What is a Sustainability Degree? | College Majors | College Degrees | Study Hall

[@crashcourse]

Omg it's the don't eat grass guy!

[@Brewhound77]

Eating grass is pretty unsustainable. Don't ask me how I know.

[@ab0ve_therest]

do a vid on philosophy as a major!! :)

[@thechaosgardener]

What about alfalfa?

[@loganryan3482]

I doneth coin thee “don’t eat grass guy”

[@richardpenrosemiao4951]

@@Brewhound77 Why then

[@pandasomebody7158]

as a nerdfighter and a highschool student i just try to make a habit of watching all the study hall videos and this one was super useful! its a combination of two fields im very interested in (social justice & environmental science), i never knew it even existed!

[@Leonlion0305]

In my study for Environmental Physics, there is an underlining theme of sustainability, remediation, and environment preservation. One thing that my program supervisor said quite stuck with me. He said that if we can't find jobs in environmental field, going into natural resource field is a good choice too. It seemed counter-intuitive to me at first, as in why would I want to work in a place that is doing the opposite of conserving. The reasoning is that being someone who is environmentally conscious in that seemingly opposing field give us the power to influence the company to make better decisions than someone who doesn't care one bit about the environment. Just something for those studying or graduating to think about for future career. I am still looking and thinking about it too.

[@studyhall]

That's great advice! Thank you Leon

[@G-Tarun]

This is one of my favorite Fast Guides, because it's about so much more than a major- Sustainability can be a concentration/running theme in so many environment-focused majors that it's impossible to capture in even the best compendia - not to mention sustainability-focused electives are always a possibility whether you're doing STEM or humanities and social science. Thank you for pinning down this essential but too-complicated-to-explore topic in an engaging way - that's what Complexly does anyway, right? Also just wanted to shoutout how you're using ASU color palette into the Crash Course video format!

[@This.squirrel.is.on.fiiire]

I’m going into Environmental Studies and Sustainability in the Fall and this reassured me in my decision

[@rainiedevine4346]

I'm a fashion studies/retail merchandising major and sustainability is one of my top interests in the field, due to the extreme waste, water usage, and pollution caused from textiles, overproduction, etc. Even though my major isn't in sustainability, I also struggle with feeling overwhelmed by the amount of problems in the world and where to even start looking. I really appreciate the whale oil example: it helps me remember that small steps forwards turn into big changes over time. I'd love to see a video about fashion merchandising (separate from design) because I would've liked to know how business-heavy this major is beforehand. Still glad I chose it, but I thought it would be more fashion studies and less retail merchandising and it's kinda the opposite. Love this series

[@katiegriffitts4311]

Thank you SO much for this video!! I have been looking for a major that covers a large range of topics, uses interpersonal skills and makes a difference in the world. I have just taken AP Environmental Science in high school, and loved it, but never thought it could be translated into an actual major. I am seriously considering changing my college apps to say that Sustainability is my anticipated major becasue omg it checks literally every box. THANK YOU DFTBA

[@ItsMzPhoenix]

Me, an Environmental Studies major: *Sees the notif pop up* Let’s gooo EDIT - Also a GIS minor, so I pointed at the screen like "eyyy" As someone who isn't sure about career pathways, this helps give me an idea of where to go with my future education and career :)

[@theboxygenie]

What's GIS?

[@cbux1447]

@@theboxygenie Geographic Information Systems -- a great skill to have!

[@Budzabit]

Hey! I'm studying pre-requisites at adult ed right now so I can get Into environmental sciences. I understand GIS is super important and honestly really cool, so I'm wondering where i can get a head start and start studying GIS. Is there anything you would recommend?

[@Bearfan1680]

Cool to see this video as a recent ASU sustainability grad! I very much agree with how easy it is to feel overwhelmed with how little it seems we can do as individuals, but starting small and making differences locally are good first steps! A minor in urban planning pairs well with a sustainability degree also.

[@iTzDritte]

Please help save humanity, future sustainability majors

[@Adrian-qp5pi]

on it 🫡

[@gazevedo1025]

Sustainability is a big theme throughout my studies as a geography major, so I found this to be quite fascinating!

