Choosing an Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate Studies

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs in sustainability are flexible, interdisciplinary, and problem-oriented. Our undergraduate programs 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. Academic-degree programs in sustainability not only build on the skills generated by discipline-based study, but make it possible to address the linkages between people in their social, natural, and built environment. Students will work on real-world challenges using various approaches.

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. To explore career options in sustainability, visit the Careers section.

Common Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Think in a holistic way about sustainability problems.
  • Understand the concepts of sustainability, the issues involved, and the disciplines needed to address real-world problems.
  • Evaluate the role and effectiveness of a broad range of methods of inquiry and analysis.
  • Understand the concepts and methods of different academic disciplines and the way in which these can address sustainability challenges.
  • Work collaboratively and in multidisciplinary teams.
  • Understand ethical issues related to sustainability.
  • Develop sustainable institutions for water, land, air, and urban management at the local to global level.
  • Evaluate the sustainability of environmental institutions, legal frameworks, property rights, and culture.
  • Develop creative, adaptive solutions to sustainability challenges.
  • (B.A.) Understand the concepts and methods of environmental economics, sociology, anthropology, environmental politics, ethics, design, and human geography relevant to the sustainability of environmental resources and social institutions.
  • (B.S.) Understand the concepts and methods of environmental economics, ecology, environmental biology, hydrology, environmental chemistry, engineering, earth-systems management, and other disciplines relevant to the sustainable use of environmental resources

vision

Established in 2007, the School of Sustainability brings together multiple disciplines and leaders to create and share knowledge, train a new generation of scholars and practitioners, and develop practical solutions to the most pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges of sustainability - especially as they relate to urban areas.

About Our School »

What is Sustainability? »