Sustainability (SUS)

SUS 002, LEADERSHIP, 0 Credits

Provides students with basic personal and interpersonal leadership skills that can be used within and outside of a work setting. Through practice, the leadership experience help students explore motivation, decision-making, time management, power, team building, conflict, ethics, dealing with change, communication skills, and diversity issues.

SUS 102, +*INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY, 4 Credits

Integrates environmental, economic, and social aspects of current environmental problems to critically assess potential sustainable solutions. Explores how principles of science literacy can be used to critically assess conflicting sources of information. Examines how biodiversity can be quantified and valued. Evaluates how current agricultural practices can be made to be more socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Analyzes different energy scenarios through the lens of climate change and climate action.

Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPBS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Biological Science

Available via Ecampus

SUS 103, +*INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE, 4 Credits

Introduces the principles of climate change science with an emphasis on the empirical evidence for human-caused climate change. Critically assesses such questions as: How do we determine the processes controlling global warming? What is valid science in the global warming debate? Utilizes scientific language, concepts, hypotheses, theories, and laws of basic natural sciences. Articulates the consequences and implications of climate change science for society, daily life, and decision-making.

Attributes: CFSI – Core Ed - Scientific Inquiry & Analysis; CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science

Available via Ecampus

SUS 200, ORIENTATION TO SUSTAINABILITY, 2 Credits

Examines the relationship between environmental health and inclusive social well-being. Introduces field of sustainability and how it can complement work in other fields. Focuses on foundational concepts in the field of sustainability as well as key competencies necessary for making progress towards sustainability goals. Explores career opportunities in the field of sustainability.

Available via Ecampus

SUS 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

SUS 304, *SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT, 4 Credits

Explores theories and application of sustainability assessment techniques and analysis methods. Practical application of globally recognized assessment protocol, including checklists, footprinting, life-cycle analysis and the indicators used to conduct these analyses. Emphasis on ecological and social indicators, although economic indicators are explored.

Attributes: CSST – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Science/Technology/Society

Available via Ecampus

SUS 325, ^AG AND ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICAMENTS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH, 3 Credits

Analyze controversial agricultural and environmental issues, synthesize information from diverse sources, and apply scientific knowledge to recommend specific courses of action to solve real world problems. Develop oral and written communication skills through individual and group work. CROSSLISTED as CROP 325/SOIL 325/SUS 325.

Attributes: CSWC – Core Ed - Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC); CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC)

Equivalent to: CROP 325, SOIL 325

SUS 331, +*SUSTAINABILITY, JUSTICE, AND ENGAGEMENT, 3 Credits

Critically examines sustainability narratives, values, and initiatives in relation to difference, power, and systems of oppression. Utilizes systems-thinking when analyzing tools and tactics used in efforts toward equity, justice, sustainability, and positive change. Integrates reflection on personal skills, passions, and ways to engage.

Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination; CSDP – Core Ed - Advanced Difference, Power & Oppression

Equivalent to: SUS 331H

Recommended: Completion of Difference, Power, and Oppression Foundations course; collaboration, critical thinking & synthesis skills

Available via Ecampus

SUS 331H, +*SUSTAINABILITY, JUSTICE, AND ENGAGEMENT, 3 Credits

Critically examines sustainability narratives, values, and initiatives in relation to difference, power, and systems of oppression. Utilizes systems-thinking when analyzing tools and tactics used in efforts toward equity, justice, sustainability, and positive change. Integrates reflection on personal skills, passions, and ways to engage.

Attributes: CPDP – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Difference/Power/Discrimination; CSDP – Core Ed - Advanced Difference, Power & Oppression; HNRS – Honors Course Designator

Equivalent to: SUS 331

Recommended: Completion of Difference, Power, and Oppression Foundations course; collaboration, critical thinking & synthesis skills

Available via Ecampus

SUS 350, +*SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES, 4 Credits

Examines the principles and practices of building sustainable, resilient communities through a multidisciplinary lens. Analyzes the interconnections between ecological, social, and economic systems, exploring how decision-making, policies, and institutions shape human and natural systems. Investigates key sustainability challenges, such as resource management, social sustainability, climate resilience, and the trade-offs involved in balancing human and environmental needs. Engages with real-world case studies and community-based projects to assess sustainability initiatives and develop practical strategies for strengthening community resilience and sustainability.

Attributes: CSGI – Bacc Core, Synthesis, Contemporary Global Issues; CSSS – Core Ed - Seeking Solutions

Available via Ecampus

SUS 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

Available via Ecampus

SUS 402, INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

SUS 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

Available via Ecampus

SUS 420, SOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY, 3 Credits

Focuses on the social aspects of sustainability, including how the environment, the economy, social life interact to create the world we live in. Explores how social institutions (school, government, business, family) contribute to sustainability and promote or discourage social and environmental justice at local and global scales.

Available via Ecampus

SUS 450, SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS, 3 Credits

Provides knowledge and tools to facilitate sustainability transitions at organizational and sectoral levels. Focuses on how pioneering organizations leverage technology, business and management skills, assessment tools, and stakeholder engagement and communication strategies to fully embed sustainability in their operations. Relates policy frameworks to sector-wide transformations and develops comprehensive sustainability plans for a specific organization.

Available via Ecampus

SUS 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.

SUS 550, SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS, 3 Credits

Provides knowledge and tools to facilitate sustainability transitions at organizational and sectoral levels. Focuses on how pioneering organizations leverage technology, business and management skills, assessment tools, and stakeholder engagement and communication strategies to fully embed sustainability in their operations. Relates policy frameworks to sector-wide transformations and develops comprehensive sustainability plans for a specific organization.

SUS 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits

This course is repeatable for 16 credits.