[@G-Tarun]

Hi Study Hall! I KNEW EcoGeek Hank would host this episode! Love how you interweave ideas of sustainability into the practical realities of studying it in university. Just wanted to add that SOAS' MA Anthropology of Global Futures and Sustainability is one graduate destination I'm considering, to upskill myself as an educator on these big problems, and so is UChicago's MA Social Science in Formation of Knowledge - covers how we know what we know, parallel knowledges from science and nonscience to fake news, fact vs interpretation, and so much more. Will Study Hall grow into the go-to place for not just How to College but How to Grad School? All in all, every single video y'all release - How to College, Fast Guides, Foundation courses - is mind-blowing and crafted with dedication. Thank you for giving away this wisdom for free!

[@tamisanlatherow3103]

It's good to think how each level of your educational path might link to each other. I did a BA in Anthropology, an MSc in Organic Agriculture, an MSc in Agroecology and am now finishing my PhD in Agricultural Economics, but they all focused on sustainability or historical interpretational aspects. If you think you may go for a Masters or PhD, it's good to anticipate what courses or background you need ahead of time....like stats. I never realised how many degrees require that class. So, check the requirements for the next step of your degree as well a the current one.

[@Vestajik]

as a biology major leaning toward environmental biology the courses you talked about definitely will be useful to take, now I know what to do with my non science requirements.

[@toodleselnoodos6738]

I just started this as an addition to GIS, and it was super fun using GIS on assignments. Still wish I saw this before I started getting into it! Edit: Also, I love the advice on focusing on something in front of you! I’m researching technology for a project right now to help my school’s water efficiency. An advice I’ve heard is that there are unfortunately some states that will have more opportunities than others…for obvious reasons.

[@1ECAMN]

Where were these 6 years ago?! These are great keep going!

[@trevinbeattie4888]

The fact that sustainability studies have entered college curriculums gives me greater hope for the long-term future of our species.

[@dylanhamilton3225]

I wish I had this when deciding my major, I’m currently an ecology for environmental science major but it took me a while to land on it. Great video!

[@kwolfmcgrey]

I am completing a BAS in Sustainability Management, which was designed to be an option for individuals with an Associate of Science degree so I had some knowledge gaps. I supplemented the program with a Water Quality Technician certificate degree and had experience as a park ranger, wildland firefighter, stormwater management, Aquatic Facilities Operator certificate, Natural Areas Management and a state Waters Steward program. During my degree program I worked in environmental sampling and data collection for petroleum remediation, surface water sampling, stream gaging, and now regulatory support for a water management agency. As Hank discussed, small roles lead to big changes and understanding how I fit into the sustainability answer would have reduced my self inflicted stress levels and increased my job satisfaction as well.

[@alek.witha.k]

I would love to see one of these for Finance or Accounting

[@G-Tarun]

Thanks for the suggestion! Business is the final episode in this edition of Fasts Guides, as I learnt from the episode guide on the Study Hall website! :)

[@alexreid1173]

If anyone is interested in sustainability/environmental majors, I would highly recommend The Ohio State University. I’m an incoming senior here and an Environmental Science major. Within the School of Environment and Natural Resources, there’s also 4 other majors: Forestry, Fisheries, and Wildlife; Environment, Economics, Development, and Sustainability; Environmental Policy and Decision Making, and Natural Resource Management. Ohio State also has other majors like Sustainable Plant Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Public Health, and other things I might be forgetting. There are a lot of options here and I recommend looking into it!

[@saraf5414]

Hi, i know I'm two yrs late to this but I'm a social sci major and not great at maths. I love sustainability as a concept and climate change is something i deeply care about. Should i apply to this program you mentioned? Would it be a good choice for me as a non-stem major?

[@alexreid1173]

@@saraf5414 I think so! They’re all Bachelor of Science degrees, but you only need calculus for environmental science and forestry, fisheries, & wildlife. The other majors just require College Algebra, so if you can complete high school math requirements, that’s usually doable. There is some math involved the science classes you have to take, but they’re not super math heavy. The focus of the Environmental Policy & Decision Making and Economy, Environment, Development, & Sustainability majors is social science.

[@G-Tarun]

Choosing what aspect to focus on is a challenge philosophy majors can face too - philosophy inquires into pretty much everything, from art and science to politics and religion to morality and self. Curious if you'll include philosophy in a future series - Fast Guides is like Crash Course Literature where you can cover a different set of majors in each season, sometimes even covering graduate studies programs.

[@ab0ve_therest]

was going to comment this!!

