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Sustainability
Sustainability
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science
Honors Bachelor of Science
Minor
College
College of Agricultural Sciences
Catalog Link
Delivery
Hybrid: Primarily in-person; select courses delivered online through Ecampus
Description
Sustainability is a double degree offered in addition to a primary degree. You can also add a sustainability minor to any degree.
Sustainability is the philosophy that increasingly drives global business, organization and politics. Our changing world has presented challenges that future leaders will be called on to address, including climate change, reliance on traditional energy sources, water issues and a growing demand for socially and environmentally responsible products and services.
The sustainability double degree exposes students to these real-world problems and fosters knowledge, skills and abilities to address them in communities and workplaces. In step with the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability, the degree was designed to complement all OSU degree programs and to be earned as a second bachelor’s degree in addition to a major area of study.
Graduates emerge prepared to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and apply knowledge of economic, business, scientific, and sociological principles of sustainability to a variety of career fields.
Program Information
The sustainability degree is only offered as a double degree in addition to a primary degree.
Program Admissions Requirements
Students will be accepted into the double-degree program if they have completed sustainability core prerequisite courses, EC 201 Microeconomics, and maintain a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5.
Double Degree
Earning a sustainability double degree begins with choosing a primary degree program major. Students are required to complete 180 credits in an OSU major and can receive a second bachelor’s degree in sustainability by completing an additional 36 credits. Start with a 17-credit core to learn the fundamentals of sustainability from social, ecological, and economic perspectives. Then select 16 additional credits to create an individualized course of study based on major and interests.
Degree Checklists and Guide
Sustainability Double Degree Advising Checklist and Guide (PDF
Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:
- Describe the structure and interdependence of social and ecological systems.
- Interpret data critically and demonstrate understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of data as a decision support tool.
- Design and evaluate responses to conditions that compromise sustainability by employing systems thinking. Envision future scenarios in which natural environments and human communities are healthy and resilient.
- Describe the use of sustainability assessment tools and the measurement of sustainability outcomes across all dimensions of sustainability.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with diverse groups using oral, written, and other modalities. Demonstrate the ability to discuss complex sustainability concepts and problems with people from a variety of disciplines, cultures, and perspectives.
The sustainability minor provides interdisciplinary academic courses in which students think critically about sustainability challenges facing society today and possible solutions to complex issues.
In the Field
American Pika and Northwestern Bat Hub
In the Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability Lab, you can study how populations of plants and animals respond to changing environmental conditions. The Lab has established long-term monitoring programs focused on American pika and bat species in the Pacific Northwest.
Alumni Spotlight
Diverting waste from concerts
Justin Alvarado ’23 laughs when he tells the story. Yeah, he knew he wasn’t the most qualified for the marketing position he applied for with the Old Mill District. But his interviewer shared with him — a social science major pursuing a double degree in sustainability with a passion for the environment — that OMD’s sustainability manager was looking for an assistant. Nearly two years later, Justin is helping lead OMD’s sustainability efforts. This summer, he co-led a “green” team of 90 to divert almost 90% of waste generated at concerts at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater from the Knotts landfill. It’s one of the best diversion rates in the country according to Live Nation, which manages concert performances. Learn more.
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A Net-Zero Campus
Building a green campus
We have sustainability in mind with everything we do. Creating a net-zero campus means the campus consumes only as much energy as it produces, balances water availability and demand, and eliminates waste sent to landfills. Buildings are being designed to meet net-zero goals, landscaping uses native plants that require minimum water, and students are learning how to leave the world better for future generations.
Careers in Sustainability
Job opportunities for graduates of this degree program include:
- Conservation Manager
- Director of Sustainability
- Energy Analyst
- Energy Manager
- Environmental Analyst
- Facilities Manager
- Health & Safety Consultant
- Land Use Planner
- Parks Planner
- Project Manager
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Recycling Representative
- Strategic Sourcing Specialist
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Sustainability Analyst/Coordinator
- Transportation Manager
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Contact Us
We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.