Sustainability, the Economy, and Environmental Policy, BA

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Lead the Change for a Sustainable Future

looking through a window with vertical blinds, multiple people stand gathered outside in front of green trees and nature trailsDo you want to make a real difference in your community and beyond? The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability, the Economy, and Environmental Policy (StEEP) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is designed for students who want to be leaders—ready to tackle today’s most complex sustainability challenges. 

StEEP offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends social sciences with environmental studies, focusing on the relationship between humans, society, and the natural world. 

You’ll build the skills to advance: 

  • Positive change
  • Develop sustainable solutions,
  • Preparing you for impactful careers and lifelong leadership.

Where Will a Sustainability, the Economy, and Environmental Policy Degree Take Me?

StEEP is unlike any other program in Michigan, emphasizing social, historical, economic, and policy perspectives critical to meaningful change. You’ll examine how behavior, culture, and institutions shape environmental outcomes—learning how to influence both individual actions and public policies. Customize your degree with electives that match your interests and career goals, and gain practical skills valued in today’s fastest-growing fields. 

A degree in Sustainability, the Economy, and Environmental Policy from UM-Dearborn isn’t just about understanding the world, it’s about changing it. Our graduates are the architects of a more resilient future, uniquely prepared to lead in sectors ranging from corporate sustainability consulting and urban planning to international development. Whether you are drafting cutting-edge environmental legislation in government agencies, advocating for social justice within global nonprofits or redesigning sustainable cities to improve community wellbeing, you will graduate with the interdisciplinary tools to balance economic growth with ecological health. From environmental journalism and high-level research to corporate social responsibility, this program empowers you to transform your passion for the planet into a high-impact career that bridges the gap between policy, people, and the pursuit of a greener economy.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2024. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$78,240 Median Salary

Social and Community Service Managers

Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 18,600 openings for social and community service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$115,440 Median Salary

Economists (master’s usually required)

Employment of economists is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.

Despite limited employment growth, about 900 openings for economists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$151,160 Median Salary

Lawyers

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 31,500 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$69,780 Median Salary

Public Relations Specialists

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 27,600 openings for public relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

How to Get Involved

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StEEP is led by expert faculty from economics, history, political science, and geography, who are passionate about supporting students and driving innovative research. Small class sizes mean personalized attention, and you’ll benefit from outstanding campus resources—including research labs, data analysis facilities, and libraries. Connect with partners across UM-Dearborn and Metro Detroit for internships and fieldwork opportunities.

Explore student organizations—such as sustainability and advocacy clubs—to build connections and leadership experience.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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