Sustainability

Program Description

Sustainability - meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations - is achieved in a manner that is ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable. The Minor introduces sustainability in the context of real-world problems through the exploration of the relationship between the environment, economics, and human society. The Sustainability Minor also provides exposure to sustainability challenges confronting individual communities as well as larger society.  The minor combines four required classes (14 credits) with elective classes to make up 10 additional credits from the humanities, management, and the natural and social science disciplines. In the capstone application course, students tackle cross-disciplinary research projects and real-world sustainability problems with faculty and outside collaborators in real-world settings. For example, students may have the opportunity travel to Cape Cod or Tanzania to study and explore market-based solutions to address climate change and encourage sustainable entrepreneurship.

Minor Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the historical and emerging theories, principles, and ethics of sustainability. 
2. Explain how sustainability related practices are implemented by corporations, institutions, organizations, and industries. 
3. Assess the cost-benefit effectiveness of sustainability practices in a variety of contexts. 
4. Apply sustainability principles, theories and ethics in different fields/disciplines to identify solutions to sustainability challenges. 

Experiential Learning Component

Through the Sustainability Minor, student will experience the following:

Field/Travel-Based Learning. Students tackle cross-disciplinary research projects and real-world sustainability problems with faculty and outside collaborators in real-world settings. For example, students may have the opportunity travel to Cape Cod or Tanzania to study and explore market-based solutions to address climate change and encourage sustainable entrepreneurship.

Analytical Courses. Students can partake in analytical courses that provide hands-on experiences in conservation biology, environmental science, business ethics, sustainability, global social issues, positive environmental outreach, and more.

The Classroom as a “Living” Environment. Students will learn about circular economies, renewable energy, green businesses, environmental protection, climate change, and carbon footprints and apply this learning to projects that measure and assess impact, and/or involve active engagement with public advocate groups and organizations.