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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN

SUSTAINABILITY

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Why Study Sustainability

Are you committed to protecting and managing the planet’s natural resources? Are you passionate about environmental health, economic equity, and social justice? Do you want to help present and future generations tackle real-world challenges such as climate change, pollution, waste management, food deserts and hunger, poverty and economic development, urban planning, and renewable energy? A BA or BS in Sustainability Studies combines those interests and offers paths to a wide range of careers, from science and technology to public policy, law, architecture, and business.

Where Change Gets Built

Tackle climate, equity, and environmental challenges through research, fieldwork, and community-based projects.

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Degrees & Programs

Sustainability studies students may work towards a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. There is also a minor in sustainability studies and a Master of Science in Sustainability program.

The sustainability curriculum includes an introduction to sustainability science, history, planning, and policy, and capstone studio, research, and internship experiences. Students may select degree elective courses that address their particular interests, such as climate change, natural hazards, geospatial analysis, sustainable agriculture, waste management, urban planning, and other subjects relevant to sustainability, including economics, public policy, social equity, entrepreneurship, and ethics.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES & PROGRAMS

Sustainability Studies (BS) and Sustainability (MA) Dual-degree Program Sustainability Studies (BA) and Sustainability (MA) Dual-degree Program BS in Sustainability Studies BA in Sustainability Studies Minor in Sustainability Studies

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

Sustainability

Career Path & Outcomes

A degree in sustainability studies may be applied to a wide range of rewarding careers, from science and technology to public policy, law, architecture, and business. More on graduate outcomes.

100%

Graduates who were employed or attending or planning to attend graduate school within a year of completing their studies

100%

Employed graduates who landed their position within six months after graduating

$55K

Mean annual salary for the first year out of college

Hands-On With Sustainability

Will Allen Garden

Students may dedicate their interest and energy to projects such as the Will Allen Student Garden, the Hofstra Bird Sanctuary; LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Activism and Fellowship) Club; campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity; and Alternative Spring Break program, which has provided opportunities for important community service work in such places as New Orleans, El Paso, and Puerto Rico.

Sustainability Studio

When sustainability studies majors reach their senior year, they participate in a two-semester Sustainability Studio, in which they select a research topic and carry out an authentic research project. These projects have ranged from studying whale movements along the New York coastline to mapping food deserts in communities on Long Island.

More About the Sustainability Studio

Learn from the Experts

The Sustainability program director uses virtual reality (VR) technology to study hurricane preparedness and teach community resiliency in the face of weather hazards. The department chair partners with local community gardens and accompanies a group of students to the Galápagos Islands every other year to learn about sustainable ecotourism. The geological hazard expert travels with students to Greece to monitor volcanic activity. The climate change specialist applied for (and won!) scholarships so her oceanography class could attend the 2020 National Coastal and Estuarine Virtual Summit.

Read the Story
A person wearing gloves, glasses, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and a navy cap is pulling or trimming plants in a green, wooded outdoor area.

Internships

All students in sustainability studies must complete an internship to graduate. Recent internships have placed students with the Town of Hempstead Energy Park, Suez Water Reclamation, Green Streets Initiative, North Shore Land Alliance, Friends of the Bay, Great Smoky Mountains Initiative at Tremont, Seatuck Environmental Association, Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center (New York State Parks), and Young Leaders in Climate Change (National Park Service).

Related Subjects

Geology & Environmental Resources

Discover how the Earth works and how to manage its resources through courses and experiences that build scientific and interdisciplinary skills, with a focus on sustainability.

Meteorology

Gain skills in meteorology, climate science, and forecasting through qualitative courses that build understanding of weather, natural hazards, and environmental science.

Political Science

Understand how governments work at all levels while preparing for careers in public service, law, business, journalism, and more with access to major political events.

Geography & GIS

Explore how geography and GIS reveal interactions between people, places, and systems to solve real‑world challenges globally.

Contact Us

Office Information

Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability

Room 143 Gittleson Hall

Office hours:
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

516-463-5564

View Department

Department Chair

J Bret Bennington

Room 141 Gittleson Hall

516-463-5568

Email

Director of Sustainability

Jase E. Bernhardt

Assistant Professor
Room 147 Gittleson Hall

516-463-5731

Email

START MAKING CHANGE

Build the skills to analyze complex systems, design solutions, and contribute meaningfully across science, policy, and business.

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