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First, some facts. Of the Sustainability Studies graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 84 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Sustainability Studies graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 28% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Sustainability Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 17% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Sustainability Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONService Specialist Centerline Drivers Apr 2020 - May 2021 ESOC Analyst  Intercon Security- Southern California Edison Jun 2021 - Jan 2022 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the career paths of graduates with a degree in Sustainability Studies, it’s clear that there’s a wide range of jobs they end up in, and the relevance of these jobs to their studies varies greatly. Some of the most common sectors include environmental consulting, education, project management, and roles within nonprofits focused on sustainability and conservation. Specifically, roles that directly involve applying sustainability principles, like Sustainability Consultant or Environmental Educator, seem to be the most fitting and relevant. However, many graduates find themselves in roles that, while indirectly connected to sustainability, do not utilize their degree in a manner that fully aligns with their training.
For instance, a number of graduates took on positions like Operations Manager, Sales Representative, or Customer Service roles that do not prioritize sustainability skills as a main component of their responsibilities. This indicates that while there is a demand for sustainability-related skills in many fields, the direct application of a degree in Sustainability Studies is sometimes lacking. On the flip side, there are numerous examples of graduates thriving in roles such as Research Assistants in environmentally focused organizations or Project Managers in sustainable housing initiatives, where their education directly translates into impactful work. In summary, while many Sustainability Studies graduates land jobs that align well with their studies, a significant number also find themselves in roles where the connection to sustainability is more tenuous, requiring them to apply their knowledge in broader contexts rather than specific sustainability practices.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sustainability Studies graduates:
So, let's take a deeper look at the career paths of graduates with a degree in Sustainability Studies. From the profiles you've shared, it seems that right after graduation, many of these individuals often start off with entry-level or intern positions. Jobs like internships at organizations focused on sustainability initiatives or even roles in environmental settings are quite common for recent grads. For example, a graduate from the University of Florida interned at a student garden, while another from North Carolina State University commenced his career as a staff member at a local restaurant. This shows that many graduates are willing to accept positions that might not directly tie into their ultimate sustainability career goals, possibly as a stepping stone to gain relevant experience or simply make ends meet.
As we look five to ten years into these careers, there's a mixed bag of outcomes. Some individuals have landed solid positions within fields related to sustainability. For instance, graduates from Arizona State University often find themselves in roles that indicate advancement and direct relevance to sustainability—like consultancy or project management in sustainable initiatives. However, other graduates have taken routes that diverge quite a bit from sustainability studies. People have ended up in various sales or customer service roles, sometimes in completely unrelated industries, such as jewelry or retail. This indicates that while some are indeed harnessing their sustainability training into meaningful careers, others may find themselves in jobs that don’t fully align with their degrees. It’s a bit of a harsh reality: despite having a specialized education, not everyone gets to utilize it in the way they might have hoped initially.
In summary, while there are definitely success stories among Sustainability Studies graduates working in relevant fields, there are also many who take jobs outside their desired career path, particularly right after graduation. It paints a somewhat uneven picture of the landscape for these graduates. It's essential for future students in this field to be aware of these dynamics and perhaps be prepared for a winding road as they build their careers in sustainability.
Honestly, a Bachelor degree in Sustainability Studies can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. For some folks, it might feel easier than other degrees because it often combines subjects like environmental science, policy, and even some social sciences, so if you enjoy those topics, it can be pretty engaging. On the flip side, there can be some heavy coursework, especially if you dive into the science side or complex systems thinking, which can be challenging. Overall, it’s about as tough as your average degree—if you’re passionate and keep up with your studies, you'll likely find your groove. Just be ready to dig deep into the material and stay on top of your assignments!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sustainability Studies.
So, looking at these Sustainability Studies grads, it seems like their earnings vary quite a bit based on their career paths and experiences. Some folks, like those who jumped into managerial roles or landed jobs with established organizations, likely make decent salaries. For example, a graduate from Ohio University has spent several years in different positions, leading up to a Showroom Sales Specialist role, which could probably pay well. On the flip side, others, like the graduate from the University of Florida who primarily did internships, might not be raking in the cash just yet since internships often pay less or aren't paid at all.
In general, those who've moved into roles like Project Manager, Associate Director, or similar high-responsibility jobs are probably doing alright financially. However, it’s worth noting that many of these grads have to start from the bottom and work their way up, and the sustainability sector can sometimes mean lower pay at the entry-level due to its non-profit roots or research-focused paths. That being said, sustainability is an increasingly important field, so there's definitely potential for higher earnings down the road as they gain experience and expand their networks.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sustainability Studies. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sustainability Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sustainability Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Arizona State University
|
63 | 17 |