Why This Matters
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.