Bachelor in Sustainability

The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability is an interdisciplinary degree program within the College of Arts and Sciences. Sustainability examines the interrelated environmental, political, economic, and social issues and problems facing our society at local, regional, and global scales. The degree will prepare students to engage with these issues in their workplace and in their community, so that collaborative solutions can be found. The curriculum is designed to educate, train, and prepare students for future careers in diverse fields focusing on the environment, energy, climate change, public policy, transportation, and urban and regional planning. The degree also serves as a foundation for students wishing to pursue graduate training in affiliated fields of study.

A brief overview of the program is available in this brochure.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with the Bachelor in Sustainability will be able to:

  • Understand, conceptualize and analyze sustainability problems and issues in a holistic way;
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the basic concepts in sustainability, and the disciplines that can assist with real‐world problem solving;
  • Evaluate the role of social institutions and the political, legal, and cultural frameworks for sustainability;
  • Acquire methods and techniques to explore and analyze issues that cross disciplinary boundaries;
  • Understand ethical perspectives for issues related to sustainability;
  • Obtain practical experience through a required sustainability‐related internship
  • Develop skills that will facilitate creative, innovative, and workable solutions to sustainability problems

Students enrolled in the sustainability program are encouraged to contribute to the Sustainability Council’s efforts to explore sustainable solutions for UofL and our community. The UPA Horticulture Zone is a demonstration area to show students and citizens many examples of how we all can be more sustainable while living in the city. More information about the UofL Sustainability Council can be found here.

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability requires completion of a minimum of 121 credit hours to graduate, which includes the Cardinal Core requirements, College of Arts and Sciences requirements, Sustainability major requirements, Sustainability track requirements, and free electives.

For detailed information on the sustainability internship course (SUST 404), please see the internship handbook.

For detailed information on the courses available and required within the curriculum, consult the UofL Undergraduate Catalog.

Concentration Tracks

Students will choose one of the following concentration tracks for further training and focus: Sustainable Societal and Urban Systems (SUS), Policy and Governance in Sustainability (PGS), or Sustainable Societies (SS). Each track requires 6 credit hours (2 courses). Students may also construct their own track, with the approval of the program director.

Concentration in Sustainable Societal and Urban Systems (SUS)
This track will train students for careers in research, planning, and management of society’s social, built, and ecological systems. Students taking this track will view sustainability problems holistically, from a systems