online bachelor's degree of sustainability management
Spring term classes start March.
Connect in person with faculty and peers.
Earn your degree on your schedule
$339 per credit hour.
$250 military preferred cost per credit
127 total credit hours.
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.
Gain experience with an environmental sustainability major.
The skills and experience you’ll gain:
- Analyzing the human impact on our environment
- Navigating complex social and economic issues related to sustainable solutions
- Inspiring innovation, change and new practices
what you'll learn.
In this program, you’ll learn to lead sustainability initiatives, evaluate emerging technologies, and develop strategies that promote responsible resource and environmental management.
upon graduation, students will be able to:
- 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.
Awards
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Sustainability Management degree courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36 hours)
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.
About general education requirements >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 ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving 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.
learn on your own time, from anywhere.
Flexible schedule.
Study on your own time with courses designed to fit your busy life—whether you're working, raising a family, or serving in the military.
Reliable technical support.
Access 24/7 tech support to keep you connected and focused on learning, no matter where you are.
Dedicated online student support.
From coursework access and connectivity issues to tutoring and resume assistance, we've got you covered.
Engaging online learning.
Enjoy interactive courses designed for real-world application, with multimedia content, discussions, and hands-on projects.
grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.