Sustainability Leadership Minor

Program description

Sustainability leadership is an interdisciplinary minor. The program is administered on a rotating basis by 2-3 affiliated faculty and staff with oversight by the dean.

The interdisciplinary field of sustainability leadership is designed for students who wish to promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability in their personal and professional lives. The minor provides an opportunity for students in any academic major to develop key competencies that will be the foundation for their growth as sustainability leaders in their civic and professional endeavors.

Coursework in sustainability leadership requires a core course in environmental problems and policy that will provide students with a foundation for considering what "sustainability" means. Courses in communication, diverse perspectives and ethical issues, and the interconnectedness of systems build on that core. All students must also participate in co-curricular activities. These activities include a series of workshops about leadership skills and strategies and a community-engaged learning project that will provide practical experience in leadership and immersive experience in sustainability (that is, an opportunity to engage, observe and learn in depth about sustainability challenges and solutions related to the student's chosen theme). Students have several options within each category of requirements and in additional electives and, thus, they can choose how to further their understanding of sustainability and leadership in the areas of communication, ethics, human interactions, environmental issues, and more.

Students explore the implications and intersections of sustainability and leadership within and across disciplines. The sustainability leadership minor works well with any major to prepare students for graduate study as well as various internship or career opportunities.

In the core courses for the sustainability leadership minor, students will:
* Describe human-environment interactions and related problems and policies.
* Communicate about issues of sustainability to the public and diverse audiences.
* Analyze and interpret multiple perspectives related to decision-making and leadership.
* Reflect on personal and social contexts that lead to construction of belief, culture, and knowledge.

Program last updated

Spring 2024