MBA, Sustainability Leadership

Explore the MBA program courses:

The admission requirements to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Sustainability Leadership degree program include:

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
2. Submission of a Catawba College published graduate application
3. Submission of official transcripts from each college or university attended
4. Presentation of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale  in the last 60 combined hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework earned from any institution or combination of institutions prior to enrollment
5. Three references
6. A minimum 500 word essay describing your desire to pursue a graduate degree in business administration at Catawba College 
7. A resume or CV.

Please contact the Admission Office at Catawba College at to begin this process! 

Scholarships are available for professionals with experience in this field:

• Minimum of $3,000 scholarships available for those with a minimum 3.5 GPA and a commitment to sustainability
• Each year, one outstanding student in the MBA in Sustainability Leadership program will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. All admitted students are automatically considered, with finalists invited to participate in an interview.

Our mission and vision follow the lessons of our namesake, Ralph W. Ketner, the co-founder, President, and CEO of Food Lion (Food Town, est. 1957).

Through determination, creativity, and insight, Ralph W. Ketner was an entrepreneur and business leader that transformed the retail food industry in the Southeast.  He understood that success could not be gained simply by the application of “me too” competition using standard business practices.  Success requires an understanding and larger comprehension of the current state of business affairs – and the determination to re-think the working rules.

Mr. Ketner succeeded in his mission, in the larger service to his community. Ralph W. Ketner saw the work of the businessperson as a service to the community – working hard to do good work and improve the condition of his fellow man. We should all aspire to that calling. 

The faculty of the Ketner School of Business wish to remain true to the message of Ralph W. Ketner.  To help our students on a path of success, we seek to combine a technical training in business competence with the desire and inspiration to transform the world. Combining a rich history of teaching graduate education throughout the United States, the faculty of the Ketner School of Business are proud to provide this educational opportunity to our students.