Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability

Learn about this major

The environment, economy, development, and sustainability major is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to tackle global challenges like sustainable development, resource scarcity, and social inequality. You’ll learn how to design solutions that balance the needs of people, the planet, and the economy, while gaining the skills to lead sustainability efforts in any job sector.

Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability Curriculum

Students in field of yellow flowers and solar panels.

What You’ll Learn

This major empowers you to build a sustainable future through knowledge in economics, business management, and community development. You’ll explore how communities and businesses can utilize their strengths to inspire a greener future. Courses include:

Introduction to Sustainability in Business
Community, Environment, and Development
Environmental and Natural Resources Economics
Sustainability Metrics
Energy, the Environment, and the Economy

Choose your Specialization

Customize your academic journey by focusing on one of these areas in the environment, economy, development, and sustainability major:

1 Community and International Development

Discover how to strengthen communities through inclusive planning and sustainable growth. You’ll explore how to work alongside local and global partners to create development strategies that protect natural resources while supporting livelihoods.

2 Sustainability and Business

Lead the shift toward greener business practices. This track prepares you to help companies reduce their environmental impact, improve transparency, and embed sustainability into their operations and long-term strategies.

3 Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis

Use data and economic tools to shape smart environmental policies. You’ll learn how to evaluate the value of natural resources and contribute to decisions that influence regulations, markets, and international agreements.

Students sitting around table with faculty member

“My favorite part of SENR is the strong sense of community within such a large university. I’ve connected with so many people who share diverse interests and perspectives, which has expanded my own knowledge. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive, always willing to help—making it a great place to learn and meet new people.”

- Lauren

EEDS Ambassador

Meet our EEDS Students

Career Outcomes

Your future in sustainability starts here. 95.4% of our graduates are taking their skills to the corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors, or enrolling in graduate school, within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $55,000. Recent job outcomes include:

Renewables financial analyst—American Electric Power
Environmental consultant—GT Environmental
Systems and sustainability associate—ALDI USA
Sustainability specialist—Amika
Planning technician—City of Dublin, OH

Why Choose Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability at Ohio State?

As an environment, economy, development, and sustainability major at Ohio State, you’ll have the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty to study holistic solutions to environmental challenges right here in Columbus, across the state of Ohio, and around the world. Explore our hands-on learning opportunities for environment, economy, development, and sustainability students:

Students around table meeting with advisor

Senior Capstone Course

As an EEDS student, you will work with your peers on a senior capstone project where you will serve as a consultant to external partners looking to address real-world environmental challenges in communities and at companies.

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The United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC

WAIP

The Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) gives undergraduate students of all majors the opportunity to live, learn, and intern in Washington, D.C. for a semester.

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Internships

As an SENR student, you are strongly encouraged to participate in internships to turn your knowledge from class into experience. The SENR Career Services team is here to help you find the right opportunity.

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Ready to shape your future and the planet’s? Whether you’re a high school student, a current Buckeye exploring majors, or currently a student at another institution, we’re here to help you take the next step.