Online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in sustainability online challenges you to collaborate to find practical answers to local, regional and global problems. In this program, you’ll create solutions that prioritize the environment while promoting social well-being and positive economic outcomes. Upon graduating, you’ll be equipped to pursue a range of opportunities in this field that align with your passions.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

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Learn to think critically about society’s sustainability problems

This program teaches you to develop solutions that promote resilient communities, ecosystems and economies. You’ll research current challenges and learn to shape new systems, processes and organizational structures to make a positive impact. In this interdisciplinary major, you can select one of the following tracks as an area of emphasis:

  • Economics of sustainability.
  • Sustainable ecosystems.
  • Sustainable energy, materials and technology.

While earning your sustainability degree, you’ll take part in solutions-oriented courses, experiential learning opportunities and thoughtful community engagement and collaboration. As you solve practical problems, you’ll build analytical skills, practice collaboration and learn about decision-making across various disciplines. You’ll also study how to implement realistic plans and focus on results-oriented research to address local and global challenges.

Who’s a good candidate for this sustainability degree?

As an ideal candidate for this program, you should be motivated to find new solutions for environmental challenges and issues related to sustainable equity. You should also have a positive mindset about the future, an interest in developing strategies to achieve goals, and the ability to work effectively with others.

Having experience working in municipal departments, utility companies, the military or sustainability organizations could also be beneficial but is not required to succeed. Additionally, this program will support you in building abilities that can be applied to careers in policy, governance, international development, urban sustainability and the business world.

How this BS compares to other ASU Online sustainability programs

It’s important to understand the difference between a Bachelor of Science in sustainability and a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability. The BS is best suited for students interested in natural sciences, economics, engineering or related fields. The curriculum for this program places a greater emphasis on math and sciences for you to succeed in these fields. In your courses, you'll learn methods for using environmental resources, understanding environmental regulations and policies and evaluating sustainable technology.

Alternatively, the BA program is designed for students who want to study disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and planning. The curriculum includes a required second language to a higher level and places less emphasis on math and sciences. Coursework explores concepts related to environmental resources and institutions, legal frameworks, property rights and culture.

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.

Online sustainability degree courses

The curriculum in this program covers topics ranging from future thinking and strategies to systems, dynamics and the sustainable world. You’ll gain practical experience addressing current and future challenges by working with various entities such as global companies and local governments. An internship and workshop are also required as the two capstone projects.


The jobs this sustainability degree prepares you for

With the interdisciplinary nature of this program, you’ll cover the fundamentals of sustainability while also gaining a specialized understanding of the area of your choosing. Graduates often pursue opportunities in nonprofits, government agencies, consulting firms, regulatory agencies and more. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Climate Change Analyst


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Environmental Economist


Growth: 6.3 %
Salary: $113,940

Environmental Restoration Planner


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $76,480

Environmental Specialist


Growth: 5.8 %
Salary: $48,380

Hydrogeologist


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $144,440

Park Ranger


Growth: 4.1 %
Salary: $64,460

Recycling Coordinator


Growth: 4.7 %
Salary: $57,860

Sustainability Specialist


Growth: 4.1 %
Salary: $75,990

Transportation Planner


Growth: 1.7 %
Salary: $88,900

Learn from leading thinkers and practitioners in sustainability

The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.

Learn from leading thinkers and practitioners in sustainability

The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.

How to apply

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.

A trailblazing institution for sustainability and research

ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.

#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.

#1


in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.

Top 10%


best global universities.

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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