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With Earth Day coming up on April 22, it’s the perfect time to understand how Raritan Valley Community College can put you on the path to a rewarding career in sustainability.

RVCC has a long tradition of being one of the best colleges for sustainability in the NJ area, offering unique educational programs and sustainability initiatives that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to preserving the environment. In fact, in 2009 RVCC became the first community college in the country to sign an environmental stewardship agreement with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the College’s campus operations have been carbon-neutral since 2017.

Read on to learn more about the RVCC Center for Environmental Studies and all the opportunities the College offers to students with an interest in sustainability careers.

Is Sustainability a Good Career Path?
 

In a word, absolutely. From government agencies to educational institutions to large corporations, sustainability has become a major focus as we all seek to create a healthier planet. The pandemic has only compounded this fact, with immense economic pressures and increased interest in decarbonizing the supply chain.

Globally, 85 percent of people indicate that they have shifted their purchase behavior towards being more sustainable in the past five years. The Global Sustainability Study 2021 revealed that more than a third of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainability as demand grows for environmentally friendly alternatives.

If you’re looking for 2022 degrees or certifications that hold plenty of career promise, a sustainability program could be the answer. According to Recruiter.com, the overall job outlook for Sustainability specialist careers has been positive since 2019, with an average growth of 12.9 percent per year. Many corporations are hiring talent dedicated to sustainability, with some even adding the role of Chief Sustainability Officer to their C-suite.

What is a Sustainability Degree?

Environmental and sustainability studies prepare students to develop the skills needed to find solutions to today’s environmental challenges. It can lead to careers in environmental testing and research, sustainable home and packaging design, energy efficiency, and so much more.

RVCC offers two distinct degree programs:

• Environmental Science 

RVCC’s Environmental Science program is an option of the Associate of Science degree program in Science and Mathematics. It prepares students for transfer into a Bachelor of Science degree program in Environmental Science. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of the functions of local and global ecosystems and examines alternatives to present ecosystem practices. This path can lead to a wide range of careers in environmental testing and research, consulting, private industry, and environmental agencies.

• Environmental Studies 

The Environmental Studies program at RVCC is an interdisciplinary major offered by the Department of Science and Engineering, and other departments at RVCC with environmental interests. The Associate of Arts program encompasses a broad range of environmental classes to start you on a path to a successful career trajectory in various fields such as Environmental Law, business, activism, policies, or journalism.

RVCC Center for Environmental Studies

The RVCC Center for Environmental Studies engages approximately 100 students each year in real-world learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. These experiences empower students to transform their academic knowledge into real-world research that prepares them to pursue successful careers in environmental science, sustainability, ecology, natural resources management, and related fields.

The Center offers paid internships to RVCC students and alumni. Interns work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct research in a variety of environmental fields: Campus Sustainability, Coastal Conservation, Forest Ecology, Water Quality, Wildlife, and Rare Plant Research.

For more information, please contact Dr. Jay Kelly at Jay.Kelly@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200 x8531; or Dr. Emilie Stander at Emilie.Stander@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200 x8344.

Other Sustainability-Related Opportunities at RVCC

Any student with an interest in sustainability—regardless of their major—is invited to participate in other sustainability-related opportunities at RVCC. Some examples include:

• Environmental Club
  This club seeks to positively affect the community and create environmental awareness and eco-friendly living. Club members raise organic fruits and vegetables, help restore local forests and other habitats, participate in beach and stream cleanups, support campus sustainability events, and more.
• Service Learning

RVCC has a Service Learning program that allows students to earn credits while serving their communities through partnerships with local organizations. One such community partner is the Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center, which is dedicated to fostering environmental, cultural, and recreational learning experiences, as well as preserving natural areas of Somerset County parkland.

RVCC Environmental Accolades and Achievements

RVCC has been nationally recognized for its campus sustainability efforts by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The College has earned a STARS Silver rating for its efforts, according to AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).

RVCC now ranks as the #1 community college in the US in the “Air and Climate” category,  and the College is tied for #6 as a Top Performer in the “Water” category. Overall, the STARS program ranks RVCC as the #6 community college in the US and Canada for its sustainability efforts.

About RVCC

If you’re researching “best community colleges for sustainability near me,” know that RVCC offers unmatched educational programs and hands-on learning experiences.

Ranked by WalletHub.com and Niche.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, RVCC has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College offers more than 90 degree and certificate options along with flexible classes.

Apply for Summer

Attend an Information Session where you can learn about our programs, ask questions about financial aid, and more. Register today! For more information about RVCC, visit www.raritanval.edu.