Accelerate Your Sustainability Career with a Three-Year Bachelor's Degree
Planning for college? Attend one of Pacific’s admissions events where you can explore campus, meet faculty and discover what it truly means to be a Boxer.
Pacific University’s sustainability and adaptation bachelor’s degree — available in both three-year and four-year options — is rooted in experiential learning that prepares students for environmental careers. Pacific is the first in Oregon to offer in-person three-year bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, computer science and sustainability and adaptation, all of which are designed to launch students into their careers faster. Just like the four-year option, Pacific’s accelerated three-year sustainability and adaptation degree includes in-depth coursework, practical experience and the opportunity to take part in clubs and other aspects of campus life.
How Long is an Accelerated Sustainability Degree?
The accelerated sustainability degree at Pacific University is three years long. Students in this program do not need to take summer courses or take more than a regular full time course load during the academic year. Three-year students will take a focused sequence of courses designed to move them through the sustainability and adaption major requirements more quickly so they can complete their bachelor's degree in three years.
What Courses Does an Accelerated Sustainability Bachelor’s Include?
Three-year sustainability and adaptation students take the same major and core requirements as their four-year degree peers but with fewer credits solely devoted to electives. Three-year students work closely with their academic advisors to follow a focused course of study so they can complete their degrees more quickly. Three-year degree students take courses in sustainability science, environmental studies, permaculture design science, environmental problem solving, Oregon natural history and more.
Why Choose A Three-Year Sustainability Degree?
There are many reasons that students choose the three-year degree program in sustainability and adaptation. As you consider three- vs. four-year options, you’ll want to reflect on your goals and preparation. Students who choose the three-year sustainability degree usually consider the following:
An accelerated sustainability degree can fast-track your career.
If you aim to get into the workforce faster, a three-year degree might be the right choice for you. It saves you a year of tuition and sets you up to begin earning in your career a full year sooner. Three-year sustainability students can go on to build careers in environmental policy and education, urban and regional planning, sustainability program management and more.
Four years of college is too expensive.
For many students, the cost of a four-year degree feels prohibitive. In these cases, a three-year degree can be a good pathway. The three-year sustainability degree at Pacific costs 25% less than the four-year option. Three-year degree students get the same on-campus experience as four-year students and don’t have to take classes during the summer, meaning you can work during the summer break.
Sustainability is your passion and you have clear career goals.
The accelerated sustainability degree is best for students who know they want to major in sustainability and adaptation and who have a sense of what they want to do with that degree after they graduate. A three-year degree does not allow as much time to explore electives as a four-year degree so it is best for students who are very focused. The most successful three-year degree students know their goals and understand how an accelerated degree fits into them.
You’ve worked with an academic advisor.
Three-year degree students must work closely with their academic advisors in order to make sure they are following the correct course sequence and preparing for their careers after graduation. At Pacific, academic advisors are always ready to help three-year students navigate their accelerated degree programs.