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

The Institute for Sustainable Practice offers several academic concentrations. Students may select from the options below, or work with the academic director to design a concentration.

Sustainable Food Practice: Secure a fundamental understanding of conventional and alternative food systems, including in food production, distribution, and policy.  Courses required: SU 6143 Sustainable Food Practice; SU 609V Travel with emphasis on Sustainable Food Practices; SU 6043 Capstone project in Sustainable Food Practices.

Renewable Energy Options and Design Applications: Secure a fundamental understanding of renewable energy systems, options, applications, fundamental design features, and practical application. Courses Required: SU 6000 Renewable Energy Options and Design Applications; SU 609V Travel with emphasis on Renewable Energy Options and Design Applications; SU 6043 Capstone project in Renewable Energy Options.

 Introduction to Green Building Design and Operation: Develop a fundamental understanding in the design, construction, operation, management, and best practices for sustainable buildings and sites. Courses Required: SU 6123  Intro to Green Building; SU 609V Travel with emphasis on Green Building; SU 6043 Capstone project in Green Building. Pursuing LEED or other green building credentials is also recommended and are available for study in SU 6033 - Special Topics in Sustainability. 

Sustainable Business Performance: Courses Required: SU 609V Travel with Emphasis on Business; SU 6043 Capstone project in Business. Focuses on business analytics and management skills that enhance business gains in profit, social and environmental responsibility. 

 Creation Care and Spiritual Formation: Courses Required: SU 6103 Creation Care; SU 609V travel with emphasis on Creation Care; SU 6043 Capstone project in Creation Care. Explores the historical and contemporary theological understanding of creation care and stewardship, personal Christian faith and its integration with the profession of sustainability and awareness of best practices for faith institutions.

Concentration Approved by Program: Courses Required: SU 6033 Special Topics in Sustainability; SU 609V travel with emphasis on approved concentration; SU 6043 Capstone project in approved concentration. Allows students to design a unique concentration, approved by the program director, not currently offered in the program. Examples of this include: sustainable pharmacy, recreational design, hospitality, tourism, environmental literacy, industrial design, home renovation, community health and carbon modeling.