- Ontario university/college degree, college diploma or equivalent.
- Applicants with a combination of partial postsecondary and/or significant relevant work experience that is the equivalent of the above may be considered. A relevant resume and references must be provided.
- English proficiency for graduate certificates.
Sustainable Business Management (SMB)
Note: This program is not accepting applications for September 2025
About the Program
This eight-month graduate certificate program focuses on the application and long-term economic, environmental and social value of sustainability in business. This program is designed to meet the growing need for professionals who can propose, measure and evaluate sustainability strategies and initiatives. You will learn how to develop and implement economically viable, socially inclusive and environmentally regenerative business strategies to help organizations thrive in the 21st century and how to create a purposeful sustainable business as an entrepreneur.
You will learn how to assess sustainability and identify areas for improvement, engage with stakeholders and integrate sustainability across an organization to improve performance and drive business results. You will also learn how to influence decision-makers regarding sustainability initiatives and be an inspiring agent of change.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
2 Semesters (8 Months)
Starts
September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in Seneca's flexible delivery format. Using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. In courses delivered in the flexible format, students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- measure and reduce carbon footprints
- recommend climate-resilient and lean business strategies
- integrate sustainability initiatives and strategies
Work Experience
Optional Work Term
This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study.
Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.
Work-Integrated Learning Model
| Year | September | January | May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Work Term |
Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the Sustainable Business Management (Work Term) (SMBC) program.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Sustainability Officer
- Energy Auditor
- Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
- Project Manager
- Community Engagement Manager
- Sustainability Program Manager
- Outreach Co-ordinator
Program of Study
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester1 | ||
| SMB700 | Environmental Assessment and Business Strategy | 3 |
| SMB701 | Global Sustainability: Sustainable Development Goals | 3 |
| SMB703 | Sustainable Management | 3 |
| SMB704 | Social Impact | 3 |
| SMB705 | Sustainable Investing and Data Analytics | 3 |
| SMB805 | Project Management | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| SMB702 | Sustainability Across Industries | 3 |
| SMB800 | Circularity Net Zero and Sustainability | 3 |
| SMB801 | Leadership for Sustainable Change | 3 |
| SMB802 | Marketing and Communication | 3 |
| SMB803 | Sustainable Business Model Design | 3 |
| SMB804 | Integrated Sustainability Proposal | 3 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation * | 1 |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| SMB441 | Sustainable Business Management, Work Term * | 30 |
- *
Work-Integrated Learning option only
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Design a corporate ecological vision and mission statement that demonstrates corporate social responsibility for a future or existing business and draws on the historical development of the sustainable movement.
- Develop sustainable business practices for a future or existing business based on research of current sustainable business examples and best practices.
- Develop criteria for a 'Sustainable Business Report Card' for local businesses that includes recommendations and implementation strategies to reduce a company's ecological footprint.
- Utilize sustainability theories and strategies to improve supply chain sustainability.
- Create, analyze, and implement a personal and corporate energy audit that demonstrates a reduction in operational costs and a sustainable personal and corporate image.
- Create sustainable business ideas capitalizing on current sustainable business opportunities discovered through environmental scans, research and analysis of local and global marketplace trends.
- Design a business model for business opportunity that is purposeful and environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.
- Construct a marketing plan for a local company that highlights its market and differential advantage through corporate social responsibility strategies.
- Justify decisions, plans and concepts using ethical principles, appeals to corporate social responsibility.
- Create recommendations for additional sustainable business practice strategies based on an evaluation of a multi-national corporation's green business practices.
- Identify and manage key sustainability data.
Admission Requirements
Canadian citizens or permanent residents educated outside of Canada must provide a World Education Services (WES) or ICAS Canada credential evaluation.
International Student Information
International admissions requirements vary by program and in addition to English requirements, programs may require credits in mathematics, biology, and chemistry at a level equivalent to Ontario’s curriculum, or a postsecondary degree or diploma, equivalent to an Ontario university or college. Program-specific pre-requisite courses and credentials are listed with the admission requirements on each program page. To review the academic requirements please visit: Academic Requirements - Seneca, Toronto, Canada (senecapolytechnic.ca).
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.