[@G-Tarun]

@@ab0ve_therest Feel free to share your take on this too, Quintin! I love how Study Hall's comments section is full of constructive discourse. That's the value of the KZbin partnership I suppose: KZbin comments serve as discussion forum instead of having to build a separate platform for Study Hall videos. (That said I'd love to see Study Hall eventually collaborate with Khan Academy or Schoolhouse)

[@oviemoses5641]

This is the best ive seen so far. Thanks for taking the time to share this ❤❤❤

[@ACNHgoddess]

I am a sustainability master's student in SoCal. my program just opened up last year and this video is very helpful in explaining the background of sustainability, what is involved in the different areas of sustainability work like the 3 E's and what kinds of job opportunities are available. I sometimes find myself lost with job paths bc it is very very broad and it intersects into so many career paths. i think it is very interesting field bc I get to participate in so many projects on campus to build up my resume like working with the sustainability center to create sustainability events for students during earth month, working with hydroponics, working with local orgs to make zero-cost environmental education modules for K-12 students, managing a food garden for the food pantry on campus, volunteering with the local habitat restoration initiatives in Los Angeles green corridors, working to build parts of a sustainability plan for my campus and providing business plans for zero waste management for hypothetical companies that could be turned into actual work. the types of projects go on and on!

[@neelam0_0]

If you could provide a guide for masters in sustainability please. That'll be soo helpful. I'm confused beyond my wits lol.

[@agentjp106]

I always wanted to go into Environmental Science, so thank you for clarifying what that means and how to go about it!

[@jankies007]

Please do one on environmental engineering! Anyways tysm for these! They're amazingly helpful

[@rossallen738]

I'm an environmental engineering major at Utah State University. USU has one of the best water research labs in the US. I've really been enjoying the courses that I've been taking. Environmental engineers work in a few different fields from what I can see. Water treatment (both drinking water and waste water treatment). There are environmental engineers that work for big factories to make sure that factory isn't polluting the ecosystem. Environmental engineers can be closely linked with Public health as well. Another common job is working with mines. Remediation of polluted sites is also a really interesting job that environmental engineers can do as well. I personally am more interested in the water treatment sector but I also think remediation is really interesting. I hope that helps! I'm not sure if Study Hall will do a video on environmental engineering because not very many universities even offer the degree it seems. USU is the only university in Utah that offers it, for example.

[@mrinas12]

amazing video so helpful 😭💚💚💚

[@LifeEleanorDeathNell]

Will you do one on interdisciplinary studies? I am so curious what the possibilities of that could be (obviously endless, but like... realistically), and what benefits it might have in the real world. I'm interested in practically all the things from an academic perspective, though I do tend to dislike certain real life aspects like jobs where I have to sit at a screen all day or the job takes up all of my time. Plus my fibromyalgia, neurodivergence, and trauma in high school from a truly overwhelming workload of homework that genuinely nearly killed me by either adrenal fatigue or suicide does significantly narrow down my realistic options. But I am a person with more hobbies and interests than time, and throughout my life the activities I have been most drawn to are inherently interdisciplinary. Like, everything is interdisciplinary to various extents, of course, but as an example: I perform, choreograph, and especially teach stage combat. This involves having to know a little to a lot about: physiology, anatomy, kinesiology, pathology of wounds, psychology (oh my gods SO MUCH PSYCHOLOGY in so many different directions and aspects), geometry, physics, visual illusion, theatre/various acting techniques, storytelling, music and rhythm, education techniques, history, sociology, critical thinking, philosophy, communication, the list could go on. Then if you are doing fights for film you add in knowledge of technology and frankly finance. I also teach folk dancing, comprehensive sex and relationship ed, staged intimacy, I perform on street at Renaissance festivals, do stilt walking, and dabble in a couple other things when I have time and energy. That's just hobbies. Then for my day job I'm a bodyworker with an emphasis on working with athletes, pre and postnatal clients, LGBTQIA+ clients especially trans/nb folks who are transitioning physically, chronic pain, pelvic release, and more, with backgrounds in therapeutic massage, fascial work, active and resistance stretching, shiatsu, traditional Chinese medicine, reflexology, trauma-informed bodywork, ethics, and how to research for evidence-based approaches (which let me tell you is extremely frustrating a lot of the time). Plus I have a keen interest in a lot of science, history, education, biology (micro and macro - and I especially freaking love animals), environment, sociology, psychology, health, and communication. I've so frequently come up with ideas for actual studies I would love to do if I were a researcher, and I so frequently will hear about careers people have and I'm like YES LET'S DO THAT but they're all over the board. So like... what do I even do with all this interest and curiosity? I feel like the past ten years I've been somewhat stuck in a holding pattern because I can't decide what I want to do because I want to do it all. 😩 So is there a way I can study and do ALL THE THINGS?!

