This program teaches you to develop solutions that promote resilient communities, ecosystems and economies. You’ll research current challenges and learn to shape new systems, processes and organizational structures to make a positive impact. In this interdisciplinary major, you can select one of the following tracks as an area of emphasis:
- Economics of sustainability.
- Sustainable ecosystems.
- Sustainable energy, materials and technology.
While earning your sustainability degree, you’ll take part in solutions-oriented courses, experiential learning opportunities and thoughtful community engagement and collaboration. As you solve practical problems, you’ll build analytical skills, practice collaboration and learn about decision-making across various disciplines. You’ll also study how to implement realistic plans and focus on results-oriented research to address local and global challenges.
Who’s a good candidate for this sustainability degree?
As an ideal candidate for this program, you should be motivated to find new solutions for environmental challenges and issues related to sustainable equity. You should also have a positive mindset about the future, an interest in developing strategies to achieve goals, and the ability to work effectively with others.
Having experience working in municipal departments, utility companies, the military or sustainability organizations could also be beneficial but is not required to succeed. Additionally, this program will support you in building abilities that can be applied to careers in policy, governance, international development, urban sustainability and the business world.
How this BS compares to other ASU Online sustainability programs
It’s important to understand the difference between a Bachelor of Science in sustainability and a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability. The BS is best suited for students interested in natural sciences, economics, engineering or related fields. The curriculum for this program places a greater emphasis on math and sciences for you to succeed in these fields. In your courses, you'll learn methods for using environmental resources, understanding environmental regulations and policies and evaluating sustainable technology.
Alternatively, the BA program is designed for students who want to study disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and planning. The curriculum includes a required second language to a higher level and places less emphasis on math and sciences. Coursework explores concepts related to environmental resources and institutions, legal frameworks, property rights and culture.
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.
Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in sustainability online challenges you to collaborate to find practical answers to local, regional and global problems. In this program, you’ll create solutions that prioritize the environment while promoting social well-being and positive economic outcomes. Upon graduating, you’ll be equipped to pursue a range of opportunities in this field that align with your passions.
The curriculum in this program covers topics ranging from future thinking and strategies to systems, dynamics and the sustainable world. You’ll gain practical experience addressing current and future challenges by working with various entities such as global companies and local governments. An internship and workshop are also required as the two capstone projects.
The School of Sustainability recruits faculty from the finest practitioners in sustainability science, business, governance and mission-driven organizations. They cover a variety of disciplines — including business policy, renewable energy and environmental science — and strive to make the world more sustainable through use-inspired research.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and receives accolades from other prestigious organizations.
university in the U.S. in pursuit of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“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.
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.