Sustainable Development | Social Sciences and Cultural Studies

Table of Contents

Program Description

The Sustainable Development major (BS/BA) and minor examines the interconnectedness between society and the environment and provides tools to effectively mediate the interaction for a better relationship. This interdisciplinary degree draws most heavily from the natural science and social science departments whose missions are to prepare students for professional careers as well as to prepare critical thinkers who understand the scientific and social realities of life.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of comprehensive systemic analysis across both physical and behavioral dimensions involving society, the environment, and the economy.
Define sustainability and assess the ways that sustainability topics are approached by a diversity of academic disciplines.
Identify how globalized processes impact socioecological systems.
Analyze the role of environmental sustainability in the promotion of comprehensive justice and equity.
Apply critical thinking skills to provide sustainable solutions and build resilient communities.
Utilize the appropriate methodological tools to analyze and address specific research questions.
Articulate a comprehensive world view that integrates diverse approaches to sustainability.
Understand the basic theoretical concepts and methodologies of both the physical and social sciences.
Learn how to solve large-scale problems using a multitude of tools and approaches.
Understand the basic sustainability concepts of homeostasis, carrying-capacity, cradle-to-grave recycling, evolutionary processes, inter-generational debt, socio-political adaptation, climate change, ecosystem services, and environmental justice—and understand the relationships between them.

Degree Requirements

Sustainable Development Degree Plan — Download Here

Here you will find the Sustainable Development degree plan. This will give you an idea of what courses will be taken. This is also used by Sustainable Development majors and minors to record what classes they have taken, and to plan out the classes they will take in the future. Just prior to graduation, the student will fill out this degree plan, get appropriate signatures and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. It is also advised that they do a degree audit as they approach the semester they plan to graduate. It is best to print this out and bring it to your advisor for review.

Admissions

Students may declare a major or minor in Sustainable Development. Generally, students will choose their major and minor in the spring semester of their Sophomore year. You will want fill out a Declaration of Major form, available at the link below or through the First Year Experience Office.

Declaration of Major Degree Form — Link Below!

This form allows you to declare any major or minor at WNMU. For the Sustainable Development degree, please mark “Sustainable Development” on page 2. Make sure that you check either B.A. or B.S. (for the major) and make sure that the forms are signed by the appropriate advisors. After that, submit it to the First Year Experience Office or to one of the Sustainable Development Degree faculty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What can I do with an Sustainable Development degree?
A. You can obtain jobs in both the private and government sectors. Here are some examples:

Educator (i.e. Teacher)
Researcher (i.e. Law Firms)
Archivist (i.e. Museums)
Environmental Activist

Q: Does the Sustainable Development degree program offer online courses?
A: Yes, the Sustainable Development program offers some online classes. Please check with the Registrar’s Office or your adviser for more information.

Q: How do I Learn More?
A. Contact our office manager:

Holly Anderson
Phone: 575-538-6634
Email: Holly.Anderson@wnmu.edu

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