Bachelor of Science
Sustainability Management Degree
A flexible path toward a career helping sustain the environment.
Top 10 Online Sustainability Degrees by Best College Reviews.
Sustainability Management Degree
Use your sustainability management degree to help transform the world.
Careers in sustainability have never been more important to the world than they are today. With our online sustainability management degree, you’ll be prepared to take full advantage by combining your interest in science, engineering and the environment to pursue opportunities across a variety of fields within the public and private sectors. In addition, you will be well prepared for the LEED Green Associate exam, which will help you stand out in the building industry.
Take one course at a time in an online sustainability degree.
As an accelerated cohort program, the environmental sustainability degree allows you to simplify your study experience with a course load that’s more manageable for busy students. You’ll register for classes once at the beginning of the program and take one course at a time with the same group of peers online have more collaborative experiences and graduate with a stronger network to start your career.
The skills and experience you'll gain:
With an environmental sustainability major, you’ll gain experience in:
- Analyzing the human impact on our environment
- Navigating complex social and economic issues related to sustainable solutions
- Inspiring innovation, change and new practices
Courses
What You’ll Learn
- Evaluate the sustainability of current technology applications in environmental science, energy technology, green technology, and natural resource management
- Lead and manage sustainability projects for water, energy, land and urban management
- Create strategies for engaging stakeholders in sustainable projects
Sustainability Management Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36 hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course introduces Environmental Sustainability as an interdisciplinary field of study focused on environmental problems and managing natural resources in a sustainable manner. It cuts across agricultural sciences, biological sciences, and engineering, integrating physical and biological sciences to current environmental problems. Contemporary global environmental problems and the research that is being performed on environmental issues are explored. Discussion includes sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, pollution control and mitigation, and global climate change. A systems approach to the analysis of environmental problems is used to find effective solutions. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course explores energy sources and overall energy needs and impacts. A comparative study of the trends, status and policies of alternative energy technologies and how these can be applied to current and future industrial or residential scale projects will be conducted. Coverage also includes biofuels and synthetic fuels, emerging technologies of energy capture (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.) and innovative energy management (e.g. Smart Grid). Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course provides an overview of emerging technologies for natural resource conservation. Discussions will focus on how innovations in technology are being developed to use natural resources in a more efficient and sustainable manner. Examples will cover new developments in green chemistry, sustainable agriculture, and ‘smart’ energy-efficient appliances. The use of current technologies (e.g. GIS, geographical information systems) in environmental assessment will also be discussed. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course provides a foundation for Project Management in the context of green, sustainable projects. Coverage includes life cycle assessment of the entire project from initiating, to planning and executing strategies that consider long term impacts. Scenario-based case studies are incorporated with emphasis on the importance of making strategic changes that can create sustainable competitive advantage. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course explores the interconnectivity of energy, environment and business strategy. Topics covered include economic principles related to the use of environmental goods and services, and the influence of environmental effects on the decision-making process. Strategies for adapting to the impact of environmental changes, energy production, consumption, and government policies are discussed. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which focuses on economic, social and environmental impacts, and plays an increasing role in organizational strategy, is explored. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course examines legal and government policy approaches to sustainability. A wide range of political issues that arise when viewing the Earth’s environment as an integrated global system are discussed. Major federal environmental laws and a study of local policy and regulations relating to sustainable and green projects are introduced. Topics also include grant writing and contracting for sustainable projects. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course provides a study of human-environment interaction as seen from a global perspective. The interrelationship between population growth, food security, water availability, urbanization, technological change, international trade and global environmental change is explored. The economic, social and environmental impact of global trade is assessed. Discussion also includes maintaining historic principles of economic growth and development, and the implications for sustainability. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
The course focuses on the ‘4 E principles’ of Environment/Energy/Efficiency/Empower. These principles relate to efficiency in resource usage, sustainable energy use, environmental consciousness and empowering sustainable personal leadership. Emphasis is placed on the role of leadership to successfully complete sustainability projects. Coverage includes how to engage peers and company management in sustainable projects, how to coach and instruct sustainability across an organization, and how to communicate to a variety of audiences. Discussion also includes the application of ethical principles to actions affecting the environment. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
This course is an application of the principles of environmentally sustainable construction to new and existing green building projects. Emphasis is placed on providing projects with a life cycle analysis that aims to reduce environmental impact and optimize the comfort and safety of people. The Green Building Rating System LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for benchmarking the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings is introduced. Students will work closely with industry on a project related to sustainability. Prerequisites: Acceptance in the Sustainability Management accelerated degree program.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
Format
An innovative and project-based program.
Our environmental sustainability program, taught by our experienced, industry-certified faculty, integrates hands-on, applied learning with theory to help you rethink, reimagine and reinvent sustainability practices. As a student in this program, you’ll have the opportunity to study sustainability issues across the environmental spectrum—from water to wind, solar energy to biofuels, and land conservation to urban planning. You’ll be encouraged to analyze, design and manage a variety of sustainable projects and learn how to lead project implementation and to engage stakeholders in these projects.
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
Graduate with a built-in network.
Take one class at a time and get to know a consistent group of peers as you earn your sustainability management degree. The accelerated cohort path will allow you to share expertise from your varied backgrounds and gain knowledge that makes you a better professional.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
Prior to beginning the cohort-based online Sustainability Management Degree, you must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, speak with admissions about how you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Sustainability Management Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
