Applied Sustainability Degree

Our planet's most pressing issues require innovative problem-solvers who understand complex systems.

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Passion Meets Purpose

Be a Change Maker for the Planet

Our environments, communities, governments, and economies are deeply interconnected. Learn the skills needed for the world’s most complex challenges.

Champlain College’s Applied Sustainability major prepares you to make a tangible impact at the intersection of environmental, social, and economic welfare. Focused on real-world applications, this program equips you with skills to drive change in areas like environmental policy, conservation, and sustainable business.

Princeton Review Top 391 Colleges 2026 Badge

Applied Sustainability students outside at a garden with boxes working on a project

Why Champlain College?

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Begin with sustainability courses in your first year, building your skills through community projects, internships, and collaborations with nonprofits and businesses.

SMALL CLASSES, BIG EFFECT

You’ll have unparalleled access to change agents through small classes and close ties to the Statehouse. Our students have even helped pass climate legislation.

CUSTOMIZABLE PATHWAYS

Choose from 7 different concentrations such as Data Science for Sustainability, Environmental Policy, or Reinventing Business Through Sustainability.

PRIME LOCATION

Study in Burlington, Vermont, a city powered by 100% renewable energy and a leader in sustainable practices, providing a living laboratory for sustainability studies.

Just the Facts

TOP RANKED

Year after year, The Princeton Review has included Champlain College on its “Guide to Green Colleges.”

$104,170

Median annual salary for environmental engineers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Highlights

  • A Leader Among Green Colleges – Champlain College consistently ranks on The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges, including for 2025.
  • Real-World Impact – Research projects that have tangible impacts in the local community.
  • Holistic Approach – The program examines the intersections of social justice, environmental health, and economic welfare, providing a comprehensive understanding of sustainability challenges
applied sustainability students at a local farmers market

Your Career Outlook

Our graduates are prepared for diverse roles including…

  • Corporate Sustainability Strategist
  • Conservation Planner
  • Energy Analyst
  • Green Product Manager
  • Land Conservation Program Manager
  • Legislative Project Manager
  • Education Program Coordinator
  • Transportation or Urban Planner

Anthropic

Through a new partnership with Anthropic, a leader in AI safety and research, Champlain is integrating AI literacy and innovation into the student experience. You’ll learn how to think critically, work responsibly with AI, and use it to solve real-world challenges. Gain future-proof skills across every discipline and be ready for what’s next in AI and beyond.

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