Whether you are sure you want to attend ASU and major in Sustainability or whether you are still deciding which school to attend and which major to pursue, you are likely to have questions regarding our undergraduate programs. Please see below for answer to our most frequently asked questions.
The School of Sustainability will use ASU’s universal application process for undergraduate applications. For more information, please visit ASU ’s “How to Apply” webpage: http://www.asu.edu/admissions/howtoapply/
For information on when you should apply, please visit these links for application timelines based on your student status:
The School of Sustainability does not have any supplemental admissions criteria or higher standards for our undergraduate programs other than what is required for the general application to Arizona State University. For additional information, please review the Undergraduate Admissions Requirement Summary.
The major and minor are not yet available for you to declare; however, our programs will be available starting in Fall 2008. When the programs become available, how you declare the major will depend on your student status. If you are a new student, you will be able to declare Sustainability as your major on your application to the university or by visiting Undergraduate Admissions. If you are a current student at ASU, you will be able to declare Sustainability as your major by obtaining a Degree/Major/Campus Change Request form. The form is available on the Registrar’s website. You can also pick up a form in person at the Registrar’s office in the Student Services Building (SSV). Fill out the form as much as you can and then call the School of Sustainability office at 480.727.6963 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Both the B.A. program and the B.S. program introduce students to the concept of sustainability in the context of real-world problems, exploring the interaction of environmental, economic, and social systems. The B.A. in Sustainability is best suited to students inclined towards social sciences, planning, and related fields. The B.S. in Sustainability is best suited to those inclined towards natural sciences or engineering. Students outside the School of Sustainability can Minor in Sustainability. With a minor, students will learn about the concept of sustainability, the issues involved, and the disciplines needed to address real-world problems.
The undergraduate programs will introduce students to the problems of sustainability taking a comparative approach. Students will learn about factors that determine the sustainability of human institutions, organizations, cultures, and technologies in different environments. Expected learning outcomes of the BA and the BS are:
Sustainability graduates are prepared for admission into strong graduate and professional schools or may assume positions in industry, consultancy, utilities, regulatory agencies, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, or local, state or federal government. Recent interest in sustainability within business and government has created new employment opportunities (e.g., sustainability coordinators, directors, and managers). By engaging a breadth of knowledge and experience, and by acquiring the skills to integrate various domains of knowledge, sustainability students prepare themselves for a variety of careers to help find solutions to challenges having to do with biodiversity and habitats, climate, social transformations, energy, materials and technology, governance and policy, international development, urbanization, and water.
Yes, you can double major in Sustainability and another field of your choosing with the permission of both academic units that offer the degrees. If you are interested in a double major, please see the School of Sustainability academic advisor for specific requirements. A minimum of 30 semester hours in resident credit must be successfully completed at an ASU campus from which the second baccalaureate degree can be awarded. The actual number of credit hours you will need to complete for the double major will depend on the other major you are pursuing and how many of your courses satisfy requirements for both degrees. To be awarded both degrees, you must meet all degree and university requirements for the second degree. It is also your responsibility to review the policies and procedures for students pursuing concurrent degrees, to be aware of and follow all policies and guidelines for each degree, and to meet with advisors in both programs.
When you apply to ASU, Undergraduate Admissions will review your transcript(s) to determine which courses can be applied toward your chosen major. You can also find out how your classes will transfer over by accessing the Academic Transfer Articulation website. Once admitted to ASU, you should also meet with your advisor to review your transfer coursework.
All entering freshman students at ASU are required to take the Unified Math Placement Exam. All entering freshman students who did not take the ACT or SAT should take the English Placement Exam to determine the appropriate first-year composition course they should take. For more information, please visit the Orientation website. Transfer students should meet with an advisor to determine if any placement testing will be necessary.
For information on financial aid available to undergraduate students, please visit the Student Financial Assistance website. Scholarship opportunities available through the School of Sustainability will be posted in the department and on the School of Sustainability website.
For tuition and fees schedules, please visit the Student Business Services website. For estimated cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Assistance website.
For information on applying to live on campus and rates and payments, please visit the Residential Life website.
For information on how to establish Arizona residency, please visit the Residency Classification office website.
Undergraduate Admissions has a Frequently Asked Questions website for international students. We also encourage all international students to contact the International Student Office for additional information on attending ASU.
There are several student groups involved in sustainability efforts and initiatives on campus. We encourage you to contact these groups and get involved in making a difference right here at ASU: