The Kogod School of Business at American University stands as a beacon of innovation shaping the next generation of business leaders. With a commitment to sustainability, unparalleled faculty expertise, and a robust experiential learning framework, Kogod ensures that its students graduate well-equipped to take on a career in business that meets today’s industry needs and anticipates the ever-changing scope of tomorrow.
Innovators in Sustainability Education
At the Kogod School of Business, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a philosophy woven into the fabric of every program. Having just celebrated the tenth anniversary of the MS in Sustainability Management program in 2023, Kogod was a trailblazer in sustainability education and remains one of the only business schools in the country to house such a specialized program in the field. The school’s commitment to creating a more sustainable world through business extends beyond a single program, though. Kogod believes that sustainable thinking should permeate every classroom, student activity, and school event as students prepare to enter the business world and grapple with business’ impact at every level.
By leveraging data and innovative technologies—along with the passion of its students, faculty practitioners, and the wider community—Kogod encourages the application of sustainable practices across all business disciplines. The goal is to equip students with the skills to implement innovative solutions, ensuring their organizations thrive while considering the broader impact on people, planet, and prosperity.
Unparalleled Faculty Expertise
Kogod’s faculty are not just educators; they are real practitioners deeply embedded in their respective fields. This level of access to some of the nation’s top researchers and most experienced business leaders provides students with current insights and real-world problem-solving skills. Students can engage in pro-bono and co-op consulting projects with local businesses, gaining hands-on experience in developing innovative solutions to real business problems. Field trips to congressional hearings offer a unique perspective on how policy decisions impact businesses of different sizes, while the startup incubator program at the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship—led by two Kogod faculty members – supports student entrepreneurs in their quests to create meaningful change through business.
The faculty at Kogod are changemakers themselves, dedicated to supporting students and alums on their journeys to create impact. This commitment to mentorship and real-world exposure is a cornerstone of the Kogod experience.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Kogod understands the value of learning by doing. The school offers an array of experiential learning opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom settings. Students participating in the Kogod Student Managed Investment Fund and the Real Estate Investment Trust invest real money into the stock market, gaining practical insights into financial markets. The Student-Advised Impact Investment Fund course focuses on sustainable investing, giving students the chance to collaborate with faculty in researching and recommending sustainable investments to American University’s board of trustees – ultimately providing students the unparalleled opportunity to invest roughly $9M of the university’s endowment fund.
For those seeking a global perspective, domestic and international immersion experiences offer class credit through site visits and cultural engagement. With its strategic location in Washington, DC, Kogod provides unparalleled internship, mentorship, and career opportunities at the crossroads of the public and private sectors, ensuring students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the business world regardless of what industry they pursue.
With its mission to build a more sustainable world through business, the Kogod School of Business at American University stands as a vanguard of innovation—fostering a problem-solving mentality, providing access to faculty expertise, and offering a vast array of experiential learning opportunities. As the landscape of the business world continues to grow and change, Kogod remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping agile and forward-thinking changemakers who are poised to lead in creating lasting and innovative impacts around the world.
