2022-2023 Course Catalog

Master of Sustainability (MSUS)

The MSUS degree is comprised of 42 credits:

Foundation courses (12 credits) allow students to explore the nature of system analysis and sustainability as it relates to the ecological, economic, social and and business world.

Skills for work and research courses* (18 credits) provide research, communication and work related skills.

Track Electives (12 credits) allow students to explore in depth a particular area of sustainability study.

Please note:

  • Students may take more electives
  • Students are not limited to electives listed in SUS
  • Up to six hours of internship credit may count towards the area of specialization

*Students have the option to complete a 70-140-hour placement in a professional or research setting. Ideally, this will be done for 5-10 hours/week over a 14-week period during the summer following the first year of the program although a fall or spring semester internship is permissible. A hybrid experience is also possible.

Admission Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.3 or better on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with less than a 3.3 who show extreme promise through other achievements may be granted conditional admission.
  • Completed Application Form, which includes submission of the following documents:
    • Curriculum vitae or resume
    • Admissions Essay
    • 2 letters of recommendation, preferably from an academic source
    • Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts, sent directly by the institutions
    • Additional writing sample (optional, but encouraged)

Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Office of Graduate Admission - Berry Hall
1 Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: (412) 365-1609
Email: graduate@chatham.edu

For specific questions about the Program, please reach out to the Graduate Admissions Recruiter at 412-365-1825 or at graduate@chatham.edu.

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Graduate Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

Learning Outcomes

Know Sustainability Broadly and Deeply 

Students will develop broad foundational knowledge with deep topical knowledge in one area of sustainability

Solve Practical Sustainability Problems

Students will learn professional tools and practical and creative problem-solving skills to implement sustainability solutions

Communicate Sustainability Clearly

Students will learn to effectively communicate sustainability  problems, solutions and opportunities to a broad base of stakeholders

Lead and Follow on Sustainability

Students will gain the ability for transformative leadership, teamwork, and collaboration on sustainability problems and opportunities

Understand Sustainability to Achieve well-being

Students will acquire a holistic understanding of complex systems for the purpose of achieving individual,
environmental, community, and economic well-being in one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Curriculum

+Foundation Courses

21 credits

SUS502 Sustainability and Systems

In this course, students will develop skills necessary to understand, describe, and communicate complex systems. Working from examples, exercise and interactive discussions, students will learn to identify key drivers and leverage points for change. Students will learn to solicit useful information, model, and enact change using a various systems-based tools.

3
SUS504 Foundations of Sustainability

This course provides students the skills to understand, communicate, and critique the fundamentals of sustainability at multiple scales and across disciplines and cultures. It explores sustainability's origins and foundations, application, and assessment. We evaluate the inter-relationships among environmental, societal, and economic well-being and the implications on individual and social decision-making.

3
SUS512A Sustainability in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh and the surrounding region have experienced several waves of change; the current described as a "green renaissance". Students will engage in 7 weekly workshops and guest lectures with introducing them to the city's history, key sustainability initiatives and job prospects. Students will provide 7 weekly blogs, one for each visit.

1
SUS512B Sustainability in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh and the surrounding region have experienced several waves of change; the current described as a "green renaissance". Students will engage in 10 weekly field trips with participant observation giving a glimpse of the socio-ecological history of the city. Students will provide 10 blogs, one for each visit, and a final paper.

2
SUS510 Pursuing Sustainability through Governance

Overcoming sustainability challenges requires influencing human behavior. In this course, we explore ways in which policy can shape behavior and draw insights from fields like political science, psychology, economics, the philosophy of justice, and science and technology studies to enhance our ability to understand, cultivate, and realize sustainability goals.

3
SUS601 Applied Ecology

The overall goal of this course is to examine the role that ecological science contributes to sustainability. Students will critically assess, process evidence, and enhance communication skills for scientific methods. All topics and applications considered will be centered on issues of sustainability in the ecological sciences, such as climate change, water pollution, land use change, and the loss of biodiversity.

