A liberal arts degree prepares you for a career in sustainability by providing a broad understanding of social, environmental, and ethical issues. The critical thinking, research, and communication skills developed through a liberal arts education are essential for analyzing complex sustainability challenges, crafting innovative solutions, and advocating for environmental and social responsibility.
Additionally, courses in subjects like environmental studies, sociology, and ethics equip you with the knowledge to address the multifaceted aspects of sustainability and work effectively in roles such as policy development, community outreach, or corporate sustainability. This holistic approach enables you to contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable future.
A liberal arts degree combines environmental awareness with problem-solving, fostering key transferable skills essential for protecting the planet, such as:
- Critical thinking
- Research and analytical skills
- Effective communication
- Interdisciplinary thinking
- Problem-solving
- Cultural competency
Related Interests
Interested in learning more about what you can do with a liberal arts degree?
Majors
Explore our degrees designed for those interested in protecting our planet. Our programs will equip you with the skills to excel and turn your passions into a rewarding career.
Combines anthropological perspectives with scientific methods to study human-environment interactions. Equips students to address environmental challenges through research, conservation, and policy.
Explores human cultures, past and present, with insights into how societies interact with their environments. Prepares students to work in cultural preservation, environmental advocacy, and sustainable community development.
Focuses on effective communication and advocacy skills. Prepares students to lead sustainability campaigns, influence public opinion, and promote environmental awareness through strategic messaging.
Analyzes resource allocation, market dynamics, and policy impacts. Prepares students to design economic strategies for sustainable development, environmental regulations, and green innovation.
Enhances storytelling and persuasive writing skills. Prepares students to create compelling narratives about sustainability, raise awareness, and advocate for environmental justice through media and literature.
Examines global issues and cross-cultural interactions. Equips students to address international environmental challenges, collaborate on global sustainability initiatives, and engage in climate diplomacy.
Investigates historical trends and environmental changes over time. Prepares students to analyze the impact of human activity on the planet and contribute to policies informed by historical lessons.
Studies global governance and international relations. Prepares students to engage in environmental diplomacy, shape global climate policies, and advocate for international sustainability efforts.
Focuses on workforce management and organizational dynamics. Prepares students to develop workplace sustainability programs, foster green practices, and shape corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Explores governance, policy-making, and public administration. Equips students to craft environmental legislation, advocate for sustainable policies, and lead environmental justice initiatives.
Examines human behavior and motivation. Prepares students to promote sustainable practices, understand public attitudes toward environmental issues, and design behavioral interventions for sustainability.
Studies social systems and collective behavior. Prepares students to analyze societal impacts on the environment, develop community-based sustainability initiatives, and advocate for social equity in environmental policies.
While this page shows many opportunities and examples of what our students and alumni have done related to this area of interest, this is not an exhaustive list of majors or experiences.
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- The Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
- Centre County Planning and Community Development
- U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- U.S. Department of State
- Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Deloitte
- Various law offices
- Political campaigns
- Representatives’ and senators’ offices
Research Spotlights
Education Abroad Destinations
Greece
Israel
Italy
Chile
South Africa
Spain
Post-Graduation Opportunities
- Law school
- MBA
- Graduate school to study environmental policy and management, sustainability studies, urban planning and environmental design, environmental sociology, cultural and environmental anthropology, global environmental governance, and environmental communication
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Sustainability Consultant
- Environmental Educator
- Climate Change Advocate
- Urban Sustainability Planner
- Environmental Communication Specialist
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
- Renewable Energy Project Coordinator
- Conservation Program Manager
- Green Supply Chain Analyst
- Environmental Policy and Advocacy
- Renewable Energy
- Conservation and Wildlife Management
- Urban Planning and Development
- Corporate Sustainability
- Education and Public Awareness
- Nonprofit and International Development
- Environmental Journalism and Media
- Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems
- Government and Public Administration
- The Nature Conservancy
- World Wildlife Fund
- Environmental Protection Agency
- United Nations Environment Programme
- Tesla, Inc.
- Greenpeace
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Patagonia
- World Resources Institute
- Local or regional planning departments
Casey Tilley
Rachel Palkovitz
Alison Axtman
Kenneth Catlin
Nora Van Horn
