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Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability?

Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability is a degree that focuses on the environmental, economic, and social systems of the world. You'll explore the implications of our actions on the environment. You'll research innovative solutions for improving sustainability. As an Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability student, you’ll develop key skills in the following areas:

  • Geographic information systems
  • Communications
  • Programming
  • Environmental science

You will learn a systematic approach to understanding and solving complex problems. You’ll choose from two concentrations: Society and the Environment and Science of the Earth System. 

This major also offers an online option for students who have completed a semester or more of college-level courses. The majority of classes are delivered asynchronously, meaning you don't need to log on at a specific time. Everything can be done off-campus and in a different time zone!

Career Options

  • Education
  • Energy
  • Environmental consulting
  • Environmental protection
  • Finance
  • Geographic information systems
  • Government & regulatory administration
  • Sustainability consulting
  • Transport

Post-Graduation Success1

86% employed or continuing education

56% employed after graduation

30% attending graduate school

$47,011 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Accenture (1), Actalent (1), Aramark (1) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Cambridge View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

97% first-year retention rate

77% four-year graduation rate

82% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,992
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $36,930

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $33,344
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $57,622

International

  • Tuition: $35,872
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $60,150

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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