Program Overview
The Sustainability Minor at the University of Mount Union equips students with knowledge and skills in sustainability, emphasizing ethical, practical, and innovative approaches to balance human consumption and development with environmental, economic, and social equity. The program includes core courses in sustainability, environmental science, and management, as well as elective courses in related fields. Graduates are prepared for careers in sustainability management, environmental consulting, and other sustainability-related roles.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Sustainability Minor at the University of Mount Union is designed to equip undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the global need for well-researched professionals in the field of sustainability. The program emphasizes the ethical, practical, and innovative approaches used to balance human consumption and development with environmental, economic, and social equity.
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The Sustainability Minor consists of 18 credit hours of coursework, including:
- Core Courses (9 credit hours):
- SUST 101: Introduction to Sustainability (3 credit hours)
- SUST 201: Environmental Science (3 credit hours)
- SUST 301: Sustainability Management (3 credit hours)
- Elective Courses (9 credit hours):
- Students can choose from a variety of elective courses in areas such as environmental studies, economics, sociology, and business.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
- SUST 101: Introduction to Sustainability: This course provides an overview of the concept of sustainability and its historical development. Students will explore the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability and examine case studies of sustainable practices.
- SUST 201: Environmental Science: This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of environmental science, including ecology, biodiversity, pollution, and climate change. Students will learn about the scientific methods used to study environmental issues and develop an understanding of the complex interactions between humans and the environment.
- SUST 301: Sustainability Management: This course examines the practical aspects of sustainability management, including the development and implementation of sustainability plans, stakeholder engagement, and reporting. Students will learn about the tools and techniques used to measure and track sustainability performance.
Assessment:
Students in the Sustainability Minor are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Students will take exams to demonstrate their understanding of the course material.
- Projects: Students will complete projects to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world sustainability challenges.
- Presentations: Students will give presentations to share their research and insights on sustainability topics.
- Participation: Students will participate in class discussions and activities to demonstrate their engagement with the course material.
Teaching:
The Sustainability Minor is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from the Department of Environmental Studies and other disciplines. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and field trips. The program also incorporates experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Careers:
Graduates of the Sustainability Minor are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of sustainability, including:
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Consultant
- Energy Auditor
- Green Building Specialist
- Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
- Non-profit Program Manager
