Sustainability, BA
Are you passionate about the environment and championing sustainable solutions? A BA in sustainability teaches students the vital connections between environmental, societal, and economic issues ranging from climate change to natural resource management to biodiversity. Plus, by engaging in sustainability initiatives on campus and in surrounding communities, you will learn how science shapes policy and how you can use this knowledge to make your own impact on the world.
Program Overview
The Sustainability BA program prepares students to tackle global climate and natural resource challenges with interdisciplinary skills, hands-on learning, and community engagement.
Our collaborative, hands-on coursework prepares you to learn about complex topics such as climate change, land-use change and biodiversity, water resources, natural resource management, and sustainable development.
With courses available in a wide range of departments—geography and sustainability, political science, sociology, ecology and evolutionary biology, and more—you’ll gain skillsets in geographic information systems, data analysis, communication, and policy. Beyond the classroom, you’ll also have real-world learning opportunities through internships, service-learning and field method courses, and community engagement with government agencies, campus partners, or nonprofit organizations.
Concentrations
Our additional concentrations allow students to choose a specialized pathway in sustainability, whether they’re interested in corporate social responsibility, or how government law, regulation, and policy decisions shape our environment and society.
Our current available concentrations include:
- Sustainability, BA (general concentration)
- Supply Chain Management concentration
- Public policy concentration
Minors
The Department of Geography and Sustainability also offers two minors related to sustainability.
- Sustainability Minor
- Urban Studies Minor
Accelerated Combined BA/MS Program
For highly motivated students, the Department of Geography and Sustainability offers an accelerated combined BA/MS program. Students can take up to 9 credit hours of graduate-level courses that count towards both the Bachelor of Arts in sustainability and the Master of Science in sustainability, allowing them to receive both degrees in five years.
Online Degrees – Vols Online
The Sustainability, BA program is also offered through Vols Online, UT’s distance education program, which has been ranked #10 nationally for online bachelor’s programs. This unique option allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree completely online.
Why Study Sustainability?
This program is a great fit for students who care deeply about the environment, want to engage with the community, and are passionate about making a positive impact. At UT, a BA in sustainability prepares you to discuss the urgent challenges in our world and provides the practical experience needed to understand how our actions affect natural resources, climate, biodiversity, and people.
Through the department’s collaboration with the Programs Abroad office, you’ll have opportunities to study abroad in Freiburg, Germany while taking courses on urban sustainability. Additionally, UT’s Office of Sustainability connects students with volunteer or work opportunities alongside campus and community partners such as Volunteer East Tennessee, UT Stormwater, Knoxville Botanical Garden, and more.
Our curriculum’s emphasis on service-learning means you’ll always be engaging in the community, all while tailoring your studies to your unique individual passions.
What Can You Do with a BA in Sustainability After Graduation?
Sustainability Coordinator / Specialist
Sustainability coordinators promote sustainability initiatives—such as recycling, refillable water stations, advocating for renewable energy or electric vehicles, etc.—in various settings: universities, government agencies, hospitals, and more.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental policy analysts are at the intersection of law, politics, and the environment. Their focus is on using environmental knowledge to shape government policies and sustainability initiatives.
Grant Writer for Environmental Initiatives
Grant writers identify and research funding opportunities for various organizations, whether government agencies or non-profits. They then write and prepare compelling proposals to support projects on conservation, climate action, or community sustainability.
Urban Planner
An urban planner assists in developing outlines for the creation of facilities in various cities or towns. They merge blueprints of roads and landscapes with knowledge of environmental and social needs to help build sustainable and environmentally friendly spaces.
Featured Courses
PSYC 444 Sustainability Psychology
This course covers topics related to the psychological forces that drive people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors relevant to environmental sustainability.
GEOG 333 Climate Change and Human Response
Topics discussed in this course include controversies and uncertainties about present-day climate change, future climate scenarios and mitigation strategies, and individual and policy responses to climate predictions.
ECON 322 The Global Economy: Trade and Development
Analyses of international trade and finance and their effects on economic development. Utilization of a policy-oriented approach drawing upon introductory economic principles. Overview of relevant topics, such as theories of economic development, poverty and income inequality, comparative advantage and commodity composition of trade, regional economic integration, foreign investment, finance, and debt.
GEOG 311 Geovisualization and Geographic Information Science
This course integrates spatial analysis and modeling with GIS for real-world environmental and socio-economic applications.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
- Climate Change minor
- Geographic Information Science minor
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
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