Accelerated Sustainability and Adaptation Degree

If you’re highly motivated to focus on sustainability and already know what you want to achieve in college, then Pacific’s in-person, three-year degree (the only one in Oregon!) may be the pathway for you. With the three-year bachelor’s in sustainability and adaptation, you’re ready to start your career one year sooner.

Pacific's three-year pathway includes all of the courses required for the sustainability and adaptation major, providing the background and problem-solving skills essential for careers addressing sustainability. Three-year students take classes on the Forest Grove Campus and can participate in all aspects of campus life, from campus housing to extracurricular activities. Three-year students are also eligible for all the same financial aid opportunities as four-year students.

Students earn a three-year degree by reducing general education electives. Four-year students take a total of 124 credits for their bachelor’s; three-year students take a total of 96 credits. Three-year degree students also follow a focused program and schedule of classes so that they can complete all their major coursework in three years of directed study. 

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Sample Schedule

• First Year

  • Fall Semester

      Sustainability Science 
      Environmental Studies Seminar
      First Year Advising
      First Year Community 
      Language Core Requirement

    Winter Term

      Explorations Core Requirement

    Spring Semester

      Sustainable Use: Soil & Water 
      English Composition Core Requirement
      Language Core Requirement
      Explorations Core Requirement
      First Year Advising

• Second Year

  • Fall Semester

      Permaculture Design Science
      Major Requirement in Social Sciences
      Math Core Requirement
      Civic Engagement Core Requirement

    Winter Term

      Frameworks of Sustainability

    Spring Semester

      Environmental Problem Solving
      Oregon Natural History
      Social Statistics
      Explorations Core Requirement

• Third Year

  • Fall Semester

      Geographic Information Systems
      Restoration Ecology
      Internship

    Winter Term

      Internship 

    Spring Semester

      Ecosystems and Ecological Design 
      Plant Pathology
      Energy and the Environment
      Senior Capstone

Three-Year Degree: FAQs

What Jobs Can I Start Right After My Three-Year Sustainability and Adaptation Degree?

Students qualify for a variety of jobs directly after completing their three-year degrees. Possible jobs for graduates include:

• Sustainability Coordinator/Analyst: Collect data on energy use, waste and supply chains to help the company meet net-zero goals.
• Environment, Social & Governance (ESG) Analyst: Focus on the social and governance side of business. Ensure the company is meeting ethical labor standards and transparent reporting requirements.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Specialist: Work with vendors to ensure that raw materials (like water, natural materials or minerals) are sourced ethically and with a low carbon footprint.
• Urban/Regional Planning Assistant: Help cities design walkable neighborhoods, improve public transit, or implement "green infrastructure" like rain gardens to prevent flooding.
• Environmental Policy Analyst: Work for a government agency or a think tank to research and draft laws regarding climate change, water rights or renewable energy incentives.
• Sustainability Program Manager: Manage municipal programs such as city-wide composting, bike-share initiatives or energy-efficiency rebates for residents.
• Sustainability Communications Specialist: Craft the narrative for a brand's green initiatives to ensure transparency with customers.
• Environmental Educator: Work for museums, non-profits or parks to teach the public about conservation and climate science.
• Non-Profit Program Coordinator: Work for organizations like the Sierra Club or local land trusts to organize community clean-ups, fundraising, or legislative lobbying.

Can I Go To Graduate School After My Three-Year Degree?

Yes, most graduate programs in sustainability are looking for the completion of a bachelor’s degree, with no distinction between three-year and four-year options.

Should I Pursue a Three- or Four-Year Degree in Sustainability and Adaptation?

If you want to complete your degree quickly so you can start your career, the three-year pathway may be the right one for you. However, if you want to take your time with more academic exploration through electives, double majors or extended study abroad, you might want to consider the four-year degree option.

Students who begin their studies in the three-year program can switch to the four-year program later if they choose. At Pacific, each student works closely with their academic advisor to ensure that their degree — whether it is three-year or four-year — is aligned with their purpose and goals for the future. 

Learn more about the differences between Pacific's four- and three-year degrees.