3
SUS603 Sustainability: Ethics, Equity, Justice

This course focuses on the role of the "social" as one of the three pillars of sustainability. It explores historic and contemporary notions of ethics, social equity and social justice. It examines how these concepts can be applied to sustainability by studying local and global case studies.

Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS504 Introduction to Sustainability and Systems
  • SUS501 Fundamentals of Sustainability
  • SUS503 Understanding Knowledge Across the Disciplines
  • 3
    SUS605 Leadership for Transitions to Sustainability

    This class builds a foundation for sustainability management through exploration of Transition Management, a methodology for sustainable innovation. Students study innovation management, learn steps in managing a transition through analyzing systemic socio-technical problems, learn to develop potential solutions, and understand the organizational and societal structures necessary to support long-term change.

    3

    +Skills for Work and Research Courses

    7 credits

    SUS621 The Craft of Research

    This class introduces students to evidence-based research in sustainability guiding them through the challenges. Topics include the role and limits of research, the skill of connecting with your readership, developing well-defined and appropriately scaled research questions/problems, identifying and assessing source material and methodologies, and constructing well-supported arguments and evidence.

    1
    SUS691 Internship

    Internship

    1
    SUS698A Final Project

    Course provides supervision and research guidance for the final project. Students will complete a final project independently or as part of a group to complete the MSUS degree requirements. The form of the final project is flexible and should be linked to the student's self-defined sustainability challenge. Part one of two.

    1
    COM515 Environmental Communications

    Course offers an overview of environmental communications providing an analysis of how individuals, institutions and corporations describe and portray our interactions with the environment. Discussion topics include environmental discourse, environmental conflicts, risk communication, environmental disasters, environmental social movements, and the nature-society relationship.

    3

    +Electives: Urban & Energy Systems

    Total of 13 credits of electives

    SUS514 Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities

    Today's cities can thrive by becoming more sustainable, walkable, climate-resilient and restoring urban ecosystems. Cities also face a shrinking middle class and communities that are disproportionally affected by urban decline. Using systems theory and the example of Pittsburgh, we explore comprehensive approaches to equitable, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization.

    3
    SUS517 Climate Change and Sustainability

    Climate change is one of today's most critical issues. We will study the science of climate change impacts and examine frameworks used by the global community to develop climate projections, build resiliency, and mitigate emissions. Through team projects we investigate topics in climate resiliency or emissions reduction in more depth.

    3
    SUS520 Community Energy Systems

    This class examines community energy systems using the examples of Eden Hall, national and international case studies, and a class project. Technical applications include estimating energy production, heating and cooling, and building energy efficiency. We discuss energy access and energy justice, relevant state policy, and organizing and financing community energy.

    3
    SUS591 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 1
    SUS592 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 2
    SUS593 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 3
    SUS617 Pathways to a Renewable Future

    This course critically explores requirements and opportunities for transitioning all sectors -- residential, commercial, transport, industry -- to a fully renewable energy system. We investigate different energy technologies and the integration of renewables into the grid given electricity market restructuring and emerging options such as large-scale solar networks, micro-grids, and community solar.

    3
    SUS619 The Water's Edge: Science and Policy from Summit to Sea

    The water's edge is rich with ecological and cultural activity. Through online discussions, field excursions, public service, participation in research, interactions with practitioners, and a curated exhibit, this course bridges theory with application for the science and policy relevant to the aquatic-terrestrial interface (e.g., streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal shorelines).

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • SUS501 Fundamentals of Sustainability
  • SUS502 Sustainability and Systems
  • 3
    SUS625 Restorative Environmental Justice

    This course analyzes the environmental justice movement around the world. It draws lessons from the conditions that have led to environmental injustices, the historical development of the movement, the policy responses of governments and international agencies, the solutions pursued by communities, and the role played by the private sector. The course explores the role of natural asset-building strategies that simultaneously reduce poverty and address environmental issues.

    3
    SUS640 Sustainable Community Development

    This course explores how people can engage in creating more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable communities at multiple scales, from the local to the regional. The reading and assignments emphasize sustainable planning theory and practice as well as sustainable food systems perspectives. Students will engage in practice-based research and community projects.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • FST508 Food Systems
  • FST509 Food Access
  • SUS504 Foundations of Sustainability
  • 3
    SUS683 Special Topics

    This course is designed to allow students to explore in depth a specific topic or area of sustainability.

