What Is a Sustainability Degree?
What is a sustainbility degree? In a world facing urgent challenges, from climate change to food insecurity, the concept of studying sustainability has gained significant traction. But what exactly is a sustainability degree, and what can you do with it?
A sustainability degree prepares students to tackle complex problems at the intersection of environmental, social and economic systems. Coursework typically explores:
- Systems thinking and environmental ethics
- Natural resource management and policy
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Climate change science, mitigation, and adaptation
- Corporate social responsibility and green business practices
Graduates leave equipped to work in environmental consulting, conservation planning, renewable energy, nonprofit advocacy, sustainable agriculture and more.
Types of Sustainability Programs
There are several popular formats for studying sustainability:
- Standalone major: A full degree in sustainability or environmental studies
- Minor or certificate: A supplement to a primary major
- Dual major: Pair sustainability coursework with another field—like business, agriculture, or science
Of these, dual majors offer major advantages: they allow you to deepen your expertise in your primary discipline while integrating sustainability principles throughout.
Common Sustainability Career Paths
Whether your degree is standalone or integrated, common roles include:
- Environmental analyst or planner
- Sustainable agriculture specialist
- Corporate sustainability manager
- Climate resilience coordinator
- Renewable energy developer
- Nonprofit or government program director
These roles value professionals who can link sustainable ideas with real-world solutions.
The Value of a Sustainability Dual Major
Choosing a sustainability dual major gives you:
- Depth + breadth: Deep knowledge in your field (e.g., agriculture, biology, business) combined with sustainability insight
- Tailored expertise: Customize your learning around your passions—like food systems, environmental law, or green finance
- Competitive advantage: Employers seek graduates who can address global challenges within specific industries
Spotlight: Sustainability Dual Major at UNH’s COLSA
At the University of New Hampshire’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), sustainability is uniquely structured as a dual major.
Students pair the Sustainability Dual Major with nearly any undergraduate degree—such as Environmental Science, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, Business, or even Arts & Sciences disciplines. This allows for a truly integrated, interdisciplinary education.
Why it matters:
- Flexible pathways – Tailor your sustainability focus alongside your major
- Hands-on learning – Engage with UNH’s on-site farms, research labs, and internships
- Strong outcomes – Graduates are well-prepared for careers in climate policy, food systems, energy, and beyond
Learn more on COLSA’s official program page: Sustainability Dual Major at COLSA.
Is a Sustainability Degree Right for You?
If you're driven to make a positive impact—whether through environmental conservation, food security, corporate responsibility, or social equity—a sustainability degree can provide the foundation for real change.
At UNH, the dual major format offers the best of both worlds: depth in a traditional field and the multidisciplinary tools to address the most pressing challenges of our time.
What to Do Next
- Explore Degrees: Visit COLSA’s website to see which pathways align with your interests.
- Chat with an Advisor: Schedule a meeting to discuss how sustainability can enhance your academic and career goals.
- Learn More: Ready to dive in? Learn more about COLSA’s programs on our website.
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