Earning a sustainability degree opens doors to a range of career opportunities across industries that prioritize resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. From agriculture and renewable energy to urban planning and sustainability compliance, these professionals all contribute to the effort of protecting our environment.
“Sustainability is a cross-cutting issue,” said Hallie Eakin, a professor at Arizona State University’s School of Sustainability. “Whether your interest is fashion, food, energy, urban planning or industrial design, there’s a growing demand for people who can ensure those activities contribute to more sustainable futures”.
If you’re passionate about protecting natural resources or innovating sustainable solutions, you’ll find the opportunities upon graduation both varied and impactful.
The jobs you can pursue with a sustainability degree
You may be drawn to careers in renewable energy, agribusiness or other environmentally-focused industries, but sustainability roles can also extend far beyond these areas. Graduates of business-focused sustainability program, for example, may be well-suited for positions in corporate responsibility, management, marketing, sales, supply chain management and other sectors within the broader business world.
Based on your interests and career aspirations, you can choose the sustainability program that will best prepare you with the skills you’ll need to succeed. Career paths in sustainability include, but aren’t limited to:
Agricultural manager
- In this role, you could run establishments that produce crops, livestock and dairy products, with an emphasis on sustainable practices.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for the group that includes farmers, ranchers and other agricultural managers was $83,770 as of May 2023.
Conservation scientist
- As a conservation scientist, you’ll be in charge of managing the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands and other natural resources.
- The BLS projects the employment of conservation scientists and foresters to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual salary of $68,300 in May 2023.
Environmental specialist
- Environmental specialists focus on conducting research or investigations that protect the health of the environment or safety of humans.
- According to the BLS, the employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected at a faster-than-average rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual salary of $78,980 in May 2023.
Geoscientists
- Geoscientists study the physical aspects of Earth to understand its history and address resource management, natural hazards and environmental protection.
- The BLS projects employment of geoscientists to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual salary of $92,580 in May 2023.
Hydrogeologist
- As a hydrologist, you would analyze the quality of water in the environment to address issues such as water supply, flood management and environmental conservation.
- According to BLS, the median annual salary for hydrogeologists was $88,770 as of May 2023.
Sustainability compliance officer
- A sustainability compliance officer ensures that an organization adheres to environmental regulations, industry standards and sustainable practices to minimize its ecological impact.
- The BLS projects job growth of 5% for compliance officers across all industries from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual salary of $75,670 in May 2023.
Urban planner
- Urban and regional planners create detailed plans and programs for land use and the development of physical infrastructure in cities, counties, metropolitan areas and other regions.
- According to the BLS, the employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual salary of $81,800 in May 2023.
Earn your sustainability degree online with Arizona State University
ASU Online offers a few sustainability degrees for you to choose from: A Bachelor of Arts in sustainability and a Bachelor of Science in sustainability, both offered through ASU’s School of Sustainability; and a Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in sustainability, offered through ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business.
- The BA program is best suited for those interested in social sciences, humanities, urban planning or related fields. You can also tailor your curriculum by choosing one of four tracks: international development and sustainability; policy and governance in sustainable systems; society and sustainability; or sustainable urban dynamics. Additionally, you’ll need to complete a higher-level language requirement than the BS, but you’ll have a lower math requirement.
- Alternatively, the BS in sustainability is best suited for those inclined toward natural sciences, economics, engineering or related fields. The curriculum for this program places a greater emphasis on math and science courses. You can also choose one of three tracks for an area of emphasis: economics of sustainability; sustainable ecosystems; or sustainable energy, materials and technology.
- The business degree with a concentration in sustainability differs from the two above by combining a core business curriculum with courses in sustainability. You’ll take the same required core business courses in this program as you would in any other W.P. Carey bachelor’s degree. This program prepares you to be a leader who helps businesses grow and prosper while reducing environmental impacts.