Why This Matters

  • 52% OF SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALISTS HAVE BACHELOR’S DEGREES

    With 52% of sustainability workers holding bachelor’s degrees, it’s important to obtain this degree if you want to qualify for a job in the field.

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 1,700 MORE OF YOU BY 2029

    Growing concerns about water waste have contributed to a 3% increase in the need for environmental engineers over the next decade.

  • EARN $92,120 PER YEAR WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    Getting a bachelor’s degree in sustainability qualifies you to work as an environmental engineer, a position that earns a median annual wage of $92,120.

Our Research

This list reviews some of the leading bachelor’s in sustainability programs available in the United States. Since the field is related to environmental science, most institutions grant a Bachelor of Science at the conclusion of the program. All of the schools on our list let students complete coursework online, with some offering hybrid formats.

We ensured the quality of our selections by only including accredited institutions, such as schools approved by the Higher Learning Commission. The HLC evaluates schools in the central United States by examining their academic objectives, ethical standards, and overall effectiveness. Degrees from regionally accredited programs are typically required for professional credentials.

  • 57 hours to write this article
  • 66 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 107 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Sustainability Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Sustainability Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
01
Best Value
Florida International University
01
Best in the Northwest
Oregon State University
01
Best in the Northeast
University of Massachusetts Amherst
01
Best in the Southwest
Arizona State University
01
Best for Management
Bellevue University
01
Best in the Mid Atlantic
Penn State World Campus
01
Best Christian Option
Liberty University
01
Best Accelerated Master's Option
Roosevelt University
01
Best for Vets
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best for Adult Learners
University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management
01
Best for Environmental Science
Maryville University
01
Best for Energy
Bismarck State College
01
Best for Business
Franklin University
01
Best for Degree Completion
St. Petersburg College
01
Best Elective Options
Columbia Southern University
01
Best for Renewables
DeVry University
01
Best MBA Prep
Prescott College
01
Best for Geoscience
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Excelsior University
01
Best for Wildlife Ecology
Unity College
01
Best Interdisciplinary Option
Everglades University

Discover More Options

What You Should Know About This Degree

Sustainability and environmental science overlap, but there are some key differences between the two. Environmental science focuses on science and mathematics and often involves courses in chemistry and microbiology. Sustainability majors have more specialties to choose from, such as environmental journalism, philosophy, and water management.

Students hoping to gain professional credentials should look for schools with regional accreditations. For example, students in the central United States should keep an eye out for any institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The growing need to protect the planet has contributed to an increasing number of jobs available in the environmental sector. For example, environmental engineers, who help develop methods of conserving water, can expect a 3% increase in jobs by 2029.

Depending on their chosen career, sustainability students may need to pursue certifications. For example, those who wish to manage environmental projects should gain a registered environmental manager (REM) certificate while environmental engineers should pass a Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in sustainability programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? To qualify for a bachelor’s degree in sustainability program, you should be a graduating high school senior or a transferring college student. Some programs require candidates to have certain grade point averages (GPAs). To ensure that you are eligible, check the program’s admissions requirements.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most sustainability majors complete their degree requirements in four years. However, online students can finish their program in as little as two years if they learn in an accelerated format.

While researching programs, keep track of application deadlines and any requirements you must fulfill. For instance, some schools expect you to obtain recommendation letters or transcripts. This information is usually available on the school’s website.

You should also consider how you plan to fund your degree. Take the time to research financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and loans.