Applied Sustainability, BA

Degree Requirements, Admission, Policies, Tuition & Fees, Calendar

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Program Learning Outcomes:

Applied Sustainability is a broadly applicable problem-solving process that seeks to create whole systems solutions to environmental and social issues.  Its hallmark is an inclusive, transdisciplinary, and collaborative approach that brings multiple perspectives together to make shared and equitable decisions.  Building on a foundation of ecological literacy and systems thinking, students in the Applied Sustainability 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, 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 Applied Sustainability include: conservation and environmental education/interpretation, food and agriculture systems, permaculture and landscape design, sustainability coordinators and assessment in businesses/institutions, urban and community planning, research and science policy.

A student completing a major in Envorinmental Studies: Applied Sustainability shall demonstrate the ability to:

• 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.

Major Requirements: 51-54 credits

All of the Following:

• ENV 100 - Environmental Studies Seminar 1 credit(s)
• ECON 102 - Economics of Markets & Governments 4 credit(s)
• ENV 141 - Permaculture Design Science 4 credit(s)
• ENV 160 - Energy & the Environment 4 credit(s)

• or

• PHY 160 - Energy & the Environment 4 credit(s)
• ENV 200 - Sustainability Science 4 credit(s)
• ENV 201 - Agroecology Methods 2 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 380 - Environmental Problem Solving 2 credit(s)
• ENV 390 - Community Engaged Research 2 credit(s)
• ENV 475 - Internship 1-14 credit(s) (minimum of 2 credits required)
• ENV 490 - Capstone Experience 2 credit(s)