If you want to talk sustainability in Indiana, then you must give Bloomington the attention it deserves. This beautiful city is as sustainable as it stunning, thanks to its widespread initiatives aimed at everything from reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to addressing food insecurity to improving the health of the ecosystem.
For example, since 2017, hundreds of homeowners have made the switch to solar power courtesy of the Solarize Bloomington Initiative. And in the last two years, solar photovoltaic systems were installed on more than two dozen city buildings and facilities, bikeshare programs were implemented, zero-emission buses were tested, and the city brought together more than 6,000 community members for bicycle and pedestrian events.
And Bloomington’s just getting started. If you want to be part of the exceptional sustainability efforts going on in Bloomington and Indiana’s other green cities, then you’ll need a solid degree by your side. Fortunately, Indiana has its share of sustainability programs to get your career off the ground or to take it to the next level.
Sustainability Jobs Available in Indiana with the Right Degree
The sustainability industry in Indiana is ripe with professional opportunities for you, whether it’s with nonprofits, NGOs, private businesses or grassroots coalitions.
For example, the Hoosier Environmental Council is a major player in conservation in Indiana, helping tackle some of the state’s most pressing environmental challenges. This organization partners with lawmakers to advance public interest, works with climate scientists and scientific organizations to address the effect of human activity on climate change, works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and more.
The Indiana Wildlife Federation has worked to conserve Indiana’s natural resources for more than 80 years. An affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, this grassroots organization promotes the use of renewable resources through innovative educational programs.
Indiana’s efforts aimed at food insecurity are also quite impressive, with a number of outstanding organizations working to cultivate a stronger and healthier food system, improve access to local food, and provide support to local growers. Just some of these organizations include Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, the Food Coalition of Central Indiana, the Local Growers Guild, and Second Helpings.
According to BLS statistics in 2018, average salaries for sustainability professionals in Indiana were quite strong. For example, urban and regional planners earned an average salary of $56,800, environmental engineers earned $82,180, and civil engineers earned $82,420. Scientists in this field also earned competitive salaries, with environmental scientists earning an average salary of $62,590 and conservation scientists earning $63,320.
Master’s in Sustainability Available Through Schools in Indiana
If you have your sights set on advancing your career in sustainability, you’ll enjoy Indiana’s excellent selection of master’s degrees in sustainability, most of which are aimed at specific areas like sustainable architecture, sustainable development, public policy, and business.
Business
Fort Wayne’s University of St. Francis offers an MBA in Sustainability, an online degree that prepares students to make sustainable-focused decisions, address real-world challenges, and advocate for green enterprise.
Policy
Indiana University Bloomington’s Master of Environmental Sustainability features a core curriculum focused on project management for environmental sustainability and your choice of concentration in environmental quality and toxicology, municipal sustainability, sustainable water resources, or sustainable natural resource conservation and management.
Technology
Purdue University’s MS in Environmental and Ecological Engineering offers your choice of specialization in modern environmental engineering or sustainable industrial systems.
Sustainability Bachelor Degree Programs in Indiana
Bachelor’s degrees in sustainability in Indiana are widely available, providing aspiring sustainability professionals like you with a comprehensive foundation in this field.
Indianapolis’ Indiana University offers a BS in Sustainable Management and Policy, while Indiana University Bloomington offers a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Indiana State University offers a BA/BS in Geography and Sustainability.
Online Sustainability Degrees Offered Through Schools in Indiana
Online degrees in sustainability, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, are ideal for busy, working professionals and those with geographic restrictions. The University of St. Francis’ MBA in Sustainability is offered fully online, as is Purdue University’s BS in Environmental Policy and Management.