Online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability

Sustainability focuses on three core principles known as the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in sustainability challenges you to collaborate on practical answers to local, regional and global problems while following these principles. You’ll create solutions that prioritize the environment while promoting social wellbeing and positive economic outcomes.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 10/16/2024


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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What is a Bachelor of Science in sustainability?

The online Bachelor of Science in sustainability is intended to assist students in creating 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 teamwork and learn about decision-making. You’ll also study how to implement realistic plans and focus on results-oriented research to address local and global challenges.

Who should earn an online Bachelor of Science in sustainability?

Those who want to lead change in the world by finding new solutions for environmental challenges and issues related to equity should pursue a sustainability degree. Some students join the program while working in municipal departments, utility companies, the military or sustainability organizations, but you don’t need a professional background in the field to benefit from this curriculum. This bachelor’s degree can support you in building abilities that can be applied to careers in policy, governance, international development, urban sustainability and the business world.

BA vs. BS in sustainability

It’s important to understand the difference between a Bachelor of Science in sustainability and a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability. In general, the Bachelor of Science is designed for students who are interested in fields related to:

  • Economics.
  • Engineering.
  • Natural sciences.

The Bachelor of Arts in sustainability offers a different set of concentrations. This degree appeals to students who want to study disciplines such as:

  • Humanities.
  • Planning.
  • Social sciences.

The Bachelor of Science also requires more math courses, whereas the Bachelor of Arts requires more second language courses.

Does my Bachelor of Science in sustainability 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.

Sustainability degree courses

In this program, you’ll focus on a specific subject area, while building practical experience for addressing current and future challenges. This degree requires two capstones: an internship and a workshop. For these courses, students work with a variety of entities including global companies and local governments. Featured courses in this program include:


What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in sustainability?

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this sustainability degree, you can apply your learning in a wide variety of fields. Graduates often gravitate toward businesses, government agencies and nonprofits. With the support of this program, you can explore and pursue several different paths, such as:

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.

Online Bachelor of Science in sustainability admission 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.

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


in innovation for 10 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 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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