Sustainability is a chief concern for companies, individuals, and entire nations. While ecology and temperature change around the planet, sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Online sustainability degrees provide pathways for working professionals to operate in environmental sustainability, renewable energy, and other industries. The right online sustainability degree, in fact, can set you up for long-term career success.
Article Navigation: What Does Sustainability Mean? | How Do I Choose an Online Sustainability Degree? | Online Sustainability Degree Overview | Sustainability Certificate Programs | Top Programs in Sustainability Online | Career Overview | Professional Organizations | FAQs | Pursue an Online Sustainability Degree Today!
What Does Sustainability Mean?
In a nutshell, sustainability means:
- Being able to use, harvest, or take resources from the earth and its natural environmental processes, and
- Taking or using just enough that nature replenishes those resources over time
For example, renewable energy resources like solar, wind, and water power are of chief importance because those resources are self-replenishing. There will always be enough solar energy to go around. In contrast, while there is enough fossil fuel for energy generation right now, it takes too long for the planet to replenish oil stores. To the tune of millions of years, in fact.
Therefore, sustainability as an industry involves:
- Finding new ways, such as processes or scientific methods, to discover or utilize sustainable resources
- Exploring new ways to incorporate sustainable policies and ideas into existing industries and arenas
How Do I Choose an Online Sustainability Degree?
Though there are many quality online sustainability degrees to choose from, pick the best degree based on your needs and limitations. You should consider the factors below before applying for or signing up for any degree program.
Degree Level
Students should consider the degree level they need for their job ambitions. Generally, students should target a bachelor’s degree at a minimum. Although, a graduate degree can also qualify them for advanced and higher-paying positions.
Cost
Students attending an out-of-state online school should expect to pay more than if they attend an in-state school. However, some online schools offer the same tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Program Format
Many online sustainability programs are actually hybrid programs. They may include one or more core classes or units that require in-person attendance. Students should double-check that an online program is entirely online before signing up.
Location
A program’s location can impact how disjointed a student is from the rest of their class, the tuition they pay, and other factors. It is generally better to attend a geographically closer school, but not always.
Accreditation
A school’s accreditation status is arguably the most important factor when choosing an online sustainability degree program. Accreditation by an organization like the Higher Learning Commission shows that a program is academically sound. In addition, accredited degrees are taken more seriously by employers.
Students should never take a non-accredited online sustainability program. At least one worthwhile accrediting organization must appear on a school’s website. Otherwise, students may not learn what they need to succeed in their field, let alone be hired by discerning employers.
Online Sustainability Degree Overview
Luckily, students can study sustainability in all of its various contexts and concentrations through quality online sustainability degrees. Online sustainability degrees are available in many different types and varieties. Depending on one’s career goals and ambitions, they may prefer one degree path or another.
Sustainable Engineering
Sustainable engineering online degrees explore ways to make manufacturing, machines, and projects sustainable relative to the environment and energy consumption. For instance, sustainability engineers may design new ways to build lots or buildings without harming local ecologies or environments.
Corporate Sustainability
Corporate sustainability degrees focus on designing, implementing, and adopting sustainability practices such as:
- Eco-friendly consumption methods
- Paperless offices
- Recycling methods
Corporate sustainability is crucial because many companies need to prove that they are eco-friendly and “green” to their target customers.
Sustainability Management
Then there’s sustainability management: a subfield of this industry focused on how to manage sustainability initiatives or ideas. In addition, sustainability management focuses on leading sustainability initiatives, like a push for green energy for a company or city.
Sustainability MBA
Sustainability MBAs or Masters of Business Administration are rising in popularity. MBAs, in general, are popular since they equip graduates to lead businesses, from startups to large corporations.
MBAs with a concentration in sustainability focus on sustainable business practices—for example, eco-friendly energy initiatives and how to market effectively to green-minded shoppers.
Masters in Sustainable Development/Sustainable Development Graduate Program
Alternatively, students can pursue a master’s degree in concentrations like sustainable development. Sustainable development involves building or growing cities, companies, and other entities in sustainable ways. The practice of building while not damaging local ecologies or harming local species is an example.
Sustainable Design
Accordingly, sustainable design degrees prepare students to design sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, devices, and machines. It is closely related to sustainable architecture degrees (see more below).
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental sustainability degrees focus more on eco-friendly and maintaining or conserving local environments. It’s essential for students who want to graduate with a degree in protecting endangered animals or local forests, for instance.
Systems Thinking Sustainability
Systems thinking sustainability is a high-level, broad-minded degree that equips graduates to lead sustainability initiatives and plans.
