Sustainability Sciences BS
Earn your sustainability degree online from Southern Miss!
Program-at-a-Glance (Undergraduate)
Credit Hours:
Total Hours: 120
Major Area of Study: 35
Additional Requirements: 26-27
Cost per Credit Hour:
$416.59
Completion Time:
2-4 years
Special Requirements:
None
Learn more about this program:
Make a lasting impact with an online sustainability degree from Southern Miss! This affordable, fully online program provides a comprehensive look at sustainability and resilience, providing you with the knowledge to tackle the planet’s most pressing challenges. This program equips you with a broad range of skills, like critical problem-solving and the ability to effectively communicate complex sustainability issues to the general public, shaping you into a versatile scientist. Our program prepares students to:
- Integrate Science & Society: Blend natural science, social science, and humanities to solve complex environmental issues.
- Conduct Powerful Research: Master qualitative and quantitative methods to drive meaningful sustainability research.
- Communicate Complex Concepts: Translate environmental issues for diverse audiences clearly and precisely.
- Develop Career-Ready Skills: Build expertise in critical thinking, collaboration, and project design.
- Understand Sustainability Deeply: Thoroughly examine sustainability’s effects on individuals, communities, and the global environment.
Gain the knowledge and tools to contend with today’s most urgent environmental challenges with an online sustainability degree from Southern Miss! This program allows you to learn from expert faculty in conservation, ecology, climate change, politics, and more.
With the fully online sustainability degree, you won’t have to interrupt your schedule to pursue your passion. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!
Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!
what can you do with a sustainability degree?
A sustainability degree will allow you to find career opportunities in government agencies, corporations, nonprofits, consulting firms, education, and industries such as energy, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental advocacy.
We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.
We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.
General Education Curriculum
Written Communication
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Composition One
|
3 hrs. |
|
Composition Two
|
3 hrs. |
Natural Science
Select 2 courses with labs:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Biology and Society
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Principles of Biological Science I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Principles of Biological Science II
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Chemistry and Our Environment
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Weather and Climate
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Land and Water
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Physics I
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Physics II
*
|
3 hrs. |
Humanities
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
World Literature
|
3 hrs. |
Select 2 courses, 1 History required
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
World Civilizations: Beginnings to 1500 C.E.
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Civilizations: 1500 to the Present
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Philosophy
|
3 hrs. |
|
Ethics and Good Living
|
3 hrs. |
|
Comparative Religion
|
3 hrs. |
Aesthetic Values
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Art Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
|
Dance Appreciation
|
3 hrs. |
|
The Enjoyment of Music
|
3 hrs. |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Select 2 courses:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
The Human Experience: A Global Perspective on Human Diversity
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Cultural & Linguistic Anthropology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Basic Economics
|
3 hrs. |
|
World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth
|
3 hrs. |
|
American Government
|
3 hrs. |
|
General Pschology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Understanding Society: Principles of Sociology
|
3 hrs. |
Mathematics
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Quantitative Reasoning
|
3 hrs. |
|
College Algebra
|
3 hrs. |
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Select 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Technical Writing
|
3 hrs. |
|
Cultural Geography
|
3 hrs. |
ENG 101 & 102 prerequisites
Speaking Intensive Requirement
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Public Speaking
|
3 hrs. |
Capstone Requirement
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Capstone
|
3 hrs. |
Must be taken Senior Year; ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites; GEC 09 is specific to this major.
