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Sustainability Studies

Program Codes: SST
Minor

Recognized increasingly for its commitment to renewable energy, waste reduction, and student engagement in a range of environmental initiatives, Mercyhurst University offers a B.A. in Sustainability Studies, a Minor in Sustainability Studies, Sustainability Studies concentrations in Chemistry and Biology, and a one-year post-Baccalaureate certificate in Sustainability Studies.

Whether minoring or majoring in Sustainability, students will take courses in variety of academic disciplines that contribute courses to the program. However, they structure their degree, students confront through an array of disciplines the immense environmental challenges that increasingly shape our world. They are also challenged to develop solutions to issues involving energy, climate change, land use and food production, sustainable economic development, green building design, and more.

Based on the Erie campus, students in the program are increasingly engaged in experiential learning projects aimed at preparing them for positions in a broad range of fields upon graduation. An overall minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation with a degree in Sustainability Studies. 

Required Courses

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Course Code:
ENVS 105
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
An interdisciplinary course that examines local, national and global environmental problems from diverse perspectives. The concept of environmental sustainability is emphasized to illustrate its utility to frame individual and societal actions for advancing a more environmentally just and healthy world in the twenty-first century. The social, political and economic forces that complicate the resolution of environmental problems are highlighted, as are historical events and the centuries-old heritage of American environmental literature.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
ENVS 105
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
3
RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Course Code:
SUST 210
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:
This course engages students in practical activities that model responsible actions to address climate change. Introductory lectures will provide an overview of the scientific basis of human-induced climate change, the history of human response to climate change (in a deep time perspective), and the efficacy of modern approaches to mitigation and adaptation. Most of the class periods will focus on the processes involved in conducting a greenhouse gas inventory and advancing a climate action plan for an organization, using Mercyhurst's programs as the working models. The course will include a service component whereby students working in groups will help an organization in the community to initiate climate change response activities.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
SUST 210
RESPONDING TO CLIMATE CHANGE
3

OR

CLIMATOLOGY
Course Code:
SCI 335
Active Term:
Spring Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:

The course will look at the atmospheric and physical oceanographic reasons for climate change, by quantifying present climate, examining past climates, and examining anthropogenic reasons for present global warming.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SCI 335
CLIMATOLOGY
3
Electives Courses

Choose four (4) additional environmental-themed courses, two of which must be 200 level or higher (12-16 credits).

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