Do you want to protect the environment? Want to make sure the earth stays healthy and vibrant forever? Companies will pay you to help!
Businesses care about the environment now more than ever, and they need help from trained professionals.
Universities have started offering degrees specifically focused on sustainability. These degrees can focus on policy management, science, engineering, and other concentrations. A degree in sustainability is valuable in the modern, environmentally conscious world.
You can get paid while changing the world for the better!
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of sustainability degree should you get?
A sustainability degree is a gateway to many different professions. Sustainability professionals work in business, construction, government, or health and safety sectors.
One of the benefits of getting a sustainability degree online is the the flexibility of choosing classes. Many colleges listed here offer interdisciplinary online courses, or give credit toward a sustainability-related degree if a student takes classes outside of that major.
If you want to expand beyond sustainability, College Choice has a list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities regardless of major.
How much money do people make with a sustainability degree?
Because of how flexible a sustainability degree can be, direct salaries are hard to measure. Payscale.com shows median salaries for sustainability management positions ranging from $47,115 for Sustainability Coordinators to $104,995 for Sustainability Directors.
Sustainability science professions make similar amounts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for conservation scientists in 2012 was $61,100. Operations Research Analysts made $72,100. Environmental Engineers made $80,890.
You can make a six figure salary while saving the planet!
What can you do with a degree in sustainability?
Every year companies hire more sustainability professionals. In 2016, Greenbiz reported that 46 percent of businesses had an increase in sustainability related positions at their company.
Most highly successful companies have sustainability departments. In 2015, 72 percent of companies with over $1 billion in revenue had sustainability budgets.
Sustainability careers come in a wide variety. They can focus on policy, science, agriculture or management. Here are some related professions:
Sustainable Forestry Managers
Water Conservationists
Health and Safety Engineers
Sustainability Policy Managers
What are the requirements for a degree in sustainability?
There aren't any general license requirements for a degree in sustainability. Some programs require previous college credits in order to enroll, but that is at the discretion of the school.
Combining degrees can strengthen your degree in sustainability. For instance, Sustainability Directors may have a degree in business, and Water Conservationists may have a Master's degree as well as their sustainability Bachelor's.
What are the best sustainability degrees?
All of the online programs below are regionally accredited, and for most, you get the same degree online that you would if you attended classes on campus! Our researchers took into account student satisfaction with the university, the affordability of the program, and the quality and reputation of the school.
Data on expected earnings come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com. Researchers looked at industry publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Greenbiz, and Sustainabilitydegrees.com to find you the most worthwhile programs.
Best Online Sustainability Degrees
See our rankings methodology page.
