Sustainable Development Minor

Sustainable Development is an interdisciplinary minor with courses offered from departments and colleges across campus. Many courses emphasize experiential, project-based and service learning. The minor is designed to prepare students for the challenges and obligations of the 21st century, specifically by contributing to UCCS and local organizations on issues relating to the environment and social equity, promoting economic vitality, and recognizing civic responsibilities both at home and abroad.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify core concepts and critiques of sustainable development
• Learn to describe the interdependency of sustainable development’s three pillars of equity, environment, and economy
• Understand the current state of knowledge regarding global climate change, accurately depict where uncertainty exists with respect to climate change, and identify examples of social (i.e., equity), economic, and environmental impacts resulting from climate changes
• Develop independent and collaborative research skills 

Rationale for Sustainable Development Minor

Education for sustainability is an imperative for colleges and universities; so much so, the United Nations has named 2005-2015 the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Because this university is an integral part of the regional economy and local community, we have a fundamental responsibility to teach, train and conduct research for sustainability-creating a framework addressing environmental, social, and economic factors. We believe the success of higher education in the future will be judged in part by our ability to put forth a clear agenda, making sustainable development a cornerstone of our academic and administrative practices.

The minor is expected to create a more responsible, active set of global citizens.

General Requirements

• 18 credit hours of coursework, 12 of which must be upper division (3000+ level).
• There are three focal perspectives in sustainability- environment, equity, and economy. Students must choose one core course from two of the three perspectives, and select at least one elective course from the third perspective.
• Students must also complete the 2-credit course GES 4800 - Sustainability Seminar , which provides an overview of sustainability principles as well as an opportunity for an in-depth group project that contributes to improved local sustainability.  The seminar culminates in a public presentation at the end of the semester.
• Special topics courses, internships, independent studies or other courses that are not listed below may qualify for credit in the minor by consent of the Director of the Sustainable Development Minor. Students may double count up to nine credit hours between a major and the Sustainable Development Minor. Such double counting is permitted for at most one major and one stand-alone minor pair. Coursework applied toward a minor may also be applied toward general education requirements.

Course Requirements