Environmental Sustainability
The bad news is that people are destroying the planet. The good news is that change-makers like you can help save it. How? By learning how people interact with the environment in one complex ecosystem, so we can reduce the negative impact of humans without causing undue harm to society. It's certainly not easy. But if you’re ready to help solve complicated issues that affect billions of people, then the world could really use your help.
What will I learn?
This program highlights experiential learning through field-based coursework, ecology expedition courses (national and international) and environmental internships.
In any given semester, you might learn how researchers are addressing climate change, how to improve recycling through economics, or how to promote sustainable fishing on the nearby Niagara River and Great Lakes. Of course, you'll also be able to take electives based on your specific interests, and consider specialty tracks that can help set you apart.
Environmental Sustainability vs. Environmental Studies vs. Environmental Science
- Environmental Sustainability: The bachelor of arts degree (BA) is designed to incorporate a strong foundation in the social sciences and humanities with a good foundation in the natural sciences.
- Environmental Studies: The bachelor of science degree (BS) is designed to incorporate a strong foundation in the natural sciences with a good foundation in the social sciences and humanities.
- Environmental Science: The bachelor of science degree (BS) is designed to incorporate a strong foundation in biological, physical, chemical, mathematics, statistics and geospatial techniques.
What can I do with an environmental sustainability degree?
With your broad range of environmental expertise, you’ll have the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for. Students graduating from this program generally seek professional positions in the areas of environmental policy and sustainability, and find these opportunities in a wide range of corporate, governmental and non-profit organizations. This program prepares our graduates for work as environmental advocates and sustainability consultants for local, national and international organization.
Students graduating from this program generally seek professional positions in the areas of environmental analysis, natural resources management and environmental education, and find these opportunities in a wide range of governmental, non-profit and private organizations. This program prepares our graduates for work as environmental consultants, wildlife and fisheries ecologists/managers, conservation educators and so much more.
UB alumni in this field have worked for many leading organizations, including:
- AmeriCorps.
- Applied Ecological Services.
- Buffalo/Erie County/Western New York:
- Audubon Society.
- Botanical Gardens.
- Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.
- Clean Air Coalition.
- Dept. of Environment and Planning.
- Land Conservancy.
- Zoo.
- Environmental Consultants, INC.
- Environmental Systems Research Institute.
- NASA.
- New York Public Interest Research Group.
- New York State:
- Attorney General.
- Dept. of Agriculture and Markets.
- Dept. of Environmental Conservation.
- Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
- Severn Trent Laboratories.
- SPCA.
- United States:
- Army Corps of Engineers.
- Attorney General.
- Environmental Protection Agency.
- Fish and Wildlife Service.
- National Park Service.
Some students also choose to get an advanced degree in biology or other environmental-related subjects.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance Officers | $93,680.00 | $45.04 | |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $100,730.00 | $48.43 | Rapid Growth |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $128,190.00 | $61.63 |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.