Sustainability

Be part of a positive change for our society!

Our bachelor’s program in Sustainability offers a uniquely comprehensive approach to sustainability that can be applied to almost any industry. As many organizations implement sustainability measures to increase profits and manage risks, they look for employees with the knowledge and skills to lead the way toward managing resources and applying sustainable practices. Our program combines hard sciences with real-world skills and solutions with a focus on environmental protection, social justice, and the economic responsibility.

Start this program as a first-year student or transfer into the program from any associate’s degree.

If you want to help steer our future towards responsible, sustainable solutions, this program is for you! Your coursework will cover a multidisciplinary array of subjects from field biology and natural resources to microeconomics, public policy, and business ethics. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how sustainability intersects our society, economy, and planet.

The Delhi Difference

• Learn from faculty with diverse areas of expertise for a thorough perspective into long-term economic, social, and environmental choices.
• Our small class sizes allow you to develop close relationships with your peers and professors.
• Enhance your learning with hands-on projects both in the classroom and in the local community, including field trips to local ecosystems such as Emmons Pond Bog, Delhi Outdoor Education Center, West Branch Reserve, and more.
• Be an active member of our Environmental Studies and Sustainability Club with community service, hikes, and trips to National Parks. 
• Enroll in an Advanced Study to pursue a topic of interest to you and work one-on-one with your professor mentor. 
• Choose from plenty of electives to study topics based on your interests or career goals.
• Participate in the Campus Green Team for trips, guest lectures, and community service opportunities.
• SUNY Delhi is ideally located in the New York City Watershed with access to specialty practices and regulations focused on protecting the environment and waterways that supply drinking water for the NYC metropolitan area.
• Take advantage of internship and career opportunities in your field of choice with advisement from our faculty. Previous internship sites include the Watershed Agricultural Council, Catskill Watershed Corporation, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, Delaware County Planning Department, NYS Department of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Delaware County Soil & Water Conservation District, and more. 
• Enjoy diverse career options! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in this area is expected to grow faster than average.

Towards a Responsible Future: Sustainability majors tackle big concepts

The program has changed the trajectory of my life. It enabled me to grow academically while providing flexible avenues to pursue my interests through hands-on research. The various opportunities to perform field work, present at conferences, and connect with professionals throughout New York is a large part of the reason I am now able to pursue a dual master’s degree. From meeting my best friends to learning everything I need for my career, applying to the sustainability program is the best decision I made.

Albert Osterman ‘25

Being part of the Sustainability program at SUNY Delhi opened doors I never thought I’d walk through. The professors support you and push you to grow. My best college memories are being out in the field for field biology, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, or other hands-on classes. I have stories and experiences I’ll be able to share and teach for generations. The program prepared me for the DEC Academy in every way and made my resume stronger than I ever imagined.

Barbara Esposito-Mattera ‘25

The program made it easy to transition my career from music and customer service to environmental conservation. Affordable, adaptable, and extremely comprehensive, the program set me up to confidently get the most out of internships, hands-on field work, and presenting at a conference. After graduating, I immediately found my dream job with a local environmental non-profit and feel grounded and confident in pursuing my new career.

Zach Baldwin-Way '25

I landed my dream job in environmental education with the NYSDEC right after graduation! The sustainability program prepared me for this opportunity by giving me an excellent foundation on environmental skills, sustainable solutions, tree and invasive species identification, and much more. I’m excited to pass on my education and passion for sustainability and the environment to youth, helping them to become well-rounded individuals within this field. I’m grateful that this program has allowed me to reach my career goal.

Dalton Waite '22

What Can You Do With This Degree?

• Our graduates have started careers in environmental education, construction, environmental services, sustainability management, invasive species management, regenerative farming, environmental consulting, conservation law enforcement, and beyond. Some have also earned graduate degrees. 
• You'll be prepared for management-level positions requiring a bachelor's degree, specifically related to managing sustainable practices in a company or organization (sustainability coordinator, green program manager, or director of corporate responsibility). These professionals are usually in charge of compliance with recycling, environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• For students building on an existing associate degree (such as culinary arts, business, criminal justice, automotive technology, HVAC/refrigeration, or cyber operations), this bachelor’s degree allows for a special focus on sustainability and the environmental impact within your field.