Sustainability Studies

The Sustainability Studies bachelor’s program (SUST), offered by the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS), is designed for environmentally conscious students who seek an education that blends social and natural sciences, humanities, and technology. 

Sustainability means ensuring the well-being and quality of life of present and future generations on Earth. The Sustainability Studies degree prepares students to use techniques and insights from the social sciences and humanities to pursue a healthy environment, economic prosperity, and social justice. The program prepares students for sustainability-oriented careers in non-profit organizations, public agencies, industry, manufacturing, retail, utilities, consulting, and research.

Sustainability Studies students complete a sequence of 10 courses (40 credits), including career development and a capstone research project. They also pursue a 16-credit Complementary Area of Study (CAS). Students learn about the history of environmental thought and law, current environmental controversies, and sustainable pathways and design. Courses examine how culture, politics, industry, and everyday ways of living impact the environment and human health.
 
The program is designed to facilitate dual majors with programs such as biology, chemistry, engineering, economics, or a wide array of other choices. Speak to an adviser in HASS Student Services for details about the curriculum for specific dual majors.

Outcomes of the Undergraduate Curriculum

Students who successfully complete the Sustainability Studies program will demonstrate the ability to:

• analyze the social, political, and economic dynamics of environmental problems and sustainable systems.
• conduct research using methods from the social sciences and humanities to pursue sustainability, which will prepare students for graduate and professional studies.
• collaborate with diverse stakeholders in order to formulate policy and design interventions that address sustainability issues, with attention to ethics, justice, and local cultural understandings.
• identify job niches, business opportunities, research needs, and skills necessary to navigate the evolving sustainable careers landscape.