Progression Agreement with American University, Kogod School of Business, Washington, D.C.
This Progression Agreement offers graduates of the ZHAW Master of Science in Circular Economy Management (MSc CEM) the opportunity to pursue further studies at the Kogod School of Business of American University (AU), located in the heart of Washington, D.C., United States.
After graduating from the MSc CEM, ZHAW students may apply to and enroll in Kogod’s Master of Science (MS) in Sustainability Management, benefiting from credit recognition for selected modules completed at ZHAW and reduced tuition fees at Kogod.
Unlike a Double Degree, the Progression Agreement is a sequential study pathway. Students first complete their MSc CEM at ZHAW and then, after graduation and exmatriculation, apply for admission to the MS in Sustainability Management at Kogod. Once accepted, they enroll at American University as full-time students and are no longer enrolled at ZHAW during their studies in the U.S.
About Kogod School of Business and the MS in Sustainability Management
The Kogod School of Business at American University in Washington, D.C. is one of the region’s oldest and most respected business schools, accredited by AACSB. Located in the U.S. capital, Kogod connects students directly with leading organizations, government institutions, and NGOs addressing global sustainability challenges.
Kogod is widely recognized for its strong focus on sustainability, ESG, and innovation. Sustainability is embedded across all programs, reflecting the belief that responsible management and environmental stewardship are central to modern business education.
American University was the first carbon-neutral university in the United States and maintains an AASHE-certified green campus. Kogod’s pioneering curriculum, named “Best in Class for AI” by Poets & Quants (2024), prepares graduates to lead the transition toward a sustainable and data-driven economy.
Kogod’s MS in Sustainability Management integrates business, policy, and environmental perspectives to prepare graduates for leadership in sustainable enterprise, ESG consulting, and corporate responsibility.
Students benefit from expert faculty specializing in sustainability strategy, finance, and policy, as well as from real-world experience through a capstone project conducted with industry partners.
Key Benefits for Students
This Progression Agreement offers ZHAW graduates an outstanding opportunity to build on the MSc in Circular Economy Management and expand their knowledge and career prospects in the United States. Key benefits include:
- Up to 9 U.S. credits (18 ECTS) from the MSc CEM can be transferred to AU (for courses completed with a grade of B or higher)
- ZHAW graduates receive a USD 13,000 merit-based scholarship, distributed across the program duration. Combined with credit recognition, this can save students up to USD 30,000 in tuition fees
- No application fee for ZHAW graduates
- No GMAT/GRE required
- The STEM-designated MS in Sustainability Management allows international graduates to remain in the U.S. for up to three years of post-study work experience under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) framework
Admission and Eligibility
Applicants must hold a completed MSc in Circular Economy Management (MSc CEM) from ZHAW and have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (Swiss equivalent thereof).
Applications must be submitted online via kogod.american.edu/apply by March 15 prior to the intended start of studies (typically the following fall semester). Later applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Required application materials:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum vitae (résumé)
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcript from ZHAW
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic supervisor
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
The GMAT or GRE is not required, though applicants may submit scores voluntarily.
Further Information
Important Information
Please note that only graudates of the ZHAW MSc in Circular Economy Management program are eligible to apply for this Progression Opportunity with American University, Kogod School of Business