Best Sustainability Degrees in Tempe

Best Sustainability Degrees in Tempe: 2026 Complete Guide

Sustainability degrees in Tempe continue to grow in demand as employers seek professionals who can address climate change, clean energy, urban resilience, water management, and corporate sustainability. Home to Arizona State University and located in the Phoenix metro area, Tempe has become one of the strongest hubs in the United States for sustainability education and applied research.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona State University (ASU) is the leading provider of sustainability degrees in Tempe, offering nationally ranked undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Students can choose from majors in Sustainability, Sustainable Engineering, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, and related interdisciplinary fields.
• Programs emphasize hands-on experience through internships, research labs, and community-based projects.
• Career outcomes include roles in renewable energy, ESG consulting, urban development, conservation, and environmental policy.
• Choosing the right degree depends on your career goals, math and science readiness, and preference for policy, business, or technical disciplines.

Why Study Sustainability in Tempe?

Tempe is uniquely positioned for sustainability education. Arizona faces extreme heat, water scarcity, and rapid urban growth, making it a living laboratory for climate solutions. Students gain exposure to real-world sustainability challenges such as:

• Urban heat island mitigation
• Water conservation and management
• Solar energy innovation
• Desert ecosystem conservation

ASU consistently ranks among the most innovative universities in the nation and has built extensive partnerships with corporations, municipal governments, and research agencies. This translates into applied learning opportunities rather than purely theoretical coursework.

Top Sustainability Degree Programs in Tempe

1. Arizona State University – School of Sustainability

Degree Options:

• Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability
• Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
• Master of Sustainability Leadership
• PhD in Sustainability

ASU’s School of Sustainability was one of the first standalone schools dedicated to sustainability in the United States. The undergraduate program combines environmental science, social systems, economics, and policy.

Curriculum Highlights:

• Systems thinking and sustainability science
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation
• Food, water, and energy systems
• Capstone applied sustainability project

Students complete internships or applied research experiences with local governments, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies. Alumni commonly work in sustainability consulting, ESG analysis, nonprofit leadership, and government agencies.

2. ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering – Sustainable Engineering

Degree Option: Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Sustainable Engineering

This program is ideal for students interested in the technical side of sustainability. Coursework emphasizes renewable energy systems, life-cycle analysis, materials science, and sustainable infrastructure design.

Best For: Students strong in math and physics who want roles in clean energy, green construction, or sustainable manufacturing.

Engineering graduates frequently pursue careers in solar energy companies, water treatment facilities, infrastructure design firms, and environmental consulting.

3. ASU School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning

Relevant Degrees:

• BS in Environmental Science
• Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning
• Master of Urban and Environmental Planning

These programs intersect heavily with sustainability, particularly in urban development and land use. Students analyze GIS mapping, climate resiliency planning, and regional growth patterns.

This route is ideal for students seeking careers in city planning, environmental impact analysis, land use consulting, and public transportation policy.

4. Associate and Certificate Options in the Greater Phoenix Area

While ASU dominates four-year sustainability education, nearby community colleges such as Rio Salado College and Mesa Community College offer associate degrees and sustainability-related certificates. These programs provide:

• Lower-cost entry pathways
• Transfer-friendly credits to ASU
• Workforce-focused environmental technology training

Students planning to transfer into ASU's sustainability bachelor's program can significantly reduce tuition costs by completing general education requirements at a community college first.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

Program Degree Type Focus Area Internships Required Ideal Career Path ASU School of Sustainability BA / BS Policy, systems, interdisciplinary studies Yes ESG Analyst, Sustainability Consultant ASU Sustainable Engineering BS Engineering Technical infrastructure and energy systems Strongly encouraged Renewable Energy Engineer Environmental Science BS Scientific research and data analysis Yes Environmental Scientist Urban Planning BS / Master’s City development and resilience planning Yes Urban Planner

Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations

Sustainability careers are growing faster than average according to labor market projections. Common career paths include:

• Sustainability Specialist: Median salary approximately $76,000
• Environmental Scientist: Median salary approximately $78,000
• Urban Planner: Median salary approximately $81,000
• Renewable Energy Engineer: Often exceeds $95,000 depending on specialization

ASU graduates frequently secure positions with Intel, APS Energy, the City of Phoenix, Tesla, sustainability consulting firms, and nonprofit climate organizations.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

• High school diploma or GED
• Competitive GPA, typically 3.0 or higher for engineering tracks
• SAT or ACT scores, depending on application cycle

Engineering and science-heavy degrees may require calculus readiness and laboratory sciences.

Graduate Programs

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA requirement
• Statement of purpose outlining sustainability goals
• Letters of recommendation

What Makes Tempe’s Programs Stand Out?

1. Applied Learning Model

Students do not just study climate models. They participate in real policy development, corporate sustainability reporting projects, and urban resilience pilots.

2. Interdisciplinary Flexibility

Students can combine sustainability with business, public policy, engineering, or data science. This flexibility increases employability.

3. Research Access

ASU hosts numerous sustainability research centers focused on water innovation, solar energy, biodiversity, and sustainable cities.

How to Choose the Right Sustainability Degree

Use this practical checklist before applying:

• Clarify Career Goals: Policy and corporate roles favor BA or interdisciplinary programs. Technical roles require engineering.
• Assess Math and Science Strength: Engineering and environmental science are more quantitative.
• Review Internship Requirements: Practical experience strongly affects job placement.
• Compare Tuition and Financial Aid: Consider starting at a community college to lower costs.
• Visit Campus or Attend Virtual Sessions: Speak with current students and faculty to gauge culture and workload.

Students who align their degree selection with long-term career strategy typically secure internships earlier and transition into full-time roles faster.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainability Degrees in Tempe

What sustainability degrees can you study in Tempe?

In Tempe, you can study Sustainability (BA/BS), Sustainable Engineering, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, and related interdisciplinary programs, mainly through Arizona State University and nearby community colleges that offer transfer pathways and certificates.

Is a sustainability degree from Tempe good for your career?

Yes. Sustainability degrees in Tempe prepare you for growing roles in renewable energy, ESG consulting, urban planning, conservation, and environmental policy, with many graduates working for employers like local governments, utilities, tech firms, and consulting companies.

How do you choose between a BA, BS, or engineering track in sustainability?

If you prefer policy, business, or community work, a BA in Sustainability or Urban Planning usually fits best. If you enjoy science and data, a BS in Sustainability or Environmental Science is a good choice. If you are strong in math and physics and want technical roles, Sustainable Engineering is typically the best match.

What are the typical admission requirements for sustainability programs in Tempe?

For most undergraduate programs, you need a high school diploma or GED, a competitive GPA, and sometimes SAT or ACT scores. Engineering and science programs often expect calculus readiness and lab science. Graduate programs usually ask for a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.

What salary can you expect with a sustainability-related degree from Tempe?

Typical median salaries include about $76,000 for sustainability specialists, $78,000 for environmental scientists, $81,000 for urban planners, and often $95,000 or more for renewable energy engineers, depending on experience, industry, and location.

Can you start at a community college and transfer into a sustainability program in Tempe?

Yes. Community colleges in the Phoenix area, such as Rio Salado College and Mesa Community College, offer associate degrees and certificates with transfer-friendly credits, allowing you to lower costs before moving into a four-year sustainability program at Arizona State University.