Sustainability – Online Minor

If applying as a postbaccalaureate student for summer 2024, the deadline to apply is May 1, and classes start June 24.

A global revolution to boost your career

Sustainability impacts all aspects of global business, politics, economics and society, creating a need for leaders who have the skills and knowledge to address issues such as climate change, reliance on traditional energy sources, water issues, and a demand for socially and environmentally responsible products and services.

Because of the expanding reach of sustainability across many industries, you can bolster and diversify your prospects in the job market by earning a minor in sustainability online with Oregon State University.

Sustainability in action 

Oregon State is recognized as a worldwide leader in sustainability and natural resources, but sustainability isn’t just research or theory for us. We are committed to integrating sustainability into all aspects of our organization. From implementing energy-efficient infrastructure to promoting waste reduction and environmentally conscious procurement practices, OSU actively fosters a culture of sustainability. Through innovative initiatives like the Student Sustainability Initiative and the OSU Climate Action Plan, we empower students like you to actively engage in sustainable practices and contribute to a more environmentally responsible and resilient Beaver Nation. 

Our university's holistic approach to sustainability education nurtures a deep connection between academic learning and practical application, fostering a new generation of sustainability advocates equipped to tackle complex global challenges and drive positive change within their communities and beyond.

Coursework

In this 27-credit online minor, you’ll learn about sustainability from a variety of angles, thanks to a collaboration between several departments at Oregon State. Through this multidisciplinary approach, you’ll gain skills in topic areas like: resource management, community engagement, research construction and analysis, sustainable development and more.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this program, you’ll get to select a handful of courses in whichever subject area interests you the most to customize your minor. You’ll choose between courses in: business, engineering, natural sciences and social sciences.

Curriculum details and minor requirements are available on Oregon State’s academic catalog.

Sample course topics

  • Sustainability assessment
  • Environmental sociology
  • Human impacts on ecosystems
  • Global poverty and sustainable development
  • Environmental ethics
  • Managing natural resources for the future
  • Energy alternatives

Benefits of learning online with Oregon State

  • All classes are developed by Oregon State's world-class faculty, who are renowned for their research, expertise and innovation.
  • Oregon State is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
  • Oregon State Ecampus consistently ranks among the nation’s 10 best providers of online education according to U.S. News & World Report.
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