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Sustainability
Sustainability
Do a world of good.
Degree Type
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Bachelor of Science
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Honors Bachelor of Science
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Minor
College
College of Agricultural Sciences
Catalog Link
Sustainability
Delivery
Hybrid: Primarily in-person; select courses delivered online through Ecampus
Our world is incredibly resilient and yet increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, waste and other factors. Sustainability requires balancing the needs of society with conservation and environmental protection. You can help find that balance.
Sustainability at OSU-Cascades is a double-degree program you can combine with any major. You’ll explore the social, economic, political and environmental dimensions of real-world problems, developing the critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills needed to build a more equitable and sustainable future. You’ll graduate ready to make a positive impact on the world in industry, government or a nonprofit organization.
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Small class sizes
Build strong relationships with faculty working on cutting-edge research.
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Active learning
Fewer lectures, and more hands-on learning from your first year!
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Your laboratory is right outside
Explore, discover and learn in the vast natural landscapes of Central Oregon.
Program Details
The sustainability degree is offered as a double degree in addition to a primary degree. This degree requires at least 1 course be taken through OSU Ecampus (online).
All OSU undergraduate students may obtain a second degree in Sustainability by completing a minimum of 32 credits in addition to the 180 credits required for one Bachelor degree, for a total of 212 credits. Postbaccalaureate students may obtain a degree in Sustainability by completing the requirements below and the requirements for a subsequent degree as outlined in Academic Regulation 26b.
Double Degree
Earning a sustainability double degree begins with choosing a primary degree program major. Students are required to complete 180 credits in an OSU major and can receive a second bachelor’s degree in sustainability by completing an additional 36 credits. The degree requirements are comprised of a core (to learn the fundamentals of sustainability from social, ecological, and economic perspectives) degree electives and experiential learning.
Sustainability Double Degree Requirements
Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.
Once you complete this program, discover all the learning outcomes you'll achieve.
The sustainability minor provides interdisciplinary academic courses in which students think critically about sustainability challenges facing society today and possible solutions to complex issues.
Sustainability Minor Curriculum
Careers
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What comes after graduation?
As demand for sustainability expertise continues to rise, jobs for sustainability specialists are projected to grow by 12%. With your degree, you’ll be prepared to build a career tackling today’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
- Conservation Manager
- Consultant
- Development Director
- Director of Sustainability
- Energy Analyst
- Energy Manager
- Environmental Analyst
- Environmental Compliance
- Environmental Specialty
- Environmental Technician
- Human Resources Specialist
- Evaluation Consultant
- Facilities Manager
- Health & Safety Consultant
- Land Use Planner
- Marketing Strategist
- Operations Manager
- Parks Planner
- Program Coordinator
- Program Lead
- Project Manager
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Recycling Representative
- Strategic Sourcing Specialist
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Sustainability Analyst
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Sustainability Data Analyst
- Sustainability Specialist
- Territory Manager
- Transportation Manager
Policy Analyst, Oregon Housing & Community Services
Residential & Schools Recycling Coordinator, City of Gresham
Energy Projects Analyst, Safeway
Environmental Scientist, Clear Fork Consulting Services
Project Specialist, KEEN, Inc
Senior Project Manager, Sustainable World Coalition
LEED AP Project Manager, Interface Engineering
Planning Analyst, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
Solid Waste District Program Manager, Lincoln County
Sustainability Manager, Lewis & Clark College
Consumer Products Coordinator, DreamWorks Animation
Sustainability Project Engineer, FedEx Ground
Member Services Manager, Northwest Natural Resource Group
Project Manager, US Environmental Protection Agency
Deschutes Brewery
Food Policy Council
OSU Extension
Discover Your Forest
City of Bend
Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council
Bend Fire Department
Clear Path Renewables
Pacific Power
Cascade Energy
$
72
k
average annual salary
Sustainability Specialist, Bureau of Labor Statistics
12
%
projected growth
Sustainability Specialist, Bureau of Labor Statistics
91
%
employed or in graduate school or military within 6 mo.
OSU-Cascades-wide
Courses
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What types of classes will I attend?
- Environmental Economics and Policy
- Intro to Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Social Dimensions of Sustainability
- Environmental Sociology
- Sustainable Communities
In the field
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American Pika and Northwestern Bat Hub
In the Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability Lab, you can study how populations of plants and animals respond to changing environmental conditions. The Lab has established long-term monitoring programs focused on American pika and bat species in the Pacific Northwest.
Alumni Spotlight
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Diverting waste from concerts
Justin Alvarado ’23 laughs when he tells the story. Yeah, he knew he wasn’t the most qualified for the marketing position he applied for with the Old Mill District. But his interviewer shared with him — a social science major pursuing a double degree in sustainability with a passion for the environment — that OMD’s sustainability manager was looking for an assistant. Nearly two years later, Justin is helping lead OMD’s sustainability efforts. This summer, he co-led a “green” team of 90 to divert almost 90% of waste generated at concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater from the Knotts landfill. It’s one of the best diversion rates in the country according to Live Nation, which manages concert performances. Learn more.
A net-zero campus
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Building a green campus
We have sustainability in mind with everything we do. Creating a net-zero campus means the campus consumes only as much energy as it produces, balances water availability and demand, and eliminates waste sent to landfills. Buildings are being designed to meet net-zero goals, landscaping uses native plants that require minimum water, and students are learning how to leave the world better for future generations.
See yourself here
Take a virtual tour of campus
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Contact Us
We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.