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 course is designed to foster critical thinking regarding historical antecedents and modern challenges in resource management. Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience to imagine alternative futures for a rapidly changing world.

Why Sustainable Development at Columbia University?

Studying at this institution grants students access to the extensive resources of the Earth Institute, including a dedicated support system of faculty, academic advisers, and programme managers. The university's unique position allows for direct engagement with cutting-edge research in climate science and environmental policy. Students benefit from a multitude of opportunities for internships, study abroad initiatives, and professional development tailored to the burgeoning field of sustainability. Furthermore, the programme offers a distinctive accelerated five-year track, enabling high-achieving undergraduates to transition into a Master of Science in Sustainability Management.

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 to provide a firm foundation in both natural and social sciences. Modules may include:

Science for Sustainable Development
Challenges of Sustainable Development
Environmental Biology
Earth Resources & Sustainable Development
Climate Systems
Environmental Policy and Governance
Human Populations & Sustainable Development
GIS for Sustainable Development
Ethics of Sustainable Development

Careers with Sustainable Development

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional pathways across the public, private, governmental, and non-profit sectors. The programme develops practical skills in management, quantitative analysis, and policy evaluation, making alumni highly competitive for roles in sustainability consultancy, environmental advocacy, and urban planning. Many students also leverage their undergraduate research and senior thesis experience to pursue advanced degrees in specialised fields such as environmental law, public health, or sustainability management. The university provides robust support for career development, connecting students with organisations focused on transforming global business practices and environmental stewardship.

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 270 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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