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Sustainability ,Minor

Sustainability, Minor

Climate, Environment, Future, Global, Green, International, Policy, economics, social, urban

You can gain the tools to create real change --- locally and globally. Combine your disciplinary strengths with a sustainability mindset and become the professional employers are looking for. You'll learn to think systemically and act ethically and collaboratively to support sustainable solutions for businesses, cities and governments.

Description

In the sustainability minor program, you learn how to think critically and creatively about the world's most pressing social, environmental and economic challenges. The program explores sustainability principles and shows how they can be applied across all fields, including engineering, business, sociology, policy, planning and the arts.

In the minor, you examine how human societies, economies, cultures and technologies interact within local, national and global contexts, developing systems-thinking skills that'll prepare you to make informed, ethical and collaborative decisions.

Designed to complement almost any major, the sustainability minor equips you with the tools to lead positive change, whether you are improving community resilience, advancing clean energy solutions, or shaping equitable policies for a more sustainable world.

At a glance

Video: Learn about the Sustainability degree program at ASUThis video provides an overview of the Sustainability degree program at ASU.

Curriculum

2026-2027 Catalog Year

Requirement Minimum Grade Credit Hours

The minor in sustainability requires 18 total credit hours.

Core Requirements
CGF 150 Introduction to Climate Futures or SFS 216 The Sustainable Plate (SUST) or SOS 111 Sustainable Cities (SUST)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 3
SOS 110 Building a Sustainable World (SUST)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 3
SOS/SFS Electives
SOS Elective or SFS Elective
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 3
Upper Division SOS Elective or Upper Division SFS Elective
9 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 9
Notes
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA in business (sustainability); BA in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in sustainability; BS in public service and public policy (sustainability); BA in sustainability; BS in sustainability; BS in sustainable food systems

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students of all majors, including programs in the Rob Walton College of Global Futures, are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Students can find programs specific to their interests on the Rob Walton College of Global Futures study abroad webpage and additional opportunities and information on the ASU Global Education Office website. These sites also include additional information about applying for funding to support global travel.

Career opportunities

A minor in sustainability opens doors to impactful careers across industries, including business, technology, education, science, government and the nonprofit sector. This interdisciplinary program gives students a distinctive edge, blending sustainability expertise with their primary field of study to meet the growing demand for professionals who can lead with purpose.

Graduates have learned to apply sustainability principles to real-world challenges, in areas such as developing resilient urban systems and advancing clean energy, and crafting equitable policies and promoting community well-being. Whether designing sustainable business solutions or shaping environmental strategies, students emerge prepared to make meaningful contributions to their organizations and to society.

By embracing sustainability, graduates don't just boost their employability, they become changemakers, helping build a more resilient, just and sustainable future.

Contact information

School of Sustainability | WCPH 4th floor
cgfadvising@asu.edu
480-727-6963

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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