Sustainable Systems and Societal Development
Interdisciplinary Programs
Program Overview
The Sustainable Systems and Societal Development concentration in the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Programs degree examines the connections between environmental systems and human societies. Through this study, students will be prepared to address the critical sustainability issues we face today. Core concepts covered include:
- Ecology
- Environmental Justice
- Globalization
- Policy
- Social Equity
- Sustainability
What You’ll Learn
This concentration takes a truly interdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological, geographical, sociological, and political perspectives. When you graduate through this program, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate the complex interactions of human society and the natural environment, and to craft solutions to the problems that arise therein.
Career Expectations
By studying sustainable systems and societal development, you’ll be prepared for a variety of roles that help communities and organizations maintain a healthy relationship with the environment. Possible roles include:
- Climate Resilience Coordinator
- Community Development Coordinator
- Energy Auditor
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Field Program Support
- Program Analyst
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Featured Courses
In this course, we explore the relationships between Earth systems and human activities by investigating our most pressing environmental problems, and how people create and mitigate those problems. Topics include population growth, consumption, natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes, floods), resource depletion (energy, minerals, water, soil, food), air and water pollution, solid & hazardous waste disposal, and global climate change.
Overview of natural and human-caused mechanisms that have contributed to changes in Earth’s climate, with an emphasis on climate change in the 20th and 21st centuries. Discussions focus on causes, mitigation, public attitudes, and government policy.
Spatial and temporal patterns in human use and alteration of the environment. Geographical variations in human-environment interactions, management, resource use, and stewardship. In-depth study of how humans shape Earth’s environments and are shaped by them.
Examination of the importance of cities in the global economy and the forces that drive this. Exploration of how city economic growth and decline.
