Sustainability, B.A.

Program Overview

Western Oregon University's B.A. in Sustainability emphasizes systems thinking and leadership development, equipping students to understand the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic factors. Through a comprehensive curriculum including core courses, research tools, and specialized and advanced study options, graduates are prepared to apply their knowledge to promote a sustainable balance between humans and the environment. The program's faculty, with expertise in sustainability and social justice, use unique approaches to foster knowledge and skills for a future in sustainability.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: Sustainability, B.A.
• Institution: Western Oregon University
• Mission: "Provide knowledge and mentoring that will transform students into leaders who apply systems thinking in order to envision and implement solutions towards sustainable development."
• Learning Outcomes:
• Describe social, environmental, and economic elements of sustainable human communities.
• Analyze the systemic nature of interrelationships among social, environmental, and economic elements of a thriving human community.
• Apply knowledge through actions that promote a sustainable and balanced system between humans and the environment.

Outline:

• Core Courses:
• SUST 330 Sustainability and Social Justice (4 credits)
• SUST 340 Sustainability & Capitalism (4 credits)
• SUST 370 Energy, Environment and Society (4 credits)
• SUST 380 Environmental Conservation (4 credits)
• BI 101 General Biology: The Diversity of Life (4 credits)
• SUST 101 Sustainable World (4 credits)
• SUST 201 Nature & Society (4 credits)
• Research Tools:
• SUST 221 Data Analysis (4 credits)
• SUST 321 Field Geography (4 credits)
• Specialized Study (12 credits):
• Choose from a list of courses in various disciplines, including Biology, Communication, Economics, Environmental Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and Sustainability.
• Advanced Skills & Practice (8 credits):
• Choose from any combination of:
• Study Abroad (1-8 credits)
• Interdisciplinary Skills and Tools (1-8 credits)
• SUST 401 Field Experience (1-8 credits)
• SUST 402 Independent Project (1-8 credits)
• Senior Seminar:
• SUST 495 Senior Seminar (4 credits)

Teaching:

• Faculty: Shaun Huston, Michael McGlade, Mark Van Steeter
• Unique Approaches:
• Emphasis on systems thinking and leadership development.

Other:

• Satisfactory Grade Use: Program requirements may be fulfilled with a grade of S.