Program Overview
Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for innovation and economic growth, but it can also contribute to social and environmental problems if not pursued sustainably. Consumers, investors, and policymakers are demanding that businesses reduce their environmental footprint, promote social equity, and contribute to sustainable development. Sustainable entrepreneurship seeks to address these issues by promoting businesses that create value for society and the environment, in addition to generating profits.
The bachelor's degree program in sustainable entrepreneurship at the Swedish Open University is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about entrepreneurship and sustainability. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to start and manage sustainable businesses that create a positive social and environmental impact. It gives students the knowledge and skills to develop and manage sustainable businesses. Students enrolled in the program learn how to apply entrepreneurial principles and sustainable business practices to create and grow businesses that contribute to a more sustainable world. Students learn about the latest trends and innovations in sustainable business practices and how to apply them in their own business ventures.
The program covers various topics, such as business planning, sustainable product design, social entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, and sustainable marketing, focusing on developing creative and innovative approaches for addressing social and environmental challenges. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers as sustainable entrepreneurs, sustainable business consultants, social impact investors, and sustainable product designers.
The Swedish Open University emphasizes on a collaborative learning environment, where students work together in teams to solve problems and complete assignments. Students are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas with their peers and to engage in academic discussions. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and encourages students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
In the final year of the program, students complete a project that demonstrates their ability to apply sustainable entrepreneurship principles to a specific business idea. The project is supervised by a faculty advisor and culminates in a written report and oral presentation. The project gives the students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world business idea and showcase their abilities to potential investors or partners.
The program also includes a global perspective, which prepares students to work in international contexts. This includes courses on global sustainability challenges and international business practices. This global perspective is essential for students who are planning to launch sustainable businesses in a global marketplace. The program is delivered online, allowing students to study at their own pace following their own schedule.
Program Learning Outcomes and Objectives
By the end of the program, students will be able to:
• Understand the principles of sustainable entrepreneurship and apply them to create a successful business.
• Develop and implement sustainable business strategies that promote social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
• Analyze the economic, social, and environmental impacts of business decisions and evaluate their consequences.
• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify opportunities and challenges in the sustainable entrepreneurship field.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to build partnerships and promote sustainable business practices.
• Demonstrate ethical leadership and decision-making skills that promote social justice and sustainability.
Program Structure
The program begins with foundational courses in business and economics. In addition to the foundational courses in business administration such Basic Mathematics, Business Statistics, Information systems: Digitalization, Introduction to Marketing, Financial Management, Financial accounting, Managerial Accounting, Project Management, Principles of Economics, Microeconomics, Entrepreneurship Development, Introduction to Organization and Management, Leadership, Research Methods, Business Law and Ethics, Internship and Exchange Program, tech, and the Bachelor’s thesis or project. The core courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundational course in business and economics.
In addition, students also need to attend courses designed to provide them with a foundation in the principles of sustainable entrepreneurship. These courses cover topics like:
1. Sustainable product design.
2. Sustainable financing.
3. Sustainable tourism.
4. Sustainable marketing.
5. Introduction to Sustainability Perspectives.
6. Environmental management systems.
7. Social entrepreneurship.
8. Introduction to sustainable entrepreneurship.
9. Sustainable business modeling.
10. Sustainability and industry analysis.
11. Business planning.
12. Sustainable innovations.
13. Others.
Students learn about the key components of business management and how to apply them when starting and running a sustainable business. They also learn about the process of entrepreneurship and how to identify and evaluate business opportunities.
Final Project:
The final project is the culminating experience of the program. Students will use their knowledge and skills to create a sustainable business plan that addresses a real-world problem. The project will be presented to a panel of experts who will evaluate the plan and provide feedback.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the sustainable entrepreneurship program can pursue a range of careers, including:
• Sustainable Entrepreneurs,
• Social Entrepreneurs,
• Sustainable Business Consultants,
• Sustainable Business Incubator Managers,
• Sustainable Venture Capitalists.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the program, applicants must have:
• Completed high school or equivalent education.
• Have proven proficiency in English.
• Have a strong interest in sustainable entrepreneurship.
• Fulfill other admission requirements.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition for the bachelor’s degree program in sustainable business management at the Swedish Open University is 60,000 SEK (approximately $6,000 USD) per year or 3,000 USD per semester. This does not include additional fees for textbooks, technology, or other course material.
Assessment and evaluation
Student learning is assessed using a number of methods, including exams, essays, case studies, and projects. Students are also evaluated on their participation in online discussions and group projects. Course evaluations are conducted at the end of each course to gather feedback from the students on the effectiveness of the course and the teaching methods used.
Graduation requirements
To graduate from the bachelor’s program at the Swedish Open University, students must:
• Complete all required courses and earn a minimum of 180 credits.
• Maintain a minimum grade of 60 percent in every course.
• Successfully complete a bachelor’s thesis or project.
• Meet any additional requirements set by the university.
How to apply
