Sustainability Studies
Associate Professor Sharon May, Chair, Division of Social Sciences
Professor Mark O'Gorman and Associate Professor Adrienne Schwarte, Coordinators
The Minor in Sustainability Studies is designed to engage students in an interdisciplinary and integrative study of sustainability by focusing on social, environmental, and economic disciplines. The program presents both global and local perspectives of sustainability, involves students directly with contemporary issues facing communities, and prepares students for professional work that facilitates and ensures sustainable futures in various forms of civic engagement, business, non-governmental organizations, and non-profit organizations.
Issues surrounding global climate change, social responsibility, urban planning, renewable energy, population, consumer mentality, and fair-trade labor (to name a few) critically affect all businesses and organizations today; therefore knowledge and skills responding to these issues are critical for future professional success. Since sustainability-related issues are far-reaching, complex, and solvable only through a multi-tiered, collaborative, and interconnected approach, this program aids students in preparing to address current and future environmental issues by being purposely interdisciplinary. The Sustainability Studies Minor is open to students from any major.