Business Sustainability Degree
Or students can pursue business sustainability degrees. These programs (similar to MBAs with sustainability concentrations) equip graduates with the means to start or run sustainable businesses. Specifically, businesses with an inherent focus on renewable resources and avoiding over-consumption.
Sustainable Architecture Degree
Architects can also study sustainability. Sustainable architecture degrees give graduates the tools and knowledge they need to build energy-efficient structures, lighthouses, corporate buildings, and more.
Sustainability Certificate Programs
Even after graduating with a sustainability degree, students may wish to pursue and acquire sustainability certificates. The proper certifications can improve career prospects, bolster resumes, and qualify graduates for advanced or specialized jobs in the industry.
Top Programs in Sustainability Online
Students who want to study sustainability in any context have plenty of options. Indeed, there are many top online sustainability degrees they can pursue at every degree level.
1. Columbia College
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Associate of Science in Environmental Studies
Duration: 1-2 years
Columbia College is a private school located in Missouri. While it is a Christian-focused school, it nonetheless offers an excellent associate degree program for environmental studies majors. It’s a perfect degree program for those who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in sustainability or a similar field.
This 100% online program includes a balanced roster of courses covering topics like ecological balance, resource management, environmental ethics, etc. As an associate of science, it focuses on scientific principles and course topics above all else.
Once again, however, note that there is a faith-based undercurrent in this school’s educational offerings. Keep that in mind when deciding whether to apply for this degree program or an alternative.
2. San Juan College
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Associate of Science in Tribal Energy Management Studies
Duration: 1-2 years
Students can alternatively attend San Juan College. SJC offers an associate degree program with a unique focus: tribal energy management studies. As a result, it focuses primarily on tribal energy management. It’s a perfect choice for those aspiring to work with Native American tribes in the future.
The coursework is robust and well-developed, and it includes 15 hours of tribal energy classes. Studies cover Native American culture, how Native American businesses relate to energy development on their lands, and so on.
This very innovative associate program has classes that are one week in length and five weeks comprise one semester. All students must complete 15 to 16 hours of general education classes and 15 hours of energy concentration courses.
3. Florida International University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Bachelor of Science in Sustainability and the Environment
Duration: 2-4 years
Florida International University offers an online bachelor’s degree in sustainability and the environment. It teaches how to conserve and manage natural resources. Students discover the various sustainability principles and initiatives, including business, societal, and political aspects.
The program is 100% online and asynchronous. Courses include natural resource economics, the ecology of South Florida, and sustainable resource development. Lastly, students can enter an accelerated five-year program to earn a graduate degree in environmental studies.
However, applicants must have GED and solid ACT or SAT scores to qualify. Fortunately, this school is known for its relatively affordable tuition rates.
4. Bellevue University
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management
Duration: 2-4 years
Bellevue University’s BS in Sustainability Management is a robust and comprehensive degree option. It teaches students how to maintain resources such as solar, wind, water, land, and energy.
It is a 127-credit program that includes Kirkpatrick Signature Series classes. These examine how values like freedom and responsibility intersect with future sustainability practices. Moreover, students will explore the Green Building Council LEED rating system and how it impacts construction and renovation projects.
Each applicant must have at least one year of experience in either engineering or science. This BS can be an excellent online program for students as both in-state and out-of-state residents pay the same tuition rate.
5. University of Wisconsin – River Falls
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Management
Duration: 2-4 years
The University of Wisconsin’s River Falls campus offers an industry-driven online BS in Sustainable Management. It teaches students topics about the business world, natural science, and social systems and how they intersect.
Graduates are well prepared to take leadership roles in the sustainability industry. They explore topics such as systems thinking, sustainable agriculture, and triple bottom line accounting. Another popular course breaks down how supply-chain organizations develop sustainable yet competitive advantages over their competitors.
All courses are 100% asynchronous, and students must have completed an associate degree in sustainability or a related field to qualify. Out-of-state and in-state tuition rates are the same.
6. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Accreditation: NECHE
Program: Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Food and Farming
Duration: 2-4 years
The UM-Amherst campus boasts an 80% graduation rate and offers an online bachelor’s in sustainable food and farming. The BS prepares graduates to work in the agricultural industry with an emphasis on environmental responsibility.
In short, the program covers policy setting, whole farm production, sustainable community development, and food systems. Students can choose from a variety of electives to tailor the degree to their interests or career ambitions.
The program has a relatively high GPA minimum of 2.7. It also charges the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Those with military service or work experience can complete the degree more quickly or benefit from tuition discounts.
7. University of Connecticut
Accreditation: NECHE
Program: Online Energy and Environmental Management Master’s Degree
Duration: 1-2 years
The University of Connecticut offers an online master’s degree in energy and environmental management. This top sustainability graduate degree gives all students a deeper understanding of how environmental and sustainability management interact. It also offers various elective courses on geographic information systems, environmental law, and planning and management.
