Online Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability

Through the Bachelor of Arts in sustainability program, you’ll build the talents and knowledge needed to rethink and reinvent key processes and structures. This online sustainability degree focuses on 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: 06/29/2023


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 is sustainability?

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 addressing issues related to the environment, economy and society. Theory and principles are important for success, but, in the online BA in sustainability, the emphasis is on issues facing the world today and in the future. Professionals in sustainability roles may:

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

What will I study in an online sustainability degree?

 

The online sustainability degree covers key concepts related to the triple bottom line, including:

  • Governance.
  • International development.
  • Policy.
  • Social equity.
  • Urban sustainability.

Additionally, the online BA in sustainability program focuses on practical, current problems by emphasizing community engagement, experiential learning, faculty collaboration, leadership development and study abroad opportunities to provide a well-rounded experience. This learning strategy empowers you to start making an impact on the world after graduation.

The highly interdisciplinary approach supports a wide range of career outcomes. Not only will you learn about policy-making and review, but you’ll also learn how to help shape new ones. With an online sustainability degree. you can expect to build talents that support making sustainability accessible for all.

How do online sustainability degrees differ?

 

The online BA in sustainability is generally a good fit for students with an interest in social sciences, the humanities, planning or related fields. It includes a higher-level language requirement. The Bachelor of Arts also features these degree tracks:

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

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

Degrees in sustainability can cover a wide range of topic areas and course specifics, so make sure you have all the context needed to make an informed decision about your educational path. It’s important to note that this online sustainability degree is also distinct from the Bachelor of Arts in Business – sustainability, which focuses on balancing sustainability with business needs to ensure success.

Does my sustainability degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Online sustainability degree courses

Courses in this online sustainability degree program range from sustainable food and farms to urban dynamics and building a sustainable enterprise. You’ll customize your curriculum by selecting a track and taking classes associated with it. Featured courses include:


SOS 110: Sustainable World (SB)


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


SOS 310: Equity, Justice and Sustainability


SOS 311: Future Thinking and Strategies


SOS 220: Systems Thinking


SOS 231: Careers in Sustainability


SOS 232: Professional Skills in Sustainability Practice


What can I do with an online BA in sustainability?

Sustainability is growing in importance across the globe, with businesses, governments and nonprofits all increasing their engagement with the concept. An online sustainability degree can prepare you for a wide variety of opportunities. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Climate Change Analyst


Growth: 7.8 %
Salary: $73,230

Compliance Manager


Growth: %
Salary:

Environmental Restoration Planner


Growth: 7.8 %
Salary: $73,230

General Manager (GM)


Growth: 5.8 %
Salary: $103,650

Market Research Analyst


Growth: 17.7 %
Salary: $65,810

Marketing Associate


Growth: -1.1 %
Salary: $133,460

Park Ranger


Growth: 5.1 %
Salary: $64,020

Recycling Coordinator


Growth: %
Salary:

Sustainability Specialist


Growth: %
Salary:

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.

Online sustainability degree admission requirements

General admission requirements

Transfer additional requirements

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

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


in innovation for 8 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

#1


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

#1


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

Top 10


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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