Green Jobs

RU’s undergraduate degree in Sustainability Studies instills deep knowledge about the pressing environmental issues of the 21st century while providing a thorough grounding in the liberal arts. Students who combine their SUST course sequence with a 18sh functional area in a natural science (biology, chemistry,or environmental science), social science (sociology or psychology), or professional field (organizational leadership, hospitality management, commerce and enterprise, paralegal studies) give themselves an added edge in the competitive job market.

Reports on the Green Economy and Sustainability-related Jobs

These assessments provide context for the long-term job prospects for Sustainability Studies graduates in the emerging green economy (for some reflections on the nature and prospects of that economy, see this 2010 blog post from the America Society of Landscape Architects). Sustainability is an issue that will grow in importance in coming decades, and all sectors of the economy will continue to seek employees, professionals, and leaders who are conversant in its many aspects and implications.

Those with training in sustainability and other environmental areas are well-prepared for a careers in a host of fields in natural science, social science, humanities, business, and other professions. Environmental careers are no longer limited to traditional jobs such as fisheries biologist or park ranger; professions throughout the economy seek out graduates who can combine knowledge of sustainability issues and environmental literacy with critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Examples of Sustainability-related and Environmental Careers

  • Science/Engineering:  chemical engineer, energy manager/technician, hydrologist, restoration ecologist, toxicologist, transportation planner, water/wastewater engineer
  • Business/Professional:  agricultural extension specialist, brownfields real estate developer, corporate recycling manager, environmental economist, environmental quality certification specialist, GIS specialist, natural resource manager, paralegal, risk manager, sustainability officer
  • Social Science:  community organizer, geographer, historian, museum curator, parks and recreation specialist, planner, policy analyst, political scientist, sociologist
  • Arts and Humanities:  artist, environmental communications, journalist, landscape architect, technical environmental writer

Selected Online Resources on the Green Economy, Employment Opportunities, and Career Resources