Overview

The Sustainable Development programme at Columbia University provides students with a deep understanding of the complex interactions between natural and social systems. This interdisciplinary major focuses on advancing human well-being while protecting vital ecosystems and essential global resources. Students engage with diverse academic perspectives to address the urgent challenges of our rapidly changing world.

Why Sustainable Development at Columbia University?

Students benefit from the immense resources of the Earth Institute, gaining access to world-class faculty and cutting-edge research facilities. The programme offers a robust support system of academic advisers and program managers who assist with internship placements and career development. Its location in New York City provides a unique urban laboratory for studying sustainability, while global fieldwork opportunities in places like Rwanda and Bangladesh offer practical international experience. Furthermore, high-achieving students can access an accelerated five-year track to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around foundational sciences, social systems, and practical problem-solving. Modules may include:

Challenges of Sustainable Development
Science for Sustainable Development
Environmental Policy and Governance
Climate Change and Law
GIS for Sustainable Development
Human Populations
Ethics of Sustainable Development
Disasters and Development
Qualitative Research Methods

Careers with Sustainable Development

Graduates are prepared for professional roles across the public, private, governmental, and non-profit sectors. The programme develops practical skills in quantitative analysis, management, and policy, making alumni highly competitive for roles in sustainability consultancy, environmental advocacy, and urban planning. Many students also leverage their research experience to pursue advanced degrees in sustainability management, public policy, or environmental science. The Earth Institute’s extensive network helps graduates transition into influential positions within international organisations and environmental agencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Environmental Policy and Governance

Challenges of Sustainable Development

Economic and Financial Methods for Sustainable Development

Workshop in Sustainable Development

Ethics of Sustainable Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Sustainable Development 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

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

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

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

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

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 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 Sustainable Development.

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

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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