Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development

Program Title: Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development

Program Description: The Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development program at the University for Peace is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to promote sustainability and responsible practices within various sectors of the economy. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into decision-making processes, fostering leadership that is committed to global sustainability goals. Students will explore innovative strategies for managing resources responsibly, developing sustainable business models, and influencing policy reforms that support long-term development objectives. The curriculum includes a comprehensive study of ecological economics, corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and international development frameworks. Through a combination of lectures, case studies, research projects, and practical exercises, participants will learn to evaluate the impact of economic activities on society and the environment, devise sustainable solutions, and implement responsible initiatives in their professional careers. The program also emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, preparing students to operate effectively in multinational contexts. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to sustainable development initiatives at local, national, and global levels, advocating for responsible management practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity. The University for Peace fosters an international and inclusive learning environment, encouraging dialogue and innovation among students from around the world. By completing this program, students will be empowered to become transformative leaders committed to advancing sustainable economic development and responsible management principles that benefit communities and ecosystems worldwide.

• UPEACE Foundation Course
• Environment, Conflicts, and Sustainability
• Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation
• The United Nations System 
• Gender, Environment and Sustainable Development
• Review of Economic Theories and Concepts
• Research Methods
• Introduction to Responsible Management
• Social Responsibility
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Circular Economy, a regenerative System
• Project Management
• Leading in Times of Change: Innovating from the inside out

Required Supporting Documents to be Uploaded:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
• UPEACE Acknowledgment of Financial Responsibility
• Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
• Passport size photo

The online application only requires electronic (PDF) scans of required documents. Should admission be granted, the following documents will be eventually be required in official hard copy:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS) - if applicable
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
• Six passport size photos

Upon submission of the on-line application form and supporting uploaded documents, the UPEACE Admissions system will send an automatic confirmation email. The date and time of submission will be noted in the system. Applications received after the established relevant deadline will be transferred for the subsequent academic year.

Each application received by the established deadline will be reviewed for completeness. A second acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant by the Admissions Officer informing whether or not the application is complete and able to be passed on for academic review.

We are not able to provide any information about the status of applicants over the phone or to third parties. Information will only be provided using the email entered by the applicant in the on-line application form.

Statement of purpose

The statement of purpose must be between 500 and 1,000 words and state the applicants name, the programme to which they are applying, and clear responses to the following questions:

• Why have you decided to apply to this programme?
• What are your expectations from this programme?
• What are your career plans after completing this programme?
• What type of multicultural exchanges have you had that would inform your academic experience in this programme?

Letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required for all applicants. The letters should be from faculty or academic advisors from your academic experience or managers or other superiors from a professional work environment who are qualified to evaluate applicant's potential for graduate study. The letters need to include the referees title, their relation to, and how long they've known the applicant. The letters should also outline specific examples of applicant's work and why the referee feels the applicant is a fit for the specific UPEACE programme.

Examples of valid referees or recommenders are:

• Faculty, deans, or professors
• Academic advisors
• Immediate supervisors
• Research project managers
• Mentors in a superior position in the workplace, volunteer, or University setting

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Tution and administrative fees: 19500 USD

Conditions of UPEACE Scholarships & Financial Assistance

The prospective applicant has to be admitted to UPEACE in order to receive any possibility of financial assistance from the University, the latter of which is subject to the following conditions:

• The financial assistance awarded is non-negotiable.
• The scholarships/waivers do not apply to the US$ 2,500 administrative fee. This fee is mandatory for all students and is non-refundable if the student wishes to withdraw from UPEACE before completing his/her degree. Admitted students must comply with this financial obligation to UPEACE according to the required deadline outlined in their official admissions documents.
• Applicant are only eligible for one waiver category per application period. Waiver categories cannot be combined.
• Applicants eligible for a 50% waiver must apply directly through the UPEACE Admissions Office.

Automatic Scholarships/Waivers

30% Tuition Waiver (Automatic)

Available to M.A. and Doctorate students that meet one of the following criteria:

• Citizen or nationals of a signatory state to the UPEACE Charter
• Students who have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a partner university
• Peace Corps veterans

50% Tuition Waiver (Automatic) 

Available to M.A. and Doctorate students that meet one of the following criteria:

• Professors from a partner university
• Costa Rican citizens and residents (host country)
• Current, full-time UN employees and volunteers
• Documented refugee or asylee

30% or 50% Tuition Waiver (Merit Based) - Available to Master's applicants who do not belong to the above categories. These waivers are offered in limited number and will be awarded by merit, not financial condition. These waivers are not available to doctorate students.

Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development at the University for Peace focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage organizations that prioritize sustainability, ethical governance, and social responsibility. The program emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainable practices into economic development initiatives and responsible management strategies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to sustainable growth in various sectors and regions. Students are introduced to frameworks and theories related to corporate social responsibility, environmental management, ethical decision-making, and sustainable development policies, preparing them to implement responsible management practices in real-world scenarios. The curriculum typically combines interdisciplinary coursework, practical case studies, and experiential learning opportunities designed to address complex global issues such as climate change, resource depletion, social inequality, and economic disparities. Graduates of this program are expected to emerge as leaders and change agents capable of driving policies and practices that promote sustainable economic growth while respecting social and environmental integrity. The program also encourages the development of critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills essential for fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including governments, businesses, NGOs, and local communities. This holistic approach aims to promote a sustainable and equitable future, aligning economic development with the preservation of natural resources and the enhancement of societal well-being. In addition to core courses, students may have opportunities to participate in workshops, seminars, and internships that enhance their practical understanding and connections within the field. The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, emphasizing global perspectives on sustainable development and responsible management. Overall, the Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development program at the University for Peace prepares future leaders to tackle the pressing challenges of the 21st century with innovative solutions and a strong sense of social responsibility.