Program Curriculum
Major Area of Study Requirement (35 hours)
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Sustainability
|
1 hrs. |
|
Principles of Biological Science 1
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Principles of Biological Science II
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introductory Ecology
|
3 hrs. |
|
Chemistry & the Environment
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
|
3 hrs. |
|
Sustainable Development and Planning
|
3 hrs. |
|
Foundations in Sustainability
|
3 hrs. |
Select at least 1 course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Weather and Climate
*
|
3 hrs. |
|
Land and Water
*
|
3 hrs. |
Select 1 course (Writing Intensive):
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Technical Writing
|
|
|
Cultural Geography
|
3 hrs. |
Capstone:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Capstone
|
3 hrs. |
Additional Requirements (26-27 hours)
Select 1 Course:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Calculus for Arts & Science
|
3 hrs. |
|
Calculus I
|
3 hrs. |
Select 1 Course (Analytics Elective):
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Quantitative Methods of Geographic Analysis
|
4 hrs. |
|
Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
|
3 hrs. |
Select at least 2 courses (Environmental Elective):
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Living in the Environment
|
3 hrs. |
|
Environmental Improvement Project
|
3 hrs. |
|
Conservation of Natural Resources
|
3 hrs. |
|
Biogeography
|
3 hrs. |
|
Topics in Sustainability Studies
|
3 hrs. |
Select at least 2 courses (Society & the Environment):
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Environmental Health
|
3 hrs. |
|
Technical Writing
|
3 hrs. |
|
Cultural Geography
|
3 hrs. |
|
Geography & World Political Affairs
|
1 hrs. |
|
Environmental Ethics
|
3 hrs. |
|
Sociology of the Environment
|
3 hrs. |
|
Globalization
|
3 hrs. |
Select at least 2 courses (Technology & Analysis):
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Remote Sensing Principles
|
4 hrs. |
|
Remote Sensing Applications
|
1 hrs. |
|
Quantitative Methods for Geographic Analysis
|
4 hrs. |
|
Spatial Analysis and Modeling
|
4 hrs. |
|
Design and Deployment of Geodatabases
|
4 hrs. |
|
Spatial Programming and Automation
|
4 hrs. |
|
Field & Research Methods
|
3 hrs. |
Electives
Choose electives as needed with advisor’s approval. (See Hours to Degree below.)
Note:
Choose electives as needed with advisor’s approval. (See Hours to Degree below.) Recommended to choose one or more of the following as needed to reach total hours. Additionally, any additional classes from DEG 01 or 02 are recommended as electives: Society & Resilience Electives: • ECO 225 Environmental and Natural Resource Economics • ECO 440 Economic Development • ECO 446 Labor Economics • GHY 101 World Geography: Dynamics of a Changing Earth 3 hrs. • MGT 300 Management for Organizations • MGT 325 Operations Management • MGT 400 Global Managerial Policy and Strategy • WGS 301 Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies Technology & Analytics Electives: • CSC 100 Introduction to Computing • CSC 101 Computer Science I AND • CSC 101L Computer Science I Laboratory • DPH 485 Communication in Public Health • ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics • ECO 202 Principles of Microeconomics • GHY 210 Introduction to Map Reading & Cartography • GHY 469 Internet Mapping • IET 470 Logistical Transportation Systems • IET 472 Global Supply Chain Management • MAT 168 Calculus II • PHI 351 Critical Thinking • SOC 464 Qualitative Research Methods * This course satisfies both the GEC requirement and a program requirement or elective for this major
Hours to Degree
120 hours are needed to graduate with a BS in Sustainability. Of the total hours applied to this degree, 30 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above. The student must earn at least 21 of the last 30 hours of course work and at least 12 hours in the major area of study from Southern Miss. See Residence Hour Requirements for more information.
Additional Note
Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get started with the application process, start here.
The program equips students with knowledge and skills to address environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. It integrates interdisciplinary coursework in environmental science, policy, geography, ecology, business, and technology to prepare students for an impactful career or advancement into graduate school.
Graduates can find opportunities in government agencies, corporations, nonprofits, consulting firms, education, and industries such as energy, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental advocacy. Jobs include geographic information systems analysts, sustainability managers, outreach coordinators, environmental scientists, renewable energy specialists, environmental economists, ecotourism specialists, and many others in this emerging field.
Some get nervous around higher math, but fear not! We do have options that are not for the math enthusiasts. For example, we have Geography 417, which is a GIS class that covers statistics (and moves you closer to a GIS certificate), and Math 114, which is Calculus for Arts and Sciences, which is a streamlined course and not intended to lead to higher math courses.
We do offer Math 167 Cal 1 that will allow you to advance to Cal II, which is a requirement to be a federally recognized physical scientist (and helps you provide solutions to big data problems).
Yes, all courses listed in the degree have asynchronous offerings. Some have options for synchronous delivery, but all will offer an asynchronous option throughout the typical year.
Yes, the degree is designed for you to take the courses at the pace you need.
While environmental science focuses primarily on scientific research and environmental studies emphasize social and policy aspects, sustainability sciences integrate both, along with business and technological solutions to address global sustainability challenges.
If you have questions about tuition, transfer credits or anything else about the university, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!
Admission Requirements
The following is required from all undergraduate applicants:
- Application for Undergraduate Admission
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- An official high school transcript for freshman (high school) applicants, OR official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school for transfer applicants
- Submission of ACT or SAT scores for freshman (high school) applicants
Students should be mindful of admission deadlines. For a full list of admission requirements, see the University Admission Policies.
Program Academic Policies and Requirements: See University Academic Policies and Requirements
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?
Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.
Apply Now!