What would you think of someone who majored in Sustainability in college?

[Avocado]

Sustainability: Combines social sciences, economic study, and biological/environmental sciences together.

I'm thinking about switching to it because it's more specific to my interests, as opposed to straight Biology. What would the job market look like? How much of an impact could I make with such a degree?
Okay, none of your are being helpful; in fact, you are just being extremely judgmental.

[PE2008]

I think of "Sustainability" Majors as self-righteous, indoctrinated, tree-huggers.
I don't think many companies would hire them, except maybe large companies might hire a couple to trot out for the press from time to time.

[Amaretta]

Sustainability is kind of an awkward term -- what does it mean exactly? You'll have to constantly explain your degree to employers -- what the term means, what the degree entails and how your skills are going to mesh with their needs. If you tell someone you're a biologist, they know immediately what your field of expertise is. If you tell them you majored in sustainability, you're more likely to get a blank look in response because they won't have a clue what that means. I think you'd have an easier time finding a job after graduation as a biology major. A biology major could still lead to "sustainability" kinds of jobs (whatever those are), but it also opens up jobs in medical technology and research and environmental research that probably won't be available to a sustainability major.

[Mark]

You'll probably have an easier time getting a job with a degree in biology. Assuming that there is a great deal of overlap in the course of study, a biologist is probably going to be able to get a job that is targeted to biologists and many jobs that are targeted to people who studied sustainability. However, someone with a degree in sustainability is probably not going to be considered for many of the jobs where they are looking for biologists.

I'm not being judgmental. I'm just trying to point out that statistically there will be more jobs available to you with a degree in biology. Now if you have no desire to work in a biology oriented job, don't let that stop you. It isn't like you are going to be working hundreds of jobs at one time. If it statistically takes you a bit longer to get a job that probably doesn't really matter in the long run. Still if you are wanting to choose the safest thing from a job market standpoint, sustainability might not be the best choice.

I would suggest that get a degree in biology and then get a minor in sustainability. That way you have it on your resume so you can shine in the job interviews where they really want someone with a sustainability background, but you don't eliminate yourself from any jobs where they are really looking for a biologist.

Another option would be to try to get a graduate certificate or citation in sustainability. A citation is usually about 16 hours and often it can be applied to a masters degree if you decide to go on later. Not only would this give you the sustainability education, but it would further distinguish you with some graduate work. If you work really hard you might even be able to complete everything in 4 years by taking a few summer classes.

Good luck!

[Cochise]

Your question includes: "What would the job market look like? "
At the Bachelors level, a major in sustainability would be a mistake. There are no jobs, and no credibility. The hard science degree does give you both.

I like the idea of a strong economics background, perhaps as a minor, in support of a biology undergrad degree. Your university core courses will include social sciences.

If you do want to be an advocate, take at least 2 speech courses and use as your topic the economic benefits of environmental protection.

Also, you need an extra language. If you haven't done so yet, sign up for one useful one ASAP and the same language for every semester until you graduate. Useful languages for the 21st century include Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Mandarin and Portuguese - the languages of the emerging economic powerhouses.

Good luck to you - your heart is in the right place - now apply your intellect to it as well.