Sustainable Systems Management
About the Major
The Sustainable Systems Management major prepares students to enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills to design, assess, implement, and manage systems that advance sustainability, while continuing to meet employer needs for individuals with strong analytical and quantitative skill sets.
SSM majors integrate goals of economic growth and development in global markets through broad course offerings and real-world experiences. Not only will you gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental problem solving, but you will also hone your ability to communicate with stakeholders across various disciplines.
Career Outcomes
Where do students work after graduation?
Where do students work after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Specialist | HDR |
| Assistant Manager | PLM Lake and Land Management |
| Building Science Consultant | Morrison Hershfield |
| Business Intern | Xcel Energy |
| Client Solutions Manager | PMG, Inc. |
| Editor and Curriculum Collaborator | Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future |
| Energy Specialist | Franklin Energy |
| Environmental Specialist | US Compliance |
| Environmental Specialist | Nova Consulting Inc |
| Environmental Test Technician | Mostardi Platt |
| Financial Analyst | 3M |
| Lead Gardener | Manly Gardening LLC |
| Lighting Auditor | Energy Management Collaborative |
| Marketing Manager | NewBloc |
| Operations Representative | C.H. Robinson |
| Performance Analyst | QE Solar |
| Project Assistant | Westwood Professional Services |
| Project Development Analyst | Safari Energy |
| Project Manager | Novel Energy Solutions |
| Service Member at City of St. Anthony | AmeriCorps GreenCorps |
| Solar Advocate Lead | Apollo Energy |
| Solar Site Analyst | All Energy Solar |
| Technical Aide | 3M |
| Technical Aide | 3M |
| Trader in Training | Viking Forest Products |
| Verification Specialist | Willdan |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Building Performance and Diagnostics | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Chemistry | University of Minnesota |
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Analystics Consultant | Corra |
| Architectural Designer | Wold Architechs & Engineers |
| Building Science Consultant | Morrison Hershfield |
| Carbon Analyst | ENGIE Impact |
| Co-Owner | Bascom Brothers LLC |
| District Regulatory Technician | Rice Creek Watershed District |
| Energy Specialist | Willdan |
| Environmental Health Specialist II | Ramsey County |
| Environmental Specialist | U.S. Compliance |
| GreenCorps Member | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency |
| Key Account Manager | Wurth Adams |
| Law Clerk | Xcel Energy |
| Lead Engineer - Sustainability & ESG Data | Sun Country Airlines |
| Permitting Specialist | All Energy Solar |
| Sales | Viking Mat Company |
| Senior Technology Program Manager | Franklin Energy |
| Software Engineer | U.S. Bank |
| Solutions Manager | Energy Management Collaborative |
| Supervisor, Audits & Commissioning | Energy Management Collaborative |
| Sustainabilty Specialist | Minnesota Waste Wise |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Commercial Real Estate Broker | KW Commercial |
| Engineer | MnTAP |
| Export DDG & Corn Merchant | Cargill |
| Key Account Manager | CH Robinson |
| Logistics Planner | OL USA |
| Project Estimator and Building Technician | Kinzler Construction Services |
| Safety Manager | Lunda Construction Company |
| Senior Analyst | Best Buy |
| Senior EHS Engineer | 3M |
| Senior Environmental Engineer | 3M |
| Senior Environmental Scientist | Barr Engineering |
| Site Reliability Engineer | Ribbons Communications |
| Sustainability Manager | Adidas |
| VP, Business Development | Life Floor |
| VP, Business Development & Marketing | Ideal Energies |
Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more
Common Entry-Level Job Titles
- Air Quality Specialist
- Building Science Consultant
- Energy Specialist
- Environmental Specialist
- Financial Analyst
- Lighting Auditor
- Operations Representative
- Performance Analyst
- Project Manager
- Solar Site Analyst
- Sustainability Consultant
Top Employers
- 3M
- All Energy Solar
- AmeriCorps GreenCorps
- C.H. Robinson
- Novel Energy Solutions
- QE Solar
- US Compliance
- Willdan
- Xcel Energy
Types of Employers
- Architectural firms
- Biotechnology laboratories
- Energy companies
- Engineering firms
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental products companies
- Compliance and environmental regulation
- Government agencies
- Manufacturing
- Recycling and waste management companies
- Universities and colleges
Top Career Resources
- SSM Job Postings in Handshake
- Clean Energy Job Board
- EcoJobs
- Institute of Packaging Professionals
- Pulp & Paper
- GreenBiz
- Energy & Environmental Building Alliance
- National Association of Home Builders
- Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
- Green Building Initiative
- International Society of Sustainability Professionals
Meet Your Career Consultant
Maddie (she/her) can assist you with
- Major and career exploration
- Internship planning
- Job searching
- Interview prep and practice
- Grad school planning and more...
Additional Resources
In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:
- O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
- Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: sustainable, systems, management, analyst, production, construction, management, waste, recycling, biotechnology, energy, green, industrial, marketing, technology
- Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.