Sustainability Studies Minor

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Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

About the Program

The Sustainability Studies Minor offers a comprehensive understanding of global sustainability challenges, providing students with the knowledge and skills to enhance career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Students gain an analytical and conceptual framework for sustainability and practical tools for professional practice, exploring indicators for measuring development and identifying barriers to sustainability transformations. The curriculum covers resources, energy, and sustainable development, taught by faculty from the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. This interdisciplinary minor can complement fields such as business, economics, education, engineering, environmental science, management, political science, sociology, and tourism.

Program Requirements

The program consists of 18 total credits, including 12 required credits covering ecological, economic, and social aspects, as well as 6 elective credits.
A grade of “C-” or better is required for each course.

Required Introductory Course: 3 credits

Students are required to take an introductory course that provides a foundation in sustainability studies (3 credits).

GEG 1700 - Global Sustainability Credits: 3

Ecological Dimension Required Course: 3 credits

Students choose one of the following courses on the ecological dimension of sustainability (3 credits)

GEG 3410 - Biogeography Credits: 3
GEG 4430 - Habitat Planning Credits: 3

Economic Dimension Required Course: 3 credits

Students choose one of the following courses on the economic dimension of sustainability (3 credits)

GEG 3360 - Economic Geography Credits: 3
GEG 3720 - Global Sustainable Development Credits: 3
GEG 4700 - Sustainability in Resource Management Credits: 3

Social Dimension Required Course: 3 credits

Students choose one of the following courses on the social dimension of sustainability (3 credits)

GEG 2300 - Geographic Analysis of Social Issues Credits: 3
GEG 2700 - Geographies of Environmental Justice Credits: 3
GEG 3700 - Urban Sustainability Credits: 3

Elective Courses: 6 credits

Students are required to select at least 6 semester hours from the list below.

Students may take a maximum of one of the following introductory courses for the minor (3 credits).
ENV 1200 - Introduction to Environmental Science Credits: 3
GEG 1300 - Introduction to Human Geography Credits: 3
GEG 1910 - Global Water Concerns Credits: 3
MTR 1600 - Global Climate Change Credits: 3
Students should take one or two of the following elective courses (3-6 credits)
GEG 2300 - Geographic Analysis of Social Issues Credits: 3
GEG 2700 - Geographies of Environmental Justice Credits: 3
GEG 3300 - Indigenous Territories and Spatial Justice Credits: 3
GEG 3360 - Economic Geography Credits: 3
GEG 3410 - Biogeography Credits: 3
GEG 3440 - Energy and Mineral Resources Credits: 4
GEG 3600 - Urban Geography Credits: 3
GEG 3610 - Principles of Urban and Regional Planning Credits: 3
GEG 3630 - Transportation Planning and Land Use Credits: 3
GEG 3700 - Urban Sustainability Credits: 3
GEG 3720 - Global Sustainable Development Credits: 3
GEG 3920 - Directed Study in Geography Credits: 2-6
GEG 4430 - Habitat Planning Credits: 3
GEG 4610 - Advanced Urban and Regional Planning Credits: 3
GEG 4700 - Sustainability in Resource Management Credits: 3
GEG 4720 - Planning for Climate Change Credits: 3
GEG 4950 - Internship in Geography Credits: 2-15
GEG 4970 - Sustainability Practice Seminar Credits: 3
GEG 4975 - Geography Capstone Credits: 3
GIS 2250 - Geographic Information Systems Credits: 4
GIS 4860 - GIS Applications Credits: 4
ENV 3400 - Water Resources Credits: 3
ENV 3620 - Resource Use and the Environment Credits: 3
ENV 4960 - Global Environmental Challenges Credits: 3
HLDR 3010 - Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Credits: 3
RTM 4000 - Destination Development Credits: 3
SWK 3070 - Environmental Justice in Social Work Credits: 3

Summary of Requirements

Required Courses	12 credits
Elective Courses	6 credits
Total for the Sustainability Minor	18 credits