In the context of business and the economy, sustainability is built on three fundamental pillars. These are also called the triple bottom line:
- People: Something that is sustainable benefits individuals and communities.
- Planet: A sustainable concept or action that respects the natural environment.
- Profit: The sustainable idea must also make financial sense.
As a degree and career, sustainability focuses on the theories and principles used to address issues related to the environment, economy and society. In this program, you’ll apply these topics with an emphasis on solving current and future environmental issues. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to:
- Build a vision for long-term solutions.
- Identify and mitigate risk.
- Impact lives locally and globally.
This program also includes community engagement, experiential learning, faculty collaboration, leadership development and study abroad opportunities to provide a well-rounded experience.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
This online sustainability program is geared toward students interested in the social and human aspects of sustainability. You’ll focus on the impacts of environmental challenges we experience on a large and individual scale. During this program, you’ll explore how humans perceive sustainability and what influences their behaviors and actions toward the environment.
You’ll focus on urban design, community resources, environmental policies and the global outlook we can gain and share from other countries and communities. The ideal candidate may have experience working for the local government, utility-related companies, military services, parks and recreation, transportation services or nonprofit organizations.
How this BA compares to other ASU Online sustainability programs
The bachelor of arts in sustainability is a good fit for students with an interest in social sciences, humanities, urban planning or related fields. This interdisciplinary program includes a higher-level language requirement than the bachelor of science, but has a lower math requirement. The bachelor of arts program also features four degree tracks to personalize your learning experience:
- International development and sustainability.
- Policy and governance in sustainable systems.
- Society and sustainability.
- Sustainable urban dynamics.
Alternatively, the Bachelor of Science in sustainability is best suited for students inclined toward natural sciences, economics, engineering or related fields. The curriculum for the bachelor of science places greater emphasis on math and sciences.
Please note, this program is also distinct from the Bachelor of Arts in Business – sustainability, which focuses on balancing sustainability with business needs to ensure success.
During Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in sustainability program, you’ll build the talents and knowledge needed to rethink and reinvent key processes and structures. This program provides you with skills that can be applied to a wide variety of careers. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for roles in policy, governance, social equity, international development and urban sustainability.
Courses in this program range from sustainable food and farms to urban dynamics and building a sustainable enterprise. You’ll have the opportunity to customize your curriculum by selecting the program track that best aligns with your interests. Featured courses include:
The College of Global Futures faculty includes internationally renowned thought leaders and researchers. This group of global scholars brings together leading experts to develop transdisciplinary solutions for the world’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. Our faculty members prepare students to create long-lasting change and contribute to a positive future for people and the planet.
The College of Global Futures is dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the planet and society. These initiatives support ASU’s overarching commitment to innovation, research and delivering high-quality academic programs. ASU is recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
“Cool Schools” for sustainability by Sierra Club for campus sustainability.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year | Transfer | International | Readmission
Some programs may have additional requirements for admission.
Students with 12 or more transfer credit hours after high school graduation are required to have a cumulative transfer GPA of 3.00 or higher. The School of Sustainability reviews transfer applications that fall below this GPA level on an individual basis.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”