    3
    BUS577 Information Systems and Analytics

    This course explores the strategic management of technology, information, and people from a Chief Information Officer's (CIO) perspective. The business value and organizational challenges of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, data warehouses, analytics, and Big Data are critically examined through cases and hands-on projects.

    3

    +Electives: Ecology & Resource Management

    Total of 13 credits of electives

    SUS508 Environmental Statistics

    Students in this course will become proficient in executing quantitative methods pertinent sustainability science, including multiple linear regression, descriptive multivariate statistics, and time series analyses. All assignments aim to generate experience with applied problem-solving and will require scriptwriting in program R to maximize analytical and data management efficiency. This course requires a foundation in statistical methods.

    3
    SUS514 Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities

    Today's cities can thrive by becoming more sustainable, walkable, climate-resilient and restoring urban ecosystems. Cities also face a shrinking middle class and communities that are disproportionally affected by urban decline. Using systems theory and the example of Pittsburgh, we explore comprehensive approaches to equitable, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization.

    3
    SUS517 Climate Change and Sustainability

    Climate change is one of today's most critical issues. We will study the science of climate change impacts and examine frameworks used by the global community to develop climate projections, build resiliency, and mitigate emissions. Through team projects we investigate topics in climate resiliency or emissions reduction in more depth.

    3
    SUS521 Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health

    Human health is intimately connected to environmental conditions and ecosystem integrity. Introducing concepts and measures of ecosystem and human health, this course will cover the principles and practice of contributing fields including ecotoxicology, epidemiology, environmental health and risk assessment. Students will be led from inquiry to action for key issues.

    3
    SUS526 Sustainable Aquaculture

    This course examines the historical development and cultural importance of aquaculture, as well as practical considerations for managing modern aquaculture systems. Emphasis will lie on low impact aquaculture systems and approaches, which minimize adverse environmental impacts, and encourage socially responsible development that enhances both the natural resource base and community livelihoods.

    3
    SUS591 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 1
    SUS592 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 2
    SUS593 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 3
    SUS601 Applied Ecology

    The overall goal of this course is to examine the role that ecological science contributes to sustainability. Students will critically assess, process evidence, and enhance communication skills for scientific methods. All topics and applications considered will be centered on issues of sustainability in the ecological sciences, such as climate change, water pollution, land use change, and the loss of biodiversity.

    3
    SUS617 Pathways to a Renewable Future

    This course critically explores requirements and opportunities for transitioning all sectors -- residential, commercial, transport, industry -- to a fully renewable energy system. We investigate different energy technologies and the integration of renewables into the grid given electricity market restructuring and emerging options such as large-scale solar networks, micro-grids, and community solar.

    3
    SUS625 Restorative Environmental Justice

    This course analyzes the environmental justice movement around the world. It draws lessons from the conditions that have led to environmental injustices, the historical development of the movement, the policy responses of governments and international agencies, the solutions pursued by communities, and the role played by the private sector. The course explores the role of natural asset-building strategies that simultaneously reduce poverty and address environmental issues.

    3
    FST520 Basic Agroecology

    Through working on Chatham's Eden Hall Campus farm as well as neighboring farms, students will integrate best practices for sustainable agriculture with theory encountered in class. Topics will include basic principles of soil fertility, biodiversity, agriculture history, effects of both conventional and organic agriculture, and the politics surrounding the issues.

    3
    FST520L Growing Sustainably Lab

    This course is a co-requisite to FST520, Growing Sustainably, and comprises the experiential lab component of the course. Students will engage in sustained research on sustainable agricultural projects, from biodynamic methods to soil or pest management comparatives. Course may be taken up to four times for credit.

