Online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability

During Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in sustainability program, you’ll build the talents and knowledge needed to rethink and reinvent key processes and structures. This program provides you with skills that can be applied to a wide variety of careers. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for roles in policy, governance, social equity, international development and urban sustainability.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What you’ll learn in this BA in sustainability program

In the context of business and the economy, sustainability is built on three fundamental pillars. These are also called the triple bottom line:

  1. People: Something that is sustainable benefits individuals and communities.
  2. Planet: A sustainable concept or action that respects the natural environment.
  3. Profit: The sustainable idea must also make financial sense.

As a degree and career, sustainability focuses on the theories and principles used to address issues related to the environment, economy and society. In this program, you’ll apply these topics with an emphasis on solving current and future environmental issues. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to:

  • Build a vision for long-term solutions.
  • Identify and mitigate risk.
  • Impact lives locally and globally.

This program also includes community engagement, experiential learning, faculty collaboration, leadership development and study abroad opportunities to provide a well-rounded experience.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

 

This online sustainability program is geared toward students interested in the social and human aspects of sustainability. You’ll focus on the impacts of environmental challenges we experience on a large and individual scale. During this program, you’ll explore how humans perceive sustainability and what influences their behaviors and actions toward the environment.

You’ll focus on urban design, community resources, environmental policies and the global outlook we can gain and share from other countries and communities. The ideal candidate may have experience working for the local government, utility-related companies, military services, parks and recreation, transportation services or nonprofit organizations.

How does this BA compare to other ASU Online sustainability programs?

 

The bachelor of arts in sustainability is a good fit for students with an interest in social sciences, humanities, urban planning or related fields. This interdisciplinary program includes a higher-level language requirement than the bachelor of science, but has a lower math requirement. The bachelor of arts program also features four degree tracks to personalize your learning experience:

  • International development and sustainability.
  • Policy and governance in sustainable systems.
  • Society and sustainability.
  • Sustainable urban dynamics.

Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in sustainability is best suited for students inclined toward natural sciences, economics, engineering or related fields. The curriculum for the bachelor of science places greater emphasis on math and sciences.

Please note, this program is also distinct from the Bachelor of Arts in Business – sustainability, which focuses on balancing sustainability with business needs to ensure success.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Sustainability BA courses

Courses in this program range from sustainable food and farms to urban dynamics and building a sustainable enterprise. You’ll have the opportunity to customize your curriculum by selecting the program track that best aligns with your interests. Featured courses include:


SOS 310: Equity, Justice and Sustainability


SOS 311: Future Thinking and Strategies


SOS 110: Sustainable World (SUST OR SB)


SOS 111: Sustainable Cities (SUST OR (HU or SB) & G)


SOS 220: Systems Thinking


SOS 231: Careers in Sustainability


SOS 232: Professional Skills in Sustainability Practice


The jobs a BA in sustainability prepares you for

The field of sustainability is becoming much more important within businesses, governments and nonprofits organizations across the world. An online sustainability degree can prepare you for a wide variety of opportunities in this field. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Climate Change Analyst


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Compliance Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Environmental Specialist


Growth: 5.8 %
Salary: $48,380

General Manager (GM)


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $98,100

Market Research Analyst


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Marketing Associate


Growth: 1.9 %
Salary: $127,830

Park Ranger


Growth: 4.1 %
Salary: $64,460

Recycling Coordinator


Growth: 4.7 %
Salary: $57,860

Sustainability Specialist


Growth: 4.1 %
Salary: $75,990

Educational leaders supporting a sustainable future

The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together numerous leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. These faculty members are uniquely equipped to prepare students to create long-lasting change and develop a thriving future for people and the planet.

Educational leaders supporting a sustainable future

The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together numerous leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions to some of the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. These faculty members are uniquely equipped to prepare students to create long-lasting change and develop a thriving future for people and the planet.

How to apply

General admission requirements

Transfer additional requirements

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Creating tomorrow’s solutions, today

The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives are a crucial part of ASU’s commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. ASU has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report. We’ve also received accolades from other prestigious organizations, showcasing our commitment to excellence across all disciplines.

#1


“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.

#1


in innovation for 9 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Top 5


best online bachelor’s programs.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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