Sustainability

Program Codes: SUST
Bachelor of Science

The Sustainability program prepares students to work in the rapidly growing fields of conservation and sustainable development, environmental planning and management, green construction, sustainable agriculture and support of local agriculture, sustainable forestry, green business practices, conservation design, recycling and waste reduction, community green design, land use policy and regulation, and alternative energy and energy efficiency. In preparation for careers in this field, students will be provided with a program of study that integrates the natural, social, and management sciences. In addition, the program aims to help students develop tangible tools, including remote sensing and GIS, for assessing and managing sustainable enterprises, while providing an opportunity to develop creativity and curiosity through curriculum flexibility and open and restricted electives. The program is firmly rooted in the core principles of experiential learning promoted at Paul Smith’s College, ensuring that students will not only develop the theoretical underpinning necessary for a successful career in this field, but will also have hands-on experience of the realities of managing resources sustainably. Given that the field of sustainable resource use is rapidly developing, the program will also incorporate a constantly evolving curriculum to ensure that graduates receive relevant training and remain at the forefront of the industry.

At the end of the program students will be able to:

  • Integrate political, social, economic, technological, and ecological dimensions of conservation and resource sustainability to make appropriate land use decisions.
  • Analyze concepts, issues and practices related to sustainable food systems from farm to fork at individual, family, community, regional and global levels.
  • Analyze concepts, issues and practices related to cultural sustainability and preservation of traditional arts at individual, family, community, regional and global levels.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate sustainable, entrepreneurial business strategies and projects that incorporate environmental and social consciousness into economic practice.
  • Facilitate opportunities for collaboration and public participation around natural resource and cultural sustainability and work to create and maintain effective collaborations under a range of social-economic conditions. 

Degree Requirements:

The Sustainability (SUST) program requires a total of 120 credits with 45 credits in 300/400 level courses and 60 credits in the Liberal Arts and Sciences.

 

Contact the Department Chairperson

Semester 1

Semester 2

3
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3
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3-4
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Semester 3

3-4
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Semester 4

3
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ELECTIVE
3-4

Select any course.

Semester 5

3-4
Click here to see elective courses.

Semester 6

3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) course.

Click here to see elective courses.
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ELECTIVE
3-4

Select any course.

Semester 7

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

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ELECTIVE
3-4

Select any course.

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ELECTIVE
3-4

Select any course.

Semester 8

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

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ELECTIVE - UD
3-4

Select any Upper Division (300 or 400 level) course.

Total Credits 120

Contact Information

Environment & Society

Dr. Karen Edwards

Pickett Hall 107

518-327-6387

kedwards@paulsmiths.edu


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