Overview

The Urban Sustainability programme at The City University of New York provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationships between metropolitan development and environmental preservation. This interdisciplinary course empowers students to design innovative solutions for modern ecological challenges while promoting economic vitality and social justice.

The curriculum utilises a unique place-based teaching approach that turns the natural and built environments of New York City into a living laboratory. Students engage in hands-on learning through field trips to local community gardens, city parks, and protected waterways to study urban development in the context of climate change.

A central feature of the programme is the integration of advanced technology through the geographic information system (GIS) laboratory.

Why Urban Sustainability at The City University of New York?

The institution is nationally recognised for its commitment to research and international education, providing a robust academic foundation for sustainability studies. Students benefit from the expertise of highly trained faculty members who are established leaders in their respective environmental and sociological fields.

The programme offers three distinct concentrations in Environmental Science, Economics and Business Management, or Sociology, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career goals. Facilities include specialised laboratories and access to extensive urban research sites across the metropolitan area.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 620 per credit
National fee: USD 620 per credit
Local fee: USD 305 per credit

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

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Urban Sustainability
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Economics
Sociology
Philosophy
Biology
Chemistry
Business
Puerto Rican and Latino Studies
Anthropology
Caribbean Studies

Careers with Urban Sustainability

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the private sector. Many alumni pursue roles in resource management, environmental research, and health and safety functions within Fortune-500 corporations.

The degree also serves as a strong foundation for advanced graduate study in environmental law, public policy, and diplomacy. Those focusing on the sociological aspects often find success in advocacy, education, and community development roles dedicated to environmental justice and social equity.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Urban Sustainability Theory
General Biology
Principles of Ecology
Elementary Microeconomics
Ecological Economics and Sustainable Development
Environmental Ethics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development Environmental Sciences Urban Planning View 271 other Bachelors in Sustainable Development in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

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IELTS

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Other requirements

General requirements

International students should submit the application processing fee of $65 payable to UAPC, an official high school transcript (if the transcript is not in English, we will need a translation of your transcript word for word), copies of any mark sheets or exam certificates, and TOEFL score if the native language is not English.

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

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Out-of-State

18600 USD / year

≈ 18600 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9150 USD / year

≈ 9150 USD / year

Additional Details

NY resident: $3,465 per semester

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 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 Urban 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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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