Sustainability, M.S.

General Schedule for Independent Study Courses

Traditional Semester: Independent study courses follow a semester-long format. Independent study means the student directs the course of study, without the structured direction of a professor as follows:

• Complete research on the type of course topic desired for study. Usually these course subjects focus on an concentration not offered in the program.
• Schedule a consultation with a course facilitator who completes a course agreement form (available on ISP website) or course contract. The student develops an outline of learning objectives, course expectations, timelines and deliverables and documents it on the Form.
• Check in with the course facilitator at mid-semester to ensure the independent study is progressing as agreed and that the learning objectives are being achieved.
• Complete the agreed course of study and submit deliverables to the course facilitator for grading, prior to the date for final course grade submission.

Master of Science Concentrations

Master of Science Concentrations

As part of the trans-disciplinary sustainability academic program, concentrations offer the ability to hone specialized knowledge and skills in one area of application. Additionally, concentrations demonstrate a specific student’s academic and professional preparation. Each student must select a concentration, whether it is from the first three options below, or is customized with the academic director. Concentrations should be selected within the first semester of graduate enrollment in the M.S. in sustainability degree program. 

Renewable energy and energy efficiency. Students pursuing a concentration in renewable energy and energy efficiency will be well-positioned to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy technologies and manage the built environment to increase energy efficiency. Required courses are SU 6133 Renewable energy options and design applications (3), SU 6083 Professional experience and study in sustainability, in which students will successfully achieve renewable energy professional certifications while enrolled, SU 6043 Capstone project in sustainability (3), and SU 609V Sustainability travel to [Destination] (3). Faculty and students will collaborate to tailor students’ syllabi (e.g. readings, assignments) in SU 6043 and SU 609V to focus substantially on renewable energy and energy efficiency applications. 

Building and energy systems. This concentration is appropriate for students preparing for careers in the built environment (e.g. construction, facilities management, real estate). Students will gain a holistic perspective on the social, environmental, and economic impacts of buildings and sites and a framework for positively transforming the built environment. Required courses are SU 6123 Green building design, construction, and operation (3), SU 6133 Renewable energy options and design applications (3), SU 609V Sustainability travel to [Destination] (3). SU 6043 Capstone project in sustainability (3). Students will successfully achieve green building or renewable energy certifications while enrolled in SU 6043. Faculty and students will collaborate to tailor students’ syllabi (e.g. readings, assignments) in SU 6043 and SU 609V to focus substantially on green buildings, energy efficiency, and renewable energy applications. 

Food systems. This concentration fits students with interests in sustainable agriculture as well as the social, economic, and environmental impacts of food systems. Required courses are SU 6143 Sustainable food practice (3), SU 6083 Professional experience and study in sustainability, in which students may achieve certifications while enrolled, SU 609V Sustainability travel to [Destination] (3), SU 6043 Capstone project in sustainability (3). Faculty and students will collaborate to tailor students’ syllabi (e.g. readings, assignments) in SU 6043 and SU 609V to focus substantially on enhancing social, environmental, and economic sustainability of food production, distribution, and consumption.

Customizable concentration. This is a concentration for students who desire to apply their studies in sustainability to a specific field, precluding fields encompassed by concentrations listed above. Previous students have customized concentrations in fields and topics such as community health, carbon modeling, environmental literacy, and hospitality and tourism. Required courses are one classroom-based course in the program (e.g. SU 6033 Special topics in sustainability (3) or SU 6103 Creation care and spiritual formation [3]). SU 6083 Professional experience and study in sustainability (3), in which students may achieve relevant certifications while enrolled, SU 6043 Capstone project in sustainability (3), and SU 609V Sustainability travel to [Destination] (3). Faculty and students will collaborate to tailor students’ syllabi (e.g. readings, assignments) in SU 6043 and SU 609V to focus substantially on student’s topic of concentration.