Sustainability and Adaptation, BA

Introduction

Sustainability & Adaptation takes its name from two forward-looking concepts: the goal of meeting current needs without sacrificing future prosperity and the need to successfully adapt to changes in the systems upon which we rely. The hallmark of the program is an inclusive, cross-disciplinary and collaborative approach that brings perspectives from the natural sciences, the social sciences and the humanities together to make shared and equitable decisions. Building on a foundation of ecological literacy and systems thinking, students majoring in Sustainability and Adaptation major will learn to apply frameworks derived from a scientific understanding of how ecosystems operate to contemporary sustainability issues of varying scale, though experiential engagement, design and practice. The major focuses on the integration of theoretical and practical knowledges, scientific literacy, building quantitative and qualitative research skills and preparing students leaders for careers that interface with diverse stakeholders. Students will be exposed to the principles of community engagement and opportunities for service and leadership.

Careers for majors in Sustainability & Adaptation include: conservation and environmental education/interpretation, food and agriculture systems, permaculture and landscape design, sustainability coordinators and assessment, urban and community planning, research and science policy.

Baccalaureate Degree Core

Baccalaureate Core & Other Graduation Requirements

Major Requirements: 43-45 Credits

All of the Following: 29 Credits

ENV 100 - Environmental Studies Seminar 1 credit(s)
ECON 230 - Intro to Environmental Econ 4 credit(s)
OR PSY 150 - Introduction to Psychology  4 credit(s)
OR SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology  4 credit(s)
OR ANTH 101 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology  4 credit(s)
ENV 141 - Permaculture Design Science 4 credit(s)
OR ENV 160 /PHY 160 - Energy & the Environment 4 credit(s)
ENV 200 - Sustainability Science 4 credit(s)
ENV 250 - Frameworks of Sustainability 2 credit(s)
ENV 270 - Geospatial Analysis using GIS 4 credit(s)
ENV 330 - Ecosystems & Ecological Design 4 credit(s)
ENV 380W - Environmental Problem Solving 2 credit(s)
ENV 475 - Internship 1-14 credit(s) (minimum 2 credits)
ENV 490 - Capstone Experience 2 credit(s)

Complete one of the Following Specializations: 14-16 Credits

Fostering Sustainable Behaviors and Communities
Sustainable Food Systems
Resilient Natural Systems

Specialization Structure

Specializations are designed to provide students with a cognate of courses to deepen experiential skills and theoretical knowledge in a focal career area. Students will enter these specializations with a strong foundation of sustainability theory/practice that they may apply to their scholarly interest area.
Students are expected to develop an internship plan that aligns with their specialization in either the Spring of their sophomore year, or Fall of their junior year.

Program Details

Program Length

Four years for a complete BA degree. Two years for students transferring in with an AAOT degree. Program length may vary depending upon the student’s course load and academic progress.

Program Learning Outcomes

Understand and apply transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability issues, across and within the spheres of sustainability (e.g. social, ecological, and economic).
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, theoretical and practical knowledge of ecological, social, and economic systems, and their intersections within sustainability.
Understand and apply principles of community engagement in accordance with disciplinary standards, to develop equitable interventions for sustainability issues, and communicate these interventions to diverse audiences through culturally appropriate modes.
Design, conduct, interpret, and evaluate sustainable systems research using qualitative and quantitative methods and reasoning.

Undergraduate Admission

Undergraduate Admission Requirements