Sustainability ,BA
Biodiversity, Climate, Conservation, Ecology, Energy, Environment, Future, Global, Green, Natural Resources, Policy, Pollution, Society, Water, approved for STEM-OPT extension, urban
Let's build the future together. With a degree in sustainability, you'll gain the skills to tackle global challenges; work with communities, businesses and governments; and lead real change toward a greener, brighter world.
In the School of Sustainability, students learn the connection between people and the environment. Through hands-on learning, research and community projects, students gain real-world experience and develop skills to make a difference.
The Bachelor of Arts program in sustainability focuses on the social and human dimensions of sustainability, including how policies, cities and global systems shape the world. Students study topics like governance, policy, urban systems and international development while learning how to design solutions that balance environmental, economic and social needs.
This program helps students understand and address complex sustainability challenges through a holistic, systems-based approach. It trains students to be catalysts of social and environmental change through systems thinking, problem analysis and solution design.
Students in the program are active, engaged members of a community that helps drive ASU's No. 1 ranking for its impact in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Rob Walton College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: Yes
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math
intensity: General
This video provides an overview of the Sustainability degree program at ASU.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
ASU students who would like to change their major to sustainability are required to have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.50 based on at least 12 credit hours of ASU coursework.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.
The growing focus on sustainability is creating opportunities far beyond government and business. Careers now span nonprofits, community development, justice, equity and inclusion efforts. Roles include sustainability coordinators, managers and leaders.
Students can explore alumni employment data to see where graduates are making an impact.
Graduates are highly valued by employers seeking people who can lead meaningful, long-term change. The program builds a strong foundation for graduate studies in both professional and academic fields.
Graduates leave with a deep understanding of complex systems across multiple disciplines. They excel in strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement and clear communication --- skills strengthened through coursework and hands-on experiences. Their ability to build strong teams and collaborate across diverse settings prepares them to create real, lasting change for the planet and society.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
4.5%
|
$141,900
|
|
|
4.0%
|
$55,090
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$105,770
|
|
|
6.7%
|
$78,760
|
|
|
-2.2%
|
$133,660
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$73,010
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$62,890
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$83,050
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$89,320
|
School of Sustainability
|
WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
