Bachelor of Science in
Sustainability
Sustainability Sustainability is, “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” —Our Common Future, United Nations, World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Report) 1987
Change the World Cultivate your passions, desires and talents in the Bachelor of Science in Sustainability program. It’s your opportunity to prepare for emerging jobs in the green economy while making the world a better place. Minnesota State University Moorhead’s faculty is at the forefront of practice and research in the rapidly evolving field of sustainability, having incorporated environmental education into their coursework for years. Their combined expertise helped create the only B.S. degree in Sustainability in Minnesota and North Dakota. While most sustainability programs focus on natural resources or technology, MSUM is one of very few universities in the country to focus on the entire spectrum of sustainability. You will work closely with faculty and advisors to match your interests and goals with a Sustainability emphasis that will lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.
Sustainability Creates Jobs Society is increasingly interested in sustainability across all disciplines— from architecture and construction to manufacturing and sociology. Green jobs are found in all sectors of the economy, from business and law to government and science. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines green jobs as careers associated with environmental work. Often, positions having to do with sustainability are also included in the green jobs category: ▸ Jobs in businesses that produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources. ▸ Jobs in which workers make their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources. All careers in sustainability share the common goal of preserving and promoting a healthy planet. MSUM’s Sustainability degree will prepare you to understand the challenges and opportunities in a growing green economy.
“Driven by fiscal interests and concerns about energy and climate change, a growing number of public- and private-sector leaders are seeking to expand their share of the clean energy economy: jobs, businesses and investments that achieve a double bottom line— economic growth and environmental sustainability.” —The Clean Energy Economy, Pew Charitable Trusts, June 2009.
Sustain Sustainability— A Growing Field
In a 2008 report for the Minnesota Green Jobs Task Force, GSP Consulting found the green jobs landscape to be quite diverse— from trade unions to private equity investors, from hospitals to farmers, from students to presidential candidates. The focus on green jobs continues to intensify. ▸ The market for advanced drinking water filtration technologies is projected to grow to more than $2.1 billion by 2012.
Sustainability at Work Agriculture Air Quality Biofuels Climate Policy Construction Corporate or Municipal Sustainability Energy Efficiency Environmental Consulting/ Education Environmental Law Fair Trade Graphic Design Green Construction
HVAC Marketing Microfinance Nonprofit Environment Agencies Policy Making Recycling Renewable Energy Resource Management Social Enterprise Solar Energy Sustainable Planning Water Conservation Weatherization Wind Power
▸ Air pollution control is a multi-billion dollar industry employing about 85,000 workers in high-skill, high-paying jobs. ▸ Waste management and remediation services are forecasted to grow 5.3% annually until 2012 when the market is expected to reach $109 billion. ▸ The wind turbine market is projected to experience a 40% compound annual growth rate between 2008 and 2013. ▸ 10-12% of new commercial construction starts are green, representing a $24-$29 billion market.
Green jobs will provide new opportunitie
nability Sustainability Curriculum
MSUM’s interdisciplinary curriculum explores the elements that define the sustainability of human institutions, organizations, cultures and technologies in diverse environments. ▸ Core courses include: physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, mathematics, anthropology, political science, psychology and history. ▸ You will study: biodiversity, climate, energy sources, environmental pollution, politics and history, population, social change and much more. ▸ Required internship will provide practical, hands-on introduction into the field while reinforcing academic and personal interests.
Required Sustainability Coursework Introduction to Sustainability Introduces the academic program
20 to 21 Credits of CORE courses Provides interdisciplinary breadth and academic foundation
21 Credits of Restricted Electives Defines and deepens academic interest
29 to 39 Credits in Selected Emphasis Focuses on individual professional goals
6 Credits of Internship/Service Learning Solidifies student choice and strengthens commitment to field
es in all career fields. Are you ready?
An Emphasis to Fit Your Goals Creating a sustainable world will take lots of creativity and cooperation, with professionals in all fields working together to help solve the complex problems our world faces. MSUM offers six emphases so you can choose a course of study that will make you uniquely qualified for the position you seek.
Business Students will explore business leadership, making decisions that will create sustainable resources within existing business models and experimenting with ways to increase sustainability while yielding profits. Employment areas: Promoting entrepreneurship and new green business practices in the green economy JOBS: Chief Sustainability Officer, Sustainability Coordinator, Marketing Manager, Project Manager, Recycling Manager, Business Entrepreneur
Construction Management Students will analyze and construct residential and commercial structures based on efficient design (LEED) practices and green materials. Graduates manage the construction of energy efficient structures leading toward a more sustainable future. Employment areas: Green construction in commercial, residential and industrial projects, construction design JOBS: Construction Manager, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Estimator, Scheduler, Superintendant
Energy Sustainability Students will learn about options and trends in the sustainable energy generation field, the design and application of various energy sources, and energy conservation models to move to a sustainable future. Employment areas: Energy conservation for public and private utilities, electric cooperatives, rural communities JOBS: Global Environmental Manager, Solar System Technical Manager, Sustainable Design Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Wind Turbine Technician
Environmental Policy
Environmental Science
Operations Management
Students will learn to advance and critique the integration of environmental issues and processes into the social and economic policies and practices of businesses, governments, communities and non-profit organizations.
Students will learn about the interactions between humans and the world, evaluate alternative energy systems, identify the effects of global climate change and assess the environmental footprint of industries and population centers.
Students focus on industrial production, inventory management or specialized careers in production to help businesses sustain a lean and efficient environment.
Employment areas: Developing and interpreting policy for government and nongovernment organizations
Employment areas: Research in Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey and non-government organizations
JOBS: Environmental Consultant, Environmental Advocate, Environmental Program Instructor, Environmental Lobbyist, Environmental Auditor
JOBS: Natural Resource Specialist, Program Analyst, Education Specialist, Grants Specialist, Interpretive Naturalist, Program Coordinator
Employment areas: Administrative careers in manufacturing, information technology, call centers, healthcare, materials planning JOBS: Operations Manager, Sustainability Program Coordinator, Health and Safety Officer, Safety Manager, OSHA Managers, Continuous Improvement Manager
MSU Moorhead and the Environment MSU Moorhead is recognized as a “top innovator” among Minnesota State Colleges and Universities for its conservation and energy management measures. Administrative initiatives are wide and varied, but MSUM students are the leaders in funding and promoting green projects to benefit the entire campus community.
Student Initiatives ▸ Implemented a $5/semester environmental fee generating approximately $65,000 per year, with 100% of the funds going toward developing sustainable procedures, programs, facilities and curriculum. ▸ Sustainable Campus Initiative Committee has supported, funded or promoted these projects: ▸ 30 student-designed bike racks ▸ 60+ new trees ▸ Reusable water bottle filling stations ▸ Recycling program ▸ Electric vehicles and bicycles ▸ Conventions and workshops ▸ Earth Day Celebration For more information about MSUM, please contact:
admissions@mnstate.edu www.mnstate.edu 800.593.7246 or 218.477.2161
▸ Internships and special projects ▸ Network for Environmentally Educated Dragons (NEED) promotes environmental issues on campus.
Minnesota State University Moorhead is an equal opportunity educator and employer and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. This information will be made available in alternate format upon request by contacting Disability Services at 218.477.4318 (VOICE) or 1.800.627.3529 (MRS/TTY).