Minor in Sustainability

What will I learn with a sustainability minor?

Sustainability plays a central role in the future of humanity. Professionals in all disciplines not only need to work together to find solutions to important societal problems, but they also need a broad education to design solutions that encompass equity, social and environmental sustainability.

In this minor, you will be able to choose from a wide selection of courses to learn more about sustainability and how to apply it in your future career. All students in the sustainability minor take a common set of core courses that cover the economics, policy making and principles of sustainability.

After that, you'll choose three additional courses from a four different themes that cover topics such as law and policy, business and economics, science and engineering, and resource management. Courses are drawn from a diverse set of departments, giving you an interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability and allowing you to select classes that complement your major and career goals.

Housed in the College of Engineering, the interdisciplinary sustainability minor draws on coursework across academic fields to provide a holistic perspective on sustainability. You don't have to be an engineering major to minor in sustainability, and the minor emphasizes an integrated approach to sustainability that includes societal context, business considerations and policy in preparing you to develop solutions, services and products for a sustainable future.

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Careers in sustainability

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A background in sustainability can be used in a wide range of fields, and the sustainability minor allows you to select courses that complement your career goals.

If you are studying science and engineering, you may find employment as an environmental engineer or environmental scientist. Environmental scientists focus on understanding the impact humans are having on the environment and developing solutions to minimize or repair damage to the environment. Environmental engineers use their knowledge of science and engineering design to develop sustainable infrastructure solutions.

If you are studying business and policy, you may find work as an urban planner, a business consultant or a government employee. These positions focus on helping businesses, communities and cities manage the social and economic impacts of sustainable development and environmental hazards.

You can afford the 91ԭƬ

76% of students receive financial aid

Almost everyone is eligible to receive some kind of aid. We offer need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid to help you afford college.

54% of all students graduate with no debt

That's right. More than half of our students leave the 91ԭƬ with no student debt.

Sustainability minors often major in...

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Chemical engineering

Chemical engineers apply scientific principles -- along with a healthy dose of creativity -- to the creation of new chemicals and chemical processes that can improve our quality of life. Chemical engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of everything from a zestier version of your favorite toothpaste to a life-saving pharmaceutical to new and inexpensive fuel sources.

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Civil engineering

Civil engineers use their knowledge of science and engineering to design and maintain much of our world's infrastructure. They also apply their expertise to improve our quality of life, whether it's by designing safer buildings, reducing our carbon footprint or just shortening your commute.

Learn about the civil engineering major

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Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers use their expertise to improve human health, the environment and quality of life. For example, environmental engineers may help purify drinking water, prevent water pollution or develop strategies to manage toxic or hazardous waste.

Learn about the environmental engineering major

Life's a journey. Honors makes it meaningful.

At the 91ԭƬ Honors College, our students maximize their unique gifts and passions through a series of personalized experiences that deepen their capacity for transformative societal impact.

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