The Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability (EEDS) major is an interdisciplinary program in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics at Ohio State. This major prepares students to critically think about holistic solutions to environmental problems that balance the needs of society, the planet, and the economy.
EEDS appeals to students who hope to address pressing challenges facing society today, such as sustainable development, resource scarcities, and growing social inequities. EEDS graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to launch a career in sustainability in the corporate, nonprofit, or public sector.
Specializations
All EEDS students take a core set of courses that introduce students to concepts of sustainability, environmental economics, business administration, and community development. Students build upon this foundation by specializing in one of three areas:
Community and International Development: This specialization provides a detailed understanding of community planning, local economies, and social change. Specifically, students learn tactics for identifying strengths and assets within a community and collaborating with community members to design strategies for meaningful and sustainable growth. The international development component of this specialization focuses on developing conservation goals that meet the needs of those whose basic survival and livelihoods depend on the natural environment.
Environmental Economics and Policy Analysis: Study the intersection of environmental policymaking and economics. Students gain knowledge and skills needed to quantify the monetary value of natural resources to help inform market-based policies, environmental regulations, and international agreements.
Sustainability and Business: Students in this specialization take courses in business administration, environmental economics, and environmental law to understand how businesses can incorporate sustainable practices in their day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals. Students in this specialization are prepared to pioneer sustainability initiatives in businesses to help corporations be a part of the solution to environmental problems.
Career Outcomes
On average, 95% of EEDS students are employed or enrolled in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation with a reported average starting salary of $52k. Typically, 9% of EEDS graduates go directly into graduate or professional school.
The conceptual framework underlying sustainable living and thinking is not new and has existed across cultures for thousands of years. As a professional focus, however, sustainability is only recently gaining mainstream traction. Industries ranging from sports and fashion to agriculture and auto manufacturing are feeling the social and economic pressure to reduce their harmful impacts on the environment. Likewise, universities and businesses are appointing sustainability-related positions to assist in waste reduction, transfer to renewable energy, and more. Cities are also in need of consultants and advocates to help them balance their economic, environmental, and social wellbeing.
Here are some examples of positions acquired by EEDS graduates immediately following graduation between 2018 and 2023:
Policy Analysis & Membership Services Coordinator, Access Fund, Colorado
Systems and Sustainability Associate, ALDI USA, Ohio
Renewables Financial Analyst, American Electric Power, Ohio
Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator (VISTA Member), AmeriCorps, Connecticut
Sustainability Specialist, Amika, New York
LEED Green Building Consultant, BranchPattern, Nebraska
Community Engagement & Education Manager, Center for Energy Education, Ohio
GIS Technician, City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities, Ohio
Planning Technician, City of Dublin, Ohio
Sustainability Consultant, Clean Fuels Ohio, Ohio
Stewardship Specialist, Colorado Open Lands, Colorado
Planner, Crossroads Community Planning, Ohio
Student Outreach Coordinator, The Ecology Center, California
Environmental Analyst, Environmental Design & Research, Ohio
Environmental Technician, Environmental Hazmat Services, Colorado
Sustainability Strategy and Disclosure Associate, Environmental Resource Management, Ohio
Environmental Consultant, GT Environmental, Ohio
Program Administrator, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Massachusetts
Health, Safety, and Environment Associate, Nestle, Ohio
Sustainability Analyst, Recycle Track Systems, Ohio
Materials Expeditor, Scotts Miracle-Gro, Ohio
Natural Resources Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio
Environmental Compliance Specialist, Univar Solutions, Ohio
