Prepare yourself to join a dynamic and growing field of sustainability professionals, working to create a sustainable future for the planet. You'll be equipped to work with local communities and nonprofits as well as in the private sector and government to find solutions to the world's biggest challenges.
Program description
Students in ASU's School of Sustainability are reinventing the future of a world at risk. Students gain career preparation through experiential learning, study abroad programs, research with faculty, community engagement and leadership development. Their knowledge and innovations will shape the social and environmental quality of life for future generations.
The School of Sustainability offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science program in sustainability. Students focus on developing practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental, economic and social challenges of sustainability, honing their skills in resilience and systems thinking. They learn to manage trade-offs, engage with diverse stakeholders, utilize future-visioning tools, and assess the ethics and values associated with different solution pathways.
The BA program is geared toward students with interests in the social dimensions of sustainability, in local to global contexts, with an emphasis on governance, policy, urban systems and international development.
STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.
At a glance: program details
- Offered by: College of Global Futures
- Location: Tempe campus or Online
- First Required math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math intensity: General
Required courses (major map)
On-campus students
Online students
Admission requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements
Change your major requirements for current students
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.
Next steps to attend ASU
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Flexible degree options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
Career outlook
The growing emphasis on sustainability extends beyond corporate and governmental sectors, offering diverse career opportunities in nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, community development, justice equity and inclusion efforts. Opportunities encompass sustainability coordination, management, leadership and more. Students can explore alumni employment data for career insights on the College of Global Futures employment data page.
Individuals with a BA in sustainability distinctly contribute to these fields. Their education equips them with a comprehensive approach to addressing sustainability challenges, making them valuable to employers and graduate programs. These graduates possess a deep understanding of complex systems drawn from diverse disciplines, and they excel in forward-thinking strategies and stakeholder engagement.
Their strong communication skills, honed through coursework and authentic experiences, enable them to effectively convey sustainability concepts. Additionally, their expertise in teamwork and relationship-building empowers seamless collaboration in diverse settings. Armed with these skills, graduates are well prepared to make a lasting impact on the environment, society and global sustainability efforts.
Global opportunities
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the 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 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.
Why choose ASU
World-class faculty
Highly ranked programs
Research opportunities
An inclusive environment
Mentor network
Global education
Attend online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form above and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.