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US News World and Report Best Bachelor's online program 2024

Sustainability Studies, B.A.

Create sustainable impact when you earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies from IU Online. Learn about the environmental, social, and economic concepts associated with sustainability and explore ways to implement sustainable practices.

A person in a hard hat and protective eyewear stands in front of solar panels and makes notes on a clipboard.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 120

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $257.23

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $378.10

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

A person analyzes plant growth in a large greenhouse.

Degree Overview

As a student in the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies, you’ll learn how climate, energy, geography, history, sociology, and economics contribute to today’s complex environmental issues. You’ll learn modern conservation methods and techniques, adopt a transformative mindset, and become an effective agent of change.

As a student in the program, you’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

Admissions requirements vary by campus. Students who meet the admission standards of their campus of enrollment will be admitted directly into the B.A. in Sustainability Studies.

Application Dates

This program has rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

This degree is available at IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast.

Your IU Online B.A. in Sustainability Studies prepares you for such careers as:

  • Sustainability policy consultant  
  • Environmental engineer 
  • Natural sciences manager  
  • Environmental specialist 
  • Sustainability program coordinator  
  • Energy manager or auditor

Major requirements (42 credit hours) are broken down into the categories below. You have numerous courses within each category to choose from.

  • Introduction to sustainability (3 credit hours) 
  • Scientific foundations of sustainability (3 credit hours) 
  • Sustainability science (6 credit hours) 
  • Social and behavioral foundations of sustainability (6 credit hours) 
  • Sustainability in the arts and humanities (3 credit hours) 
  • Methods and techniques for sustainability (6 credit hours) 
  • Written communication (3 credit hours) 
  • Business and economics of sustainability (3 credit hours) 
  • Sustainability capstone (3 credit hours) 
  • Sustainability electives (6 credit hours)

Core

Core Classes for the BA in Sustainability Studies
Course Number Course Name Credits
AHLT-H 331 Environmental Health 3 Credits
ENG-W 270 Argumentative Writing 3 Credits
GEOG-G 107 Physical Systems of the Environment 3 Credits
GEOG-G 114 Global Environmental Changes 3 Credits
GEOG-G 320 Population Geography 3 Credits
GEOG-G 337 Computer Cartography and Graphics 3 Credits
GEOG-G 478 Global Change, Food, and Farming Systems 3 Credits
SUST-C 330 Scientific Foundations in Sustainability 3 Credits
SUST-C 350 Sustainability in the Arts and Humanities 3 Credits
SUST-C 490 Capstone in Sustainability 3 Credits
SUST-S 201 Foundations of Sustainability 3 Credits
SUST-S 491 Internship in Sustainability 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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