Bachelor's in Environment and Sustainability Studies - Equity, Development, and Ethics

The Equity, Development, and Ethics concentration within UNC Greensboro’s B.A. in Environment and Sustainability explores how environmental challenges intersect with social systems, public policy, and community well‑being. This concentration is designed for students who want to understand the human dimensions of sustainability—how issues like development, justice, governance, and ethics shape environmental outcomes locally and globally.

Students take additional electives in anthropology, history, political science, and sociology to deepen their understanding of equity and development issues. This track emphasizes the cultural, ethical, and political forces that shape sustainable solutions. Like all Environment and Sustainability majors, students build a broad interdisciplinary foundation through coursework in the natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

THE Equity, Development, and Ethics STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Connect sustainability and social justice through your studies. Explore how environmental issues affect communities differently and learn strategies for creating more equitable outcomes.
• Study environmental challenges from multiple perspectives. Take courses across the social sciences and humanities to understand the cultural, political, economic, and ethical dimensions of sustainability.
• Work closely with faculty mentors on meaningful projects. Collaborate on research and other initiatives that examine environmental ethics, community development, public policy, and sustainability challenges.
• Engage with communities and organizations beyond the classroom. Apply your learning through internships, partnerships, and experiences focused on sustainability, advocacy, and social change.
• Expand your perspective through global learning opportunities. Study abroad and explore how environmental and sustainability challenges affect communities around the world.

B.A. In Environment and Sustainability Concentration Highlights

• Study sustainability through the lens of equity and ethics. Explore how environmental issues connect to social justice, economic development, public policy, and community well-being.
• Learn in a nationally recognized sustainability program. UNC Greensboro is ranked among the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges by Princeton Review’s Green College List (2026).
• Benefit from strong professional affiliations. The program is affiliated with organizations including the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences, the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and the National Council for Science and the Environment.
• Learn from award-winning scholars and practitioners. Faculty in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability bring expertise from a wide range of environmental and social disciplines to the classroom.

AFTER GRADUATIng with your environment and Sustainability Bachelor’s degree

Graduates of UNCG’s Equity, Development, and Ethics concentration are prepared for careers that focus on environmental justice, community development, policy analysis, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and global sustainability work. Alumni from the broader Environment and Sustainability B.A. also find opportunities in environmental education, sustainability program management, recreation and tourism, journalism, research, and government or public policy roles. Across all paths, the program equips students to analyze complex environmental issues and contribute to meaningful sustainability solutions in communities, organizations, and public agencies.

Potential Career Paths