With an ever-changing and increasingly complex global business landscape, the Division of Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS) was created to challenge future values-driven leaders to conduct business with ethical, environmental, social and economic initiatives.
SRS students are challenged to discover and explore their understanding of the role of business in addressing global issues and along with critical thinking, apply that understanding through experiential learning to different business, economic, social and environmental situations.ÌýSRS students will also learn about business ethics and culture, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and diversity and the impact these areas can have to influence positive change in the world. Students who take SRS courses will be equipped to take on key leadership roles in a business world that requires teamwork, diversity and social responsibility.
Social Responsibility and Sustainability students can participate in the Social Responsibility and Sustainability Track and/or the Social Responsibility and Ethics Certificate.Ìý
Social Responsibility & Sustainability Track
The Social Responsibility and Sustainability Track focuses on values-based practices at the of organizations. This track identifies how business professionals can promote responsible corporate governance practices to create lasting positive social impact. The track will introduce students to values-based decision making and business practices. Students will learn about SRS practices across different functions of a business organization and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge though projects, case studies, competitions, and examination of current business practices. Course work in leadership and governance will provide students with skills and knowledge to create positive social impact in an organization. Students will be prepared to provide practical solutions for the social and environmental complexities of modern business.
Career OpportunitiesÌý
After completing the track, students may find opportunities as sustainability consultants, CRS reporting officers, sustainability auditors, sustainability officers and managers, environmental and risk managers, ESG investment analysts, socially responsible investment fund managers, sustainable operations project managers, supply chain managers, and green marketing strategists, among others. Social Responsibility & Sustainability students may also participate in the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility’s (CESR) Career Trek, where students meet directly with executives from high-solvency businesses with a strong presence in social impact activities, social responsibility practices and programs, and significant sustainability initiatives.
Required Courses
There are three required courses in the Social Responsibility & Sustainability Track. All courses are for 3 credits unless indicated otherwise:
- CESR 4130 – Sustainable Operations
- CESR 3040 – Fundamental of Ethical Leadership
- CESR/ACCT 4827/5827 – Integrated Reporting for Socially Responsible Strategies (Capstone)
Elective Courses
In addition, students in the Social Responsibility & Sustainability track must complete any three of the following elective courses:
- CESR 4000– Leadership Challenges
- CESR 4005 – Business Solutions for the Developing World
- MGMT 4140 – Project Management
- CESR/MGMT 4430 – Corporate Boards in Action
- BAIM 4205 – Information Security Management
- CESR/ORGN 4300 – Leading Diversity and Inclusion in Organizations
Social Responsibility and Ethics Certificate
Earning the SRE Certificate demonstrates focused study and experience in the fields of social responsibility, sustainability, values-based leadership, and social innovation. Undergraduate Leeds students who complete the certificate distinguish them as professionals who strive to use the tools of business to make a positive social impact.