Sustainable Systems Science (S3) Major
Using a unique approach to biological systems analysis
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Sustainable Systems Science (S3)
A Future-Forward Approach to Sustainability and Innovation
The Sustainable Systems Science major prepares students to integrate sustainability principles with engineering, business, and environmental science to create data-driven solutions for industries, governments, and research institutions.
Graduates gain expertise in life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and sustainable design, positioning them for high-demand careers in sustainability consulting, industrial ecology, and environmental analysis.
Challenge yourself
Why choose Sustainable Systems Science?
The Sustainable Systems Science major equips students with the skills to drive real-world sustainability solutions in industries, government, and research. This program blends engineering, business, environmental science, and data analytics to tackle today’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges.
- First-of-Its-Kind in the Region — Be part of an innovative program leading the way in sustainability education.
- High-Demand Careers — Gain skills that align with fast-growing job markets in sustainability, industrial ecology, and environmental science.
- Real-World Impact — Learn how to reduce environmental footprints, improve industrial efficiency, and create sustainable systems for the future.
Students develop sustainable impact solutions for a greener campus
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Career opportunities
Graduates of the Sustainable Systems Science major can enter high-growth fields
Sustainability Specialists
Promote eco-friendly practices to ensure that a project meets or exceeds environmental goals. Sustainability specialists deal with concerns like managing waste, reducing carbon emissions and other environmental impacts, implementing green procurement practices, and achieving energy efficiency.
Industrial Ecologists
Uses principles of natural ecosystems to optimize industrial systems, making them more efficient and sustainable. Industrial ecologists analyze environmental impacts, develop strategies for waste reduction, and promote circular economies by applying knowledge from the physical and social sciences.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Conduct research or investigations to protect the environment or human health. Environmental scientists and specialists may collect, study, and report on data of air, food, water and other sources and then recommend action.
Job titles may include
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Analyst
Sustainable Systems Analyst
Energy & Sustainability Manager
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Specialist
Research Scientist in Sustainable Solutions
What you'll learn
This major goes beyond theory — students develop critical skills
The Sustainable Systems Science major equips students with the skills to drive real-world sustainability solutions in industries, government, and research. This program blends engineering, business, environmental science, and data analytics to tackle today’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges.
- Analyze sustainability data and make science-driven recommendations.
- Design environmentally responsible products, systems, and supply chains.
- Quantify environmental impacts using cutting-edge tools like Life Cycle Assessment and Material Flow Analysis.
- Integrate technology, business, and ecological principles to create sustainable solutions.
Our Program
Learning
Small Class Sizes = Personal Connection
Our small class sizes provide an opportunity to our students to build more personal connections with our faculty. In addition, our unique mentoring program assigns a faculty member to every packaging student to provide industry connections and career guidance throughout their time at Virginia Tech.
Student talking to employer
Career Ready
Industrial Connections
Our close collaboration with industry allows our students to find internships, Co-ops, and employment after graduation. Our extensive network includes major companies such as ... among many others.
Students getting hands on experience
Experiential Learning
Hands-On Experience
The best way to translate the knowledge obtained in the class to real life is to use them to solve real-life issues. Thus, all of our sustainable biomaterials students have a chance to be involved in hands-on projects even during their first-year including working in our research centers, undergraduate research in our chemistry labs, internal summer internships, and industry sponsored senior design projects.