    1
    FST613 Community Research: Food and Health

    Research focused on community needs, health and wellness issues, and the relationship between food access, agriculture, and food production. Participation in a pre-selected research study that aims to address some component of health, food access, agriculture, and cooking. May include: engaging relevant community agencies; recruitment of subjects; screening subjects for risk; adhering to IRB regulations; data collection and data entry, aiding in teaching a risk reduction class, participating in the urban garden, and coordinating cooking demonstrations.

    1

    +Electives: Business & Innovation

    Total of 13 credits of electives

    SUS516 Sustainable Decision Analysis

    The class contributes to a foundation for sustainability management by exploring different quantitative approaches to sustainable decision-making including: Life Cycle Analysis, Ecosystem Services Valuation, Carbon and Water Foot printing, and DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, States, Impacts and Responses) Society-Environment interaction framework. Finally, the class explores how quantitative decision-making is shaped by various stakeholders.

    3
    SUS591 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 1
    SUS592 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 2
    SUS593 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 3
    SUS607 Applied Green and Social Innovation

    The class helps students develop skills for managing innovation focusing on Food, Agriculture, Environmental and Social Product and Service innovations. Students will work with actual ideas and or start-ups from local incubators and entrepreneurs. The class focuses on helping students to develop skills to use innovations for solving major social and environmental problems.

    3
    SUS617 Pathways to a Renewable Future

    This course critically explores requirements and opportunities for transitioning all sectors -- residential, commercial, transport, industry -- to a fully renewable energy system. We investigate different energy technologies and the integration of renewables into the grid given electricity market restructuring and emerging options such as large-scale solar networks, micro-grids, and community solar.

    3
    SUS683 Special Topics

    This course is designed to allow students to explore in depth a specific topic or area of sustainability.

    3
    FST518 Business of Food and Agriculture

    In this class the student will learn both history and current practices related to food and agriculture as economic enterprises in the United States and the world. Skills include ability to understand strategic management principles including identifying target markets, niche marketing, SWOT analysis and diffusion of innovation theory. Students will be able to develop a business plan including understanding barriers of entry, compiling demographic data, developing feasibility studies, long and short term business goals, define and calculate a breakeven point, and budget formulation.

    3
    BUS552 Managing Non-Profit Organizations

    Through the use of case studies, assignments, and class projects, this course familiarizes students with the distinctiveness of nonprofit organizations and their management. Specific topics include marketing and fund raising, budgeting, personnel management and supervision, strategic planning and implementation, environmental and program evaluation, and managing interorganizational networks.

    3
    BUS562 Global Procurement

    In this course, students examine success factors, ethical challenges, legal issues, and managerial implications of global procurement. Students also develop a deep understanding of the impact of procurement on quality, cost, and efficiency of supply chain management through use of procurement tools, techniques, and methodologies.

    3
    BUS570 Global Business

    This course introduces students to international business and management by studying cultural influences, government, and business structures in our global economy. Students also learn about trade relations, international finance and legal and labor agreements. Also covered, are topics on information needs, production systems, marketing and promotion, and career planning.

    3
    BUS575 Leading Organizations and Projects

    The course cultivates the student's executive leadership potential for organizational development and transformation, with specific applications to the project management environment. Theoretical perspective and case analyses will explore topics of leading one's self, motivating project teams, change management, and transforming the organization.

    3
    BUS577 Information Systems and Analytics

    This course explores the strategic management of technology, information, and people from a Chief Information Officer's (CIO) perspective. The business value and organizational challenges of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, data warehouses, analytics, and Big Data are critically examined through cases and hands-on projects.

    3
    BUS582 Foundations of Project Management

    This course explores the knowledge areas and project stages from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Students acquire concepts and skills in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects. The course examines the management of project integration, scope, time, cost, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement.

    3
    BUS639 Sustainability and Assessment Reporting

    An in-depth study of how to measure, track, and report on sustainability issues in a business. Includes a study of how to create effective Social Responsibility reports and the standards currently used to measure sustainability. Teaches students how to monitor and measure sustainability issues from within a business.

    3

    +Electives: Food Systems

    Total of 13 credits of electives

    SUS514 Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities

    Today's cities can thrive by becoming more sustainable, walkable, climate-resilient and restoring urban ecosystems. Cities also face a shrinking middle class and communities that are disproportionally affected by urban decline. Using systems theory and the example of Pittsburgh, we explore comprehensive approaches to equitable, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization.

