Combine your knowledge about sustainability and environmental issues, management and policy, research, communication, and social responsibility and apply it to one of six concentrations.
Online Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
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Program at a Glance
- Combine science with data analytics, policy, communication, and management to help identify environmental issues, develop sustainable practices, and implement mitigation strategies that protect our natural environment, economy, and well-being.
- Gain a strong foundation in natural resource management while leveraging critical thinking, communication, management, and analytical skills.
- Lead companies or organizations into a more sustainable and resilient future.
- Prepare for a variety of career paths in corporate sustainability, including environmental management, natural resource management, politics, environmental consulting, and nonprofits.
- Customize your degree with a concentration and electives based on your interests:
Upcoming Start Dates
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
4 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
180
(120 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Overview
With a growing number of urgent environmental, economic, and social challenges occurring around the world, there is an ever-increasing need for environmental awareness and sustainability. Purdue Global’s online sustainability degree provides an in-depth curriculum to prepare you for a career in this rewarding and growing field.
Professionals working in the field of sustainability are trained to identify environmental issues and develop sustainable practices. They also implement mitigation strategies that protect our natural environment, economy, human health, and well-being. In this online degree program, you’ll study concepts relevant to the sustainable use of environmental resources, and learn to evaluate environmental regulations and policy, as well as the sustainability of technology. You can also customize the degree by selecting a concentration in decision management, environmental science, health sciences, social issues, supply chain management and logistics, or economics.
The bachelor’s degree in sustainability curriculum is focused on preparing you to:
- Apply the major concepts, principles, and historical trends related to natural resource issues and their management, policies, and laws.
- Apply the major concepts, principles, and methods of science, data analysis, and project management.
- Evaluate current research in sustainability issues.
- Integrate professional standards, ethical practices, and legal standards in the sustainability field.
- Synthesize the impacts of human interactions with others and their environment on local and global scales.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Turn Your Bachelor’s Degree into a Master’s
When you’re ready to further your career, you may want to consider pursuing one of Purdue Global’s many online master’s degree programs.
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
Courses in the bachelor’s in sustainability program explore environmental issues and sustainable practices. Students can focus on a concentration in decision management, health sciences, environmental science, social issues, supply chain management and logistics, or economics.
You’ll learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge to the courses they teach.
See All Sustainability CoursesSample Courses
- Environmental Science
- Introduction to Environmental Policy and Management
- Research Methodology
- Topics in Sustainability
- The Global Environment
Program Requirements
- Core Credits45
- Major Credits55
- Elective Credits50
- Concentration Credits30–32
- Total Credits180
Sustainability Concentrations
- Decision Management
Learn how to apply decision management and analysis principles to solve problems in business and other sectors for a more sustainable society. Identify opportunities to increase business' productivity and be able to set achievable objectives.
- Economics
Learn about international business development, social innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainable and resilient communities, corporate sustainability and social responsibility, and global supply chain management.
- Environmental Science
Develop the skills needed to promote environmental resilience, through the conservation of natural resources and reduction of climate risk. Students will also learn about the biology of pollution, the overall health of our environment, and how to conduct an environmental risk assessment.
- Health Sciences
Attain the skills needed to improve and protect the environment in an effort to prevent possible adverse health effects on future generations. Students will focus on the health and well-being of humans and the environment to help ensure a healthier and more sustainable future.
- Social Issues
Modelling the three pillars of social sustainability - inclusion, empowerment, and resilience, students will learn how to communicate in a diverse society to help marginalized groups find their voice and improve overall living conditions by addressing social justice issues, and understanding what healthy, resilient, and sustainable environments and communities look like.
- Supply Chain and Logistics
Gain an understanding of global supply chain management and analytics, logistics and distribution management, purchasing and vendor management, and strategic warehouse management. You can also graduate with a micro-credential in supply chain management and logistics.
Career Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for careers related to the environment, such as environmental scientists and specialists, natural sciences managers, urban and regional planners, environmental science and protection technicians, and conservation scientists, are expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2031.*
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
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Science
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Systems Analysis
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Critical Thinking
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Complex Problem-Solving
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Judgement and Decision-Making
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Multidisciplinary and Professional Studies Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Sustainability and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Prepare yourself for success with a bachelor's degree in sustainability.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Job Growth: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Natural Sciences Managers, Urban and Regional Planners, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, and Conservation Scientists. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.