Introduction
The Sustainable Development degree examines the interconnectedness between society and the environment, providing tools to effectively mediate these complex interactions for a better relationship. Students gain breadth and depth of knowledge through an interdisciplinary curriculum, drawing most heavily from the natural and social sciences. Elective courses prepare students for post-graduate training in a wide variety of fields including environmental science, public administration, urban planning, community development, research, and non-profit resource management.
Graduates will possess competency in the technological and scientific skills needed to comprehend complicated environmental issues, a mastery of methods of inquiry, as well as an understanding of relevant sociopolitical concerns to effectively foster sustainability and the development of regenerative systems.
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development - Learning Outcomes
Identify and analyze the social, ecological, and economic dimensions of sustainable development.
- Define and discuss the idea and practice of sustainability.
- Evaluate and explain current challenges to sustainability (social, environmental, and economic at individual, local, and global scales)
Develop a capacity for integrative thinking and practice
- Evaluate sustainability issues and solutions using a holistic approach that focuses on connections between complex human and natural systems.
- Integrate knowledge from multiple sources and perspectives to understand environmental limits governing human societies and economies and social justice dimensions of sustainability.
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific process.
- Understand the defining characteristics of the process of science.
- Apply the methods of scientific inquiry.
- Develop testable hypotheses, design appropriate experiments, and present reasoned analyses and interpretations of results.
- Demonstrate the ability to employ modern library search tools to locate, retrieve, evaluate, and apply scientific information.
Students will be able to communicate and collaborate within and outside the field of sustainable development.
- Understand the distinguishing features of different forms of scientific communication.
- Communicate concepts through peer interactions and collaboration.
- Communicate effectively through writing, speaking, and other forms of public discourse.
- Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability.
Integrate theory, practice, and reflection in the pursuit of a more sustainable world
- Apply theoretical frameworks to real-world sustainability issues.
- Develop an informed ethical perspective on issues of sustainability.
- Cultivate a sense of civic responsibility, including reflection on the student’s own role in developing and nurturing sustainable communities.
Graduates will demonstrate the ability to use their degree to undertake careers in sustainable development or to gain admittance to graduate or professional school.
Core Requirements
Please see the official degree plan for additional details.
GISS 361 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3) and
GISS 363 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Lab (2)
OR
GEOG 361 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3) and
GEOG 363 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Lab (2)
BSAD 355 – Communication in Business and Industry (3)
OR
ENGL 419 – Advanced Composition (3)
ECON 420 – International Economics (3)
GEOL 1120 – Environmental Geology (3)
GEOL 1120L – Environmental Geology Lab (1)
PHIL 2117 – Ethics and Sustainability (3)
PHIL 407 – Environmental Ethics (3)
SOC 450 – Environmental Sociology (3)
OR
GEOG 401 – Human-Environmental Interactions (3)
Please see the official degree plan for additional details.
Choose 15-16 credit hours, cannot be the same as Area III or major requirements:
BIOL 1132 – Introduction to Climate Studies (3)
CHEM 1215 – General Chemistry I for STEM majors (3)
CHEM 1215L – General Chemistry I Lab for STEM Majors (1)
GEOL 1110 – Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 1110L – Physical Geology Lab (1)
GEOL 2130 – Introduction to Meteorology (3)
GEOL 2130L – Introduction to Meteorology Lab (1)
GISS 361 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
GISS 363 – Introduction to Geographic Information Systems Lab (2)
Choose one (three-four credit hours) from the following courses:
BIOL 301 – Ecology (3)
BIOL 303 – Ecology Lab (1)
BIOL 432 – Biogeography (3)
CHEM 301 – Instrumental Analysis Credit Hours: 4
CHEM 406 – Environmental Chemistry (3)
CHEM 408 – Environmental Chemistry Lab (1)
GEOL 340 – Field and Research Methods (3)
GEOL 342 – Field and Research Methods Lab (1)
GEOL 401 – Hydrogeology (3)
GEOL 403 – Hydrogeology Lab (1)
GISS 362 – Spatial Analysis in GIS (3)
GISS 364 – Spatial Analysis in GIS Lab (1)
GISS 366 – WebMapping and WebGIS (3)
GISS 368 – WebMapping and WebGIS Lab (1)
Degree Plans
Advisor Contact
Dr. Bill Norris (Natural Sciences)
Email: norrisw@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 142
Office phone: 575-538-6625
Dr. Kathy Whiteman (Natural Sciences)
Email: whitemank@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 122
Office phone: 575-538-6253
Eric Casler (Natural Sciences)
Email: caslere@wnmu.edu
Office: Harlan Hall 112
Office phone: 575-538-6642
Dr. Corrie Neighbors (Natural Sciences)
Email: neighborsc@wnmu.edu
Remote
Dr. Miguel Vicens (Business)
Email: Miguel.Vicens@wnmu.edu
Office: Light Hall
Office phone: 575-538-6403
Dr. Scott Fritz (Social Sciences)
Email: Scott.Fritz@wnmu.edu
Office: Global Resources Center
Office phone: 575-538-6823
Dr. Philip Schoenberg (Humanities)
Email: Phillip.Schoenberg@wnmu.edu
Office: Bowden Hall
Office phone: 575-538-6347