Because each course is delivered fully online, students have maximum flexibility. Students can earn certificates in sustainable environmental planning and management or geographic information systems.
8. Penn State University World Campus
Accreditation: MSCHE
Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems
Duration: 1-2 years
Pennsylvania State University’s world campus offers a Master of Professional Studies with a concentration in renewable energy and sustainable systems. It is one of the top sustainability graduate programs because it provides a concentration on sustainability systems and renewable energy.
All students will come out of the program with a solid understanding of the green economy. In addition, they study the sustainability industry, both practically and with a focus on technology. Courses cover topics such as how to adopt new environmental regulations and environmental policies. Also, they discover how to implement environmental regulations.
As one of the country’s top national universities, this program boasts a diverse alumni network and many student support services.
Career Overview
Online sustainability degrees are so valuable in part because they lead to so many different potential career pathways. Indeed, there are dozens of varying quality jobs students can pursue after graduation.
Sustainability Jobs
Sustainability jobs, by their nature, focus on energy renewal, environmental conservation, and other sustainability topics. Depending on the degree one holds, one may qualify for entry-level, advanced, or managerial positions.
Some sustainability jobs are more research-focused. For example, these may involve gathering and analyzing data collected in the field, like the quality of local environments or how many animals of a specific species are currently present.
Other sustainability jobs are more practical. These can include corporate jobs or jobs physically restoring or preventing the degradation of natural resources and the environment.
Regardless of the career one chooses, they’ll likely enjoy good career stability going forward. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations related to conserving natural resources or helping the environment are growing exponentially over the next ten years.
Entry-Level Sustainability Jobs
Entry-level sustainability jobs are appropriate for those with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in the field. To illustrate, these can include environmental field workers, environmental specialists, and others.
Sustainable Design Jobs
Sustainable design jobs, such as environmental engineers, focus on building and maintaining environmentally sustainable or green energy-focused buildings and machines. They usually earn excellent salaries to compensate them for their work – environmental engineers earn nearly $100,000 a year.
Sustainability Consultant
Those with experience in the renewal and sustainability industry can provide consulting expertise to businesses and corporations. The BLS indicates that management analysts and consultants earn around $93,000 annually. This career is generally only available to those with advanced degrees and significant industry experience.
Environmental Sustainability Careers
Environmental scientists, specialists, and industry professionals work hard to protect local environments and species. To this end, they enforce policies and procedures to ensure that we don’t burn through natural resources too quickly.
These individuals usually require a bachelor’s degree, though a graduate degree can lead to better career prospects. Environmental scientists typically earn around $76,530 per year.
Careers in Sustainability Architecture
Students may also choose careers in sustainable architecture. Sustainability architecture usually seeks to lower energy costs, maximize energy renewal, and build structures that won’t negatively impact environments. Architects generally make over $80,000 per year.
Professional Organizations
College students and graduates of online sustainability degree programs benefit from joining organizations because professional sustainability organizations help students find colleges or careers after graduation and offer other networking opportunities.
FAQs
Are sustainability degrees worth it?
They can be, especially if you are interested in sustainability as a career. Because this field will likely grow in the future, it’s an excellent pathway to a stable career overall.
What can you do with a sustainability studies degree?
Become a sustainability scientist, engineer, architect, and more with a focus on eco-friendliness and renewable resource consumption.
What degree do you need for sustainability?
To enter the sustainability field in full, you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree in this subject or a related subject. For example, renewable energy or energy management are excellent specializations for entry-level jobs.
What university has the best sustainability program?
Florida International University is one of the best online sustainability degree programs. But all of the above universities have top online sustainability programs. In short, what is best depends on your budget, degree focus preferences, and other factors.
What is sustainability management?
Sustainability management is a business discipline typically focused on unifying and applying corporate strategies to ensure good sustainability practices.
How to get into corporate sustainability?
You can get into corporate sustainability by earning an appropriate degree. For instance, an MBA with a focus on sustainability is a possibility. Then, start applying for jobs!
What are green jobs?
“Green” jobs are professions focused on improving sustainability throughout many different industries. You can find the best green jobs in the sustainability and environmental science industries, for example.
Pursue an Online Sustainability Degree Today!
An online sustainability degree prepares you for a worthwhile, fulfilling career in the environmental conservation and energy management industries. By working in the sustainability sector, you’ll help protect our planet for generations to come. In addition, you can earn a great salary at the same time. You can find the perfect online school for your needs with GetEducated.com, so check out our school catalog today!