    3
    SUS517 Climate Change and Sustainability

    Climate change is one of today's most critical issues. We will study the science of climate change impacts and examine frameworks used by the global community to develop climate projections, build resiliency, and mitigate emissions. Through team projects we investigate topics in climate resiliency or emissions reduction in more depth.

    3
    SUS526 Sustainable Aquaculture

    This course examines the historical development and cultural importance of aquaculture, as well as practical considerations for managing modern aquaculture systems. Emphasis will lie on low impact aquaculture systems and approaches, which minimize adverse environmental impacts, and encourage socially responsible development that enhances both the natural resource base and community livelihoods.

    3
    SUS591 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 1
    SUS592 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 2
    SUS593 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 3
    SUS617 Pathways to a Renewable Future

    This course critically explores requirements and opportunities for transitioning all sectors -- residential, commercial, transport, industry -- to a fully renewable energy system. We investigate different energy technologies and the integration of renewables into the grid given electricity market restructuring and emerging options such as large-scale solar networks, micro-grids, and community solar.

    3
    SUS625 Restorative Environmental Justice

    This course analyzes the environmental justice movement around the world. It draws lessons from the conditions that have led to environmental injustices, the historical development of the movement, the policy responses of governments and international agencies, the solutions pursued by communities, and the role played by the private sector. The course explores the role of natural asset-building strategies that simultaneously reduce poverty and address environmental issues.

    3
    SUS640 Sustainable Community Development

    This course explores how people can engage in creating more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable communities at multiple scales, from the local to the regional. The reading and assignments emphasize sustainable planning theory and practice as well as sustainable food systems perspectives. Students will engage in practice-based research and community projects.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • FST508 Food Systems
  • FST509 Food Access
  • SUS504 Foundations of Sustainability
  • 3
    FST512 Practical Nutrition

    Course provides an overview of nutrition as an evidence-based research field, focusing on groups and communities where research is conducted and then applied. Topics include science and politics of food categories; supplements and functional foods; weight and disordered eating, commercial, local, organic, and conventional foods; cuisine, culture, and diet.

    3
    FST518 Business of Food and Agriculture

    In this class the student will learn both history and current practices related to food and agriculture as economic enterprises in the United States and the world. Skills include ability to understand strategic management principles including identifying target markets, niche marketing, SWOT analysis and diffusion of innovation theory. Students will be able to develop a business plan including understanding barriers of entry, compiling demographic data, developing feasibility studies, long and short term business goals, define and calculate a breakeven point, and budget formulation.

    3
    FST520 Basic Agroecology

    Through working on Chatham's Eden Hall Campus farm as well as neighboring farms, students will integrate best practices for sustainable agriculture with theory encountered in class. Topics will include basic principles of soil fertility, biodiversity, agriculture history, effects of both conventional and organic agriculture, and the politics surrounding the issues.

    3
    FST520L Growing Sustainably Lab

    This course is a co-requisite to FST520, Growing Sustainably, and comprises the experiential lab component of the course. Students will engage in sustained research on sustainable agricultural projects, from biodynamic methods to soil or pest management comparatives. Course may be taken up to four times for credit.

    1
    FST522 GIS: Food and Agriculture

    This course provides students with a solid foundation of the principles and applications of GIS, an introduction to the desktop software ArcGIS, and demonstrates its use in the public sectors related to food, agriculture, and resource use. Students will have the flexibility to focus on their particular area of interest through project work.

    3
    FST603 Food Journeys

    From the Columbian Exchange to eco-tourism food travels the world, the traveler journeys through food, and the citizen consumes place and goods in a journey towards selfhood. This course examines food and geographic movement with an applied emphasis on culinary tourism and writing about food in global and local contexts.

