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Sustainability Studies, BA

Sustainability Studies prepares you to solve global challenges using critical systems thinking and a vision of peace, human rights, promoting cultures of resilience and sustainability and advancing sustainable development in Appalachia and globally.

Career pathways include:

  • Local, Regional and International Development
  • Disaster/Humanitarian Relief Assessment and Advocacy
  • Social Studies Education
  • Urban/Regional Planning
  • Environmental, Energy, Labor or International Law
  • Journalism
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Public Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Public Health
  • International Diplomacy
  • Professional/Academic Geography
Your Degree Plan The ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Aerial view of Martin and Woodburn Halls

In Sustainability Studies, you'll take courses that combine geoscience, environmental, social and humanities research methods that involve geospatial analysis, mapping, development practice and community engagement.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Environmental Studies

    To prepare for a career that deals with environmental impacts, assessment, geohazards and climate change.

  • GIS Methods

    To prepare for a career using up-to-date mapping technologies and locate resources.

  • Sustainable Development

    To prepare for a career in planning and development that deals with climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution which also maintains resources for future generations.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • On-site with competitive paid internships.
  • Partnerships with Halliburton and ArcGIS – ESRI.
  • Access to the Undergraduate Resource Room, a study lounge with resources just for our majors.
  • You'll work with one adviser throughout your undergraduate studies.
  • Weekly updates with job postings, internships, on-campus resources and departmental events.
  • Conduct research and participate in meaningful activities with a focus on sustainability in our faculty labs.
  • Opportunities to present at conferences.
  • Four computer labs with ArcGIS, plus the web version of ArcGIS is on all ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò Library computers.
  • Earn academic credit through .
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Opportunities for research and further study are available in:

  • International Development
  • Economic Development
  • Social Justice
  • Food Justice
  • Environmental Justice
  • Sustainable Development

Additional academic experiences include:

  • Field trips (local and out-of-state)
  • Field experience
  • Volunteer work

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

  • Sustainable Development Internship Program
  • (on-site at ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò) competitive-paid internships

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Career Options

Many graduates pursue careers or graduate study in:

  • Environmental Consulting
  • Land Reclamation
  • Environmental Impact Studies
  • Policy Analysis
  • Department of Environmental Protection
  • Division of Natural Resources
  • National and State Parks
  • Mapping/GIS
  • Leidos
  • US Government
  • Local Government
  • US Army Corps of Engineers

Who's Hiring Our Grads

  • Leidos
  • Range Resources
  • US Park Service
  • US Government
  • State and Local Governments
  • NGOs
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Environmental Consulting Firms
  • USGS

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò's Sustainability Studies major, first-time freshmen must meet ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò's for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Sustainability Studies at ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Sustainability Studies major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò family.

Want to know more about Sustainability Studies at ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

Visit

​​Experiencing campus is the best way to see if ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit ÀÏ˾»úÖ®¼Ò

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.