CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business is one of the few undergraduate business schools in the nation that emphasizes socially responsible conduct in business throughout its curriculum. The Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) helps undergraduate students become outstanding business leaders of tomorrow by preparing them to meet the ethical challenges posed by an increasingly competitive, globally connected business world.
CESR offers the certificate in social responsibility and ethics (SRE) to business students who seek to distinguish themselves in the field of socially responsible business, whether their unique interests lie in environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, corporate ethics or values-driven leadership. Students who complete the certificate will develop the practical knowledge and marketable experiences that will distinguish them as business professionals who strive to make a positive social impact.
Requirements
The Social Responsibility and Ethics (SRE) Certificate is available to business students who seek to distinguish themselves in the field of socially responsible business, whether their unique interests lie in environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, or ethical leadership. Interested students need to register with the SRE office, then meet with CESR's Program Manager, and must graduate with a 3.00 GPA.
Required Courses and Credits
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Business Core | ||
| BCOR 2301 | Business Law | 1.5 |
| BCOR 2302 | Business Ethics and Social Responsibility | 1.5 |
| Business Coursework | ||
| Select three of the following courses. All courses have the minimum prerequisites of 52 credits completed and the completion of BASE 2104. Some courses have additional prerequisites. | 9 | |
| Critical Leadership Skills | ||
| Fundamentals of Socially Responsible Leadership | ||
| Sustainable Space Governance | ||
| Leadership Challenges | ||
| Business Solutions for Global Development | ||
| Sustainable Operations | ||
| Global Business Ethics | ||
| Leading Diverse and Inclusive Organizations | ||
| Corporate Boards in Action | ||
| New Venture Creation | ||
| The Sustainable Firm: ESG Strategies and Practice | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Note: These courses are in addition to BCOR, the capstone course, as well as any other prerequisites. See course descriptions for prerequisite details.
Experiential Learning
SRE students gain practical experience working in a field of their personal interest within sustainability and/or social responsibility. Examples include:
- Internship (for-profit or nonprofit). Acceptable internships will be characterized by substantive work that adds value to the organization and contributes to the student's learning. Internships must be approved for SRE credit.
- Service learning through the Education Abroad Office. The Office of International Education offers study abroad programs focused on service learning, generally spanning one academic quarter or semester in the host country, during which the student will participate in, and gain credit for study in a school of higher education partnered with work for local institutions and non-governmental organizations on service projects that promote community development.
- Related coursework. CESR 4005, MGMT 4140 and advisor-approved courses may count toward the Experiential Learning requirement or toward the Business Coursework requirement, but not both.
For course descriptions and program details, visit the CESR Learning webpage.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT 4140 | Project Management | 3 |
| CESR 4005 | Business Solutions for Global Development | 3 |
| ESBM 4830 | New Venture Creation | 3 |
| Advisor-approved independent study in a related topic; or an advisor-approved internship of an appropriate nature | ||
Personal Reflection and Exit Interview
Before graduation, students synthesize their academic and experiential experiences and set goals for their future. Students write a short essay (2-3 pages), reflecting on their experience and setting out the values that will guide their conduct and their careers. Students then meet with a staff or faculty member associated with the certificate program for their exit interview.