    Pre-requisites Complete all 2 of the following courses:
  • FST508 Food Systems
  • FST509 Food Access
  • 3
    FST607 Sustainable Consumption

    Eating "sustainably" considers environmental health, local economies and social justice issues. The course explores 3 viewpoints: consumers', including eating behaviors, access and marketing; growers' and producers', including supply chain concerns and food safety; and the institutions' or food business' challenges of incorporating regionally and sustainably sourced food in their operations.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • FST508 Food Systems
  • FST508 Food Systems
  • Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • FST509 Food Access
  • FST509 Food Access
  • 3
    FST613 Community Research: Food and Health

    Research focused on community needs, health and wellness issues, and the relationship between food access, agriculture, and food production. Participation in a pre-selected research study that aims to address some component of health, food access, agriculture, and cooking. May include: engaging relevant community agencies; recruitment of subjects; screening subjects for risk; adhering to IRB regulations; data collection and data entry, aiding in teaching a risk reduction class, participating in the urban garden, and coordinating cooking demonstrations.

    1
    BUS582 Foundations of Project Management

    This course explores the knowledge areas and project stages from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Students acquire concepts and skills in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects. The course examines the management of project integration, scope, time, cost, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement.

    3

    +Electives: Policy & Regulation

    Total of 13 credits of electives

    SUS514 Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities

    Today's cities can thrive by becoming more sustainable, walkable, climate-resilient and restoring urban ecosystems. Cities also face a shrinking middle class and communities that are disproportionally affected by urban decline. Using systems theory and the example of Pittsburgh, we explore comprehensive approaches to equitable, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization.

    3
    SUS517 Climate Change and Sustainability

    Climate change is one of today's most critical issues. We will study the science of climate change impacts and examine frameworks used by the global community to develop climate projections, build resiliency, and mitigate emissions. Through team projects we investigate topics in climate resiliency or emissions reduction in more depth.

    3
    SUS562 Economics of the Environment

    This course is designed to introduce you to how economists think about the environment. The theory of externalities and market failure provide the basis for applying microeconomic concepts to the study of environmental issues. Analytical tools, particularly cost-benefit analysis, are explained and applied to problems with environmental dimensions.

    3
    SUS591 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 1
    SUS592 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 2
    SUS593 Independent Study

    Students work with a professor/instructor to develop and follow a curriculum which covers a topic of special interest.

    Pre-requisites Complete the following course:
  • XXX123 Permission of Instructor
  • 3
    SUS625 Restorative Environmental Justice

    This course analyzes the environmental justice movement around the world. It draws lessons from the conditions that have led to environmental injustices, the historical development of the movement, the policy responses of governments and international agencies, the solutions pursued by communities, and the role played by the private sector. The course explores the role of natural asset-building strategies that simultaneously reduce poverty and address environmental issues.

    3
    SUS640 Sustainable Community Development

    This course explores how people can engage in creating more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable communities at multiple scales, from the local to the regional. The reading and assignments emphasize sustainable planning theory and practice as well as sustainable food systems perspectives. Students will engage in practice-based research and community projects.

    Pre-requisites Complete any 1 of the following courses:
  • FST508 Food Systems
  • FST509 Food Access
  • SUS504 Foundations of Sustainability
  • 3
    SUS683 Special Topics

    This course is designed to allow students to explore in depth a specific topic or area of sustainability.

    3
    FST613 Community Research: Food and Health

    Research focused on community needs, health and wellness issues, and the relationship between food access, agriculture, and food production. Participation in a pre-selected research study that aims to address some component of health, food access, agriculture, and cooking. May include: engaging relevant community agencies; recruitment of subjects; screening subjects for risk; adhering to IRB regulations; data collection and data entry, aiding in teaching a risk reduction class, participating in the urban garden, and coordinating cooking demonstrations.

    1
    BUS582 Foundations of Project Management

    This course explores the knowledge areas and project stages from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Students acquire concepts and skills in initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects. The course examines the management of project integration, scope, time, cost, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement.

    3
    BUS639 Sustainability and Assessment Reporting

    An in-depth study of how to measure, track, and report on sustainability issues in a business. Includes a study of how to create effective Social Responsibility reports and the standards currently used to measure sustainability. Teaches students how to monitor and measure sustainability issues from within a business.

    3