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Program Details

Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management

Bachelor of Science
Batten University

The Sustainability Management major prepares students to utilize their knowledge of the functional areas of business and management to help organizations both adopt and achieve the goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The major employs a multi-disciplinary approach whereby students will learn not only the scientific principles undergirding sustainable business practices but also the philosophical underpinnings of the global need for sustainability and the various regulatory approaches for achieving it. In addition to significant coursework in a variety of academic disciplines, students will synthesize their studies through a senior-level experience entailing either further coursework with an internship or a sustainability-focused Study Away experience.

Outcomes

1) Students will be able to understand fundamental principles of environmental science, economics, and the functional areas of business underlying sustainability. (Technical Knowledge) 2) Students will recognize the interconnectedness of ecological, economic, social/cultural, legal/political, and organizational environments. (Systems Orientation) 3) Students will be able to use various measuring/monitoring systems utilized for organizational sustainability reporting and evaluation. (Accountability Techniques) 4) Students will demonstrate competence in oral communication. (Oral Communication) 5) Students will demonstrate competence in written communication. (Written Communication) 6) Students will be able to apply problem solving skills to generate solutions to a complex sustainability problem. (Problem Solving Skills) 7) Students will collaborate effectively with others as part of a group project. (Collaboration)


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Sustainability management refers to the processes and practices that organizations implement to promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. It involves developing strategies that minimize negative impacts on the environment and society while maximizing positive contributions.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

The Sustainability Management major prepares students to utilize their knowledge of business and management to help organizations advance the goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The major employs a multi- disciplinary approach whereby students learn not only the scientific principles undergirding sustainable business practices but also the philosophical underpinnings of the global need for sustainability and the various regulatory approaches for achieving it. Students will also synthesize their studies through advanced interdisciplinary coursework, and either an internship, research in sustainability, or a sustainability-focused study away experience.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Batten University within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses There are no additional requirements for this program.
Doing More With Your Degree Courses prepare students for work in business, earth & environmental sciences, environmental studies, mathematics, philosophy, or political science.
Program Successes & Highlights 2 graduates 2024-2025
Program Credit Requirements
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Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Batten University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Blue Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Central Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Central Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Danville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Danville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Gateway Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Eastern Shore Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Germanna Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Germanna Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Brightpoint Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Brightpoint Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Laurel Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Empire Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
New River Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
New River Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Northern Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Paul D. Camp Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Patrick & Henry Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Piedmont Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Rappahannock Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Rappahannock Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southside Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southwest Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Tidewater Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Tidewater Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Peninsula Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Highlands Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Western Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Western Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Wytheville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Wytheville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Batten University is committed to treating transfer students fairly. We believe in recognizing your hard work and making the path to your four-year degree as easy as possible. The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Applied Science- Human Services (Tidewater Community College) will enter Batten U with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School First-time college students arriving with a conferred Associate's degree get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework. They are not exempt from any breadth requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning Transfer credits are evaluated based on official transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Batten University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the credit transfer evaluation are recorded in the student's Transfer Evaluation Report in WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Batten University grade point average. The amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credit is awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Batten University.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Batten University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
66% (Fall 2025)
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 23. The average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area, we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. Batten University is an inclusive community grounded in the arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. Batten University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.
Transfer Student Catalog Year First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use the same catalog)
First Year Student Catalog Year First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use same catalog)
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions There is no specific date by which a student must let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early to take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.batten.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science in Environmental StudiesBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Arts Environmental and Sustainability StudiesBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
19-2041.01Climate Change Policy AnalystsResearch and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.01Clinical Research CoordinatorsPlan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.Management Occupations
19-1031.00Conservation ScientistsManage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.02Environmental Restoration PlannersCollaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1053.00Environmental Science Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4042.00Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthPerform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.00Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including HealthConduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.03Industrial EcologistsApply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.00Natural Sciences ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
19-1031.03Park NaturalistsPlan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1199.00Postsecondary Teachers, All OtherAll postsecondary teachers not listed separately.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-1031.02Range ManagersResearch or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3099.00Social Scientists and Related Workers, All OtherAll social scientists and related workers not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3099.01Transportation PlannersPrepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3051.00Urban and Regional PlannersDevelop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9121.02Water Resource SpecialistsDesign or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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