[@kerrymichael8012]

I might be biased because it's my field, but - health psychology? There are a lot of directions you can go with it and it can encompass all of the things you mention having a keen interest in. Also I want to take classes *from* you!

[@gazevedo1025]

You might be interested in geography whether it be environmental, historical, cultural, or even GIS

[@LifeEleanorDeathNell]

@@kerrymichael8012 (Sorry just saw this reply) Aww thank you! I would also love to learn from you! I had not heard of that field before, but it makes a lot of sense that it exists, and it sounds fascinating. I will need to look into more of what health psychology entails.

[@youbot1232]

This would be interesting to see for Engineering!

[@jmsl910]

wow. this is such valuable information. ty💚📚🌲

[@jackerdman1558]

Hey Hank! Amazing video thank you much for the advice. But I still have more questions! Where should I go to learn more about this major and the similar majors surrounding it in terms of course work and most importantly... career paths.

[@mariebookish4625]

I'm only a freshman in college, but I think that I really want to design and built sustainable buildings. Do you think that you could also please do a video on architecture?

[@nicolehobbins1100]

Hey! I know this is no substitute for a video on the subject, but I have an undergrad degree in architecture and am starting a master's soon. The best place to start looking into the field is the architecture professional association for your country and/or state/province/territory/etc. They'll have lots of info on the pathways to becoming an architect! Generally there is an education component (sometimes a 5 year bachelor of architecture, usually a master of architecture - there will also be a list of accredited programs) plus a few years of work experience (commonly around 3600 hours, and you have to have a certain amount of hours in various categories of design). Then you can take your professional exams, testing the standards they expect you to have learned, and then you apply for your professional license. For me, in Canada, I had to take a 4-year bachelor program and a 3-year master's (some design-related bachelor degrees can shave a year off the master's, but it is very particular here), so I'll end up getting licensure in about 9-10 years total, maybe more depending on the work experience part. There are some other ways to get licensure too, like in Canada there is the "RAIC Syllabus" route which requires a LOT more work experience hours, and usually takes 10-15 years in total, but the education component is kind of like a bachelor degree taken over a long period of time. It's more akin to an apprenticeship and only requires high school graduation. I believe USA has a similar program - Canada and US have some agreements in place to make transfering licensure between the two countries easier, so you could get a license in USA and move to Canada to work, or vice versa. The association website(s) will also have information geared toward the public about what architects do, which can also give you some insight into what to expect. If your current school has an architecture program or department, take a look at their website too and see if they're doing any research or extracurricular work that you might be interested in - or even take a look at schools you may be interested in going to in the future - lots of schools have really interesting sustainability research going on! (Alternatively, if you find yourself more interested in the building/environmental science or the structure, materials, or energy systems - check out engineering! Structural, civil, and environmental are all part of building sustainable buildings too! Plus, building science itself is a program in some schools and even a bachelor of science majoring in environmental science can be part of the process.)

[@sebastianalvarez-kf4ql]

Can you guys do one for environmental science or chemistry please

[@G-Tarun]

I think the reason EnvScience didn't get a dedicated episode is its close links to Sustainability. You can study sustainability even from an EnvSci major! And sustainability-themed electives are available even in, say, anthropology or sociology, politics, etc. Chemistry may show up in a future episode, it isn't on the list. Biology is coming up soon, though!

[@kuiperza]

Hey! That's my major! ☺️

[@cassandee1303]

This is so helpful 👏

[@you900001]

If you guys need help with computer science, feel free and reach out!

[@user-uz8ce6cf4f]

That's the most casual suit I've ever seen

[@pugglesgray4090]

What’s the difference between an Environmental Studies major and a Sustainability major?

[@studyhall]

The difference between an Environmental Studies major and a Sustainability major can vary depending on the specific college or university offering the programs, as different institutions may have their own unique curriculum and focus areas. However, I can provide you with a general understanding of the two majors: Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the interactions between humans and the environment. It typically encompasses a broad range of subjects such as ecology, biology, chemistry, geology, sociology, and policy. The goal of an Environmental Studies major is to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues from various perspectives, including scientific, social, and political dimensions. Students in this major often study topics like environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, environmental policy, and environmental justice. Sustainability is a more specific field that focuses on the concept of sustainability itself, which involves meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A Sustainability major often emphasizes the development of practical solutions to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. This major typically explores topics such as renewable energy, resource management, sustainable agriculture, green building, climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable business practices, and social equity. Students in a Sustainability major often learn about strategies for creating a more sustainable society and may also study environmental science, policy, and ethics.

[@nadenhwa]

So I have this concern about electric everything (cars), electricity is something we have to produce with something else, so how are electric cars better for the environment?, Because when you convert one energy source from another, doesn't some of it get lost? Let's say everyone's driving a tesla now, doesn't that mean we'll have to burn more fossil fuels to generate electricity for those cars? It's just that we're switching where we burn them but we're still burning them. I'm genuinely curious about this

[@luisandrade2254]

Electric cars are usually less pollutant even when powered by fossil fuels. But you can quickly get around that by producing energy via green sources so we shouldn’t discard electric vehicles

[@GabeWongtpe]

Electrification makes clean energy easier because electricity can be generated cleanly, but there is no clean gas. That is, electric heating (heat pumps) can be done cleanly, but it is impossible for a natural gas furnace to be clean. Electrification is not inherently clean, but, so long as we want to continue using energy to make our lives comfortable, electrification is the first step to clean energy.

[@nadenhwa]

@@GabeWongtpe I suppose that does make sense

[@aryabukate997]

This is soo amazing and helpful!! Thanks, I'm much clear in my career choices!

[@darshita1270]

i have this urge to do something hardcore sustainablity related, especially in the fields of governance and agriculture. but i have persued my education in a completely diff field, computer science. i don't even live in a single place to have a community to do atleast minor collective action. feeling helpless and frustrated.

[@favourxlara8494]

Just finish my high school and I don't have any idea on sustainable development and how to go about it i will love to know more in order to fit in

[@studyhall]

Hope this video helped a little! Best of luck!

[@SkyreeXScalabar]

Do communication degrees!

[@G-Tarun]

Please visit the Study Hall website linked in the description, and find the Fast Guides episode list. Mass Communication is among the featured majors! :)

[@marisajaye1036]

can we get a communications major video?!?!

[@samueltingbani2411]

💯

[@consumerwatch7479]

Is there demand for this ?

[@jmsl910]

good question! i suppose it depends on if/what federal regulations are in place.

[@pugglesgray4090]

From what I’ve researched it seems like sustainability is a growing field and industry but there is little demand for this specific area now. Of course the courses in sociology, economics, and renewable energy/green technology are useful now and so this is a practical minor or dual major now as it helps you with a wide variety of skills.

[@rezwanaafnan4171]

can i do a masters in sustainability having an undergraduate in accounting?

[@studyhall]

Probably! There usually aren't prerequisites to master programs but you should ask your school of choice. I bet you can make an interesting connection between accounting and sustainability in your application materials!

[@thegreatcolini4037]

Man this makes it so easy to understand, but I still feel so lost in life lmao

[@studyhall]

You'll get there!

[@Harpo-rn8sf]

If a company cannot prioritize sustainability then it never cared to do so. You can reach 100% sustainably by simply going bankrupt and dissolving said company.

[@The8BitPianist]

If a company can use sustainability to profit, it'll survive. Take Ecosia for instance, their entire business model is "Google, but sustainable" and they are pretty good at it.

[@VashdaCrash]

@@The8BitPianist That almost sounds like Google isn't surviving?

[@luisandrade2254]

That’s an incredible simplistic understanding of business and economics

[@VashdaCrash]

@@luisandrade2254 Now that you mention it, yeah. There is a cost for going bankrupt, too.

[@luisandrade2254]

@@VashdaCrash and you know generally a bad thing

[@elinope4745]

People are motivated to help communities that help them and to hinder communities that hinder them. Be more inclusive if you want more people to help.

[@kuroazrem5376]

I didn't even know you could get an undergrad in sustainability. That doesn't exist in my country, but it should, especially because of the biodiversity here.

[@wendyjuarez7487]

I have a BS in sustainability

[@a.rubio.a]

This is great, but that thumbnail is criminal

[@hannahviolet927]

My question as I'm considering this major is what jobs can I get with this degree? UOA is not cheap and I don't want to be out of a job or regretting my major. I love sustainable systems and architecture and I want to make sure this degree would let me get a job i don't hate.

[@lekiscool]

*sits in the dark because I’m a vampire*

[@andykazoo]

Heh. Hank *Green*

[@joemccay9978]

This looks like an expensive way to become a burger flipper.

[@consumerwatch7479]

Looks like I'm going to stay working on factories then

[@pugglesgray4090]

*Sustainable burger flipper