Overview

The Sustainability programme at San Diego State University is an interdisciplinary course of study designed to address the most pressing environmental and social challenges of the modern era. By integrating perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, students learn to navigate the complex interactions between cultural, sociopolitical, and biophysical systems. The curriculum empowers graduates to devise practical solutions for issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological degradation.

Why Sustainability at San Diego State University?

Housed within the College of Arts and Letters, this programme benefits from a diverse faculty expertise spanning multiple academic fields. Students gain a broad liberal arts perspective while developing essential skills in quantitative analysis, research, and professional writing. The university provides a unique learning environment where students can join campus organisations like Green Love or the Enviro-Business Society to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Furthermore, the programme includes a mandatory international experience, ensuring that graduates possess a global outlook on environmental policy and management.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14130 per year
National fee: USD 14130 per year
Local fee: USD 6838 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a firm foundation in environmental principles followed by specialised upper-division exploration. Modules may include:

Environmental Sciences
Earth’s Physical Environment
Weather and Climate
Sustainable Places and Practices
Environmental Ethics
Sustainability and Culture
Ecology and Human Impacts on the Environment
Conservation Science and Policy
Politics of the Environment

Careers with Sustainability

Graduates are prepared for the rapidly expanding "green" job market, entering sectors dedicated to environmental conservation, restoration, and planning. The programme provides a strong foundation for roles in public land management, natural resource agencies, and non-profit organisations such as the Nature Conservancy or the Sierra Club. Alumni have successfully secured positions as public outreach coordinators, recycling specialists, and environmental equity managers. Additionally, the degree serves as an excellent pathway to postgraduate study in law, environmental advocacy, private consulting, and the social sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sustainability and Culture

Dynamic Biocultural Diversity

Asian Environmental Issues

Life in the Sea

Ecology and Environment

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Sustainable Energy View 73 other Bachelors in Sustainable Energy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

National

Admission application through the Cal State Apply website (online)

Unofficial transcripts

Your Social Security Number, if you have one.

Your citizenship status.

Credit card. Application fees are due at the time of submission and are paid by credit card.

Annual income. If you are a dependent, then report your parents income. If you are independent, then report your income.

Your parent's employment background and two recommendations. This applies only if you are applying to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).

International

Completion of high school/secondary level

SAT/ACT Tests

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14130 USD / year

≈ 14130 USD / year
Out-of-State

14130 USD / year

≈ 14130 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6838 USD / year

≈ 6838 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Sustainability.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Diego

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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