Science and MathematicsEnvironmental and Sustainability Studies Bachelor's Degree
- BA
Join a generation of changemakers tackling the world's most urgent environmental challenges. The Environmental and Sustainability Studies BA at Columbia College Chicago combines environmental science, sustainability, and advocacy with a focus on justice. This interdisciplinary program equips you to address local and global sustainability issues through hands-on projects and creative solutions. You’ll learn how to effectively communicate your knowledge and inspire action across various industries, from journalism to policy, sustainable design to environmental activism.
Examples of Environmental and Sustainability Careers
The Student Experience
This degree combines a framework in environmental studies and scientific literacy with environmental justice and advocacy. This program gives students a unique opportunity to interweave knowledge in these areas to help communicate their viewpoint and initiate a call to action.
In your first year, you’ll take introductory courses that explore the environmental field’s breadth, along with classes from the Liberal Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum. These courses provide the foundation for your environmental and sustainability education, including understanding the key principles of environmental science and the societal impacts of environmental issues.
By your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to integrate your knowledge through a capstone project. In this course, you’ll work in groups to design and implement a creative sustainability initiative aimed at inspiring community action on environmental issues. You’ll also complete an internship with an organization focused on environmental advocacy or sustainability, where you can apply your classroom learning in a professional setting and gain invaluable industry experience.
Columbia’s interdisciplinary approach means you’ll collaborate with students from various majors, including journalism, photography, film, and fashion. This collaboration strengthens your ability to communicate complex environmental issues in creative ways and helps you build a portfolio of advocacy-driven work.
Career Readiness
This program prepares students for jobs focused on inspiring people to make changes to help mitigate the effects of environmental and sustainability issues, both locally and globally.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop and lead creative sustainability projects that address environmental justice issues and inspire action. These projects provide you with hands-on experience and a portfolio of work that will stand out to employers in fields like sustainability consulting, environmental advocacy, and more.
Columbia’s location in Chicago gives you access to a dynamic network of alumni, environmental organizations, advocacy groups, and sustainability-focused companies. You’ll have opportunities to meet and work with professionals through guest lectures, networking events, and internships.
ALumni Spotlight
24 in 2024
"24 in 2024" recognizes alumni from Columbia College Chicago for their professional achievements beyond their academic journeys. Learn more.
of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.