CLINTON, Iowa, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- From chief sustainability officers to biological engineers to environmental artists, there's a new generation of green collar careers. Green degrees from Ashford University, offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus, educate students for the growing green industry.

Sources agree. Green is the way to go. The most recent Green-Collar Jobs report conducted by the American Solar Energy Society estimates that 40 million green jobs will be created in the next 20 years.

"The environmental industry has created careers that didn't previously exist. In addition, the green movement is growing organically in American business as more and more existing companies increase their environmental sensitivity efforts," Dr. Jane McAuliffe, president of Ashford University, said.

Introduced last fall, Ashford University's Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies program and M.B.A. specialization in Environmental Management teaches students to explore the relationships between humans and environments and humanity's subsequent impact on those environments.

Bachelor's degree students gain an understanding of complex cultural, social and environmental issues. The online and on-campus curriculum includes interdisciplinary studies between science, social science and the humanities.

The Environmental Management specialization in the master's degree program teaches students to meet the challenges of energy, economics and the environment as well as strategic tools for the next-generation economy.

Dr. Ron Lewis, Ashford University faculty member and a senior scientist at Pfizer, says the green industry is still new and that green research is being done every day. "Our students are at the forefront of green advocacy becoming a reality in American culture. In both upper and lower classrooms we monitor progress. We take practical data and apply real world solutions."

Students learn to integrate environmental strategies into every day practice. For example, they may develop greener manufacturing practices and products for a shoe maker. Or show a funeral director the new trends in biodegradable coffins, clothing and burials.

"In our own internal university environment, we walk the talk by continually watching our carbon footprint," said McAuliffe. "To uphold our corporate responsibility, we have integrated company-wide recycling programs, purchased office furniture made with recyclable fabrics, improved air quality in our offices and do our best to be water and energy efficient. Add to that ... more than 99 percent of Ashford University students earn their degrees online. Online higher education is the epitome of environmentally friendly higher education."

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org).  The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus.  The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs.  For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

SOURCE Ashford University