Sustainability and Coastal Resilience, B.S.: Science and Ecosystems Concentration (Spring 2021)

Program Overview

The Sustainability and Coastal Resilience program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles and their application in environmental, economic, and societal contexts. Through a combination of core coursework, experiential learning, and elective options, the program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills for careers in sustainability and related fields. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social issues, preparing graduates to address global sustainability challenges and those specific to coastal communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• The Sustainability and Coastal Resilience program fosters students' proficiency in comprehending and applying core principles of sustainability from environmental, economic, ethical, political, and social perspectives.
• The program emphasizes developing systems thinking skills, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving to address both global sustainability challenges and those specific to coastal communities.

Objectives:

• Environmental Resilience:
Educate students on the environmental impacts of human activities, climate change, and coastal ecosystems.
• Economic Resilience:
Explore the connections between sustainability, economic growth, and resource management.
• Policy and Culture Resilience:
Examine the role of public policies, cultural norms, and societal values in fostering sustainable practices.

Program Description:

• Develops a deep understanding of sustainability concepts and their implications for environmental, economic, and societal systems.
• Provides hands-on experience in sustainability assessment, planning, and implementation through experiential learning opportunities.
• Cultivates skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership to prepare students for careers in sustainability and related fields.
• Fosters a global perspective on sustainability challenges and solutions, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social issues.

Outline:

Core Curriculum (38-40 Credits):

• Foundation in environmental science, economics, geography, statistics, and social sciences.
• Courses cover topics such as sustainability principles, biological sciences, marine science, business sustainability, and cultures and environments.

Major Requirements (30-31 Credits):

• Required Courses (12 Credits):
• Environmental and Coastal Resilience
• Sustainability and Community Resilience
• Methods and Tools in Sustainability
• Sustainability Capstone
• Experiential Learning Requirement (3 Credits):
• Service in Sustainability, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Resilience, or Sustainability Internship
• Science and Ecosystems Concentration (15-18 Credits):
• Courses focus on understanding and managing natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental processes.
• Options include Freshwater Ecology, Wetland Plant Ecology, Environmental Chemistry, and Marine Ecology.
• Electives (11-23 Credits):
• Students can choose electives from various disciplines related to sustainability, such as economics, government, public health, and social sciences.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Exams and Quizzes
• Assignments and Projects
• Presentations and Group Discussions
• Participation and Engagement

Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding of Sustainability Concepts
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures and Discussions
• Fieldwork and Laboratory Sessions
• Case Studies and Simulations
• Service Learning and Community Engagement

Faculty:

• The program is taught by faculty with expertise in sustainability science, environmental studies, economics, geography, and related fields.
• Faculty actively engage in research and sustainability initiatives, bringing real-world insights and practical knowledge to the classroom.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Sustainability Consultant
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Renewable Energy Project Manager
• Coastal Resource Planner
• Environmental Educator
• Urban Sustainability Specialist
• Disaster Resilience Officer
• Sustainability Communication Specialist

Career Opportunities and Outcomes:

• The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in sustainability, environmental protection, natural resource management, and related fields.
• Graduates are well-prepared to work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, private companies, and international organizations committed to sustainability and resilience.
• The program also provides a foundation for graduate studies in sustainability, environmental science, and public policy.