore topics like circular economy principles, sustainable supply chains, and impact measurement, using real-world case studies from industries such as retail and energy. The program emphasizes practical tools for creating sustainable business models and fostering organizational commitment to sustainability goals, aligned with global frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to articulate the business case for sustainability, design strategies for ESG integration, and lead change initiatives within organizations. The specialization equips learners to engage stakeholders, implement sustainable business models, and measure the impact of sustainability efforts. Through hands-on projects, participants gain experience in crafting actionable plans, such as developing sustainable supply chains or advocating for ESG policies, enabling them to drive measurable environmental and social outcomes.

Target Learners

This specialization is tailored for business professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and students interested in leading sustainability initiatives. It is particularly suited for those in roles related to corporate strategy, operations, or corporate social responsibility, as well as individuals seeking to drive systemic change in their organizations or communities. Its accessible design makes it ideal for a global audience committed to advancing sustainable business practices and leadership.

Learning Format

Hosted on Coursera’s platform, the specialization spans approximately 3 months, requiring 3–4 hours of study per week across three courses. It features engaging video lectures, readings, interactive quizzes, discussion forums, and hands-on projects, supported by expert instructors from the University of Colorado Boulder. The self-paced format ensures flexibility, with case studies fostering practical application. Learners can audit for free or opt for a paid certificate experience (typically USD $49–$79 per course), earning a shareable certificate of completion to enhance professional credentials.

Additional Benefits

The specialization delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply sustainability strategies to real-world challenges, such as reducing environmental impact or enhancing stakeholder engagement. Backed by the University of Colorado Boulder’s expertise in sustainability, it provides credible, industry-relevant content aligned with global ESG trends. Learners join a community of over 87 million Coursera users, gaining insights from diverse case studies and best practices. The certificate enhances career prospects in sustainability, corporate strategy, and change leadership, equipping graduates to lead impactful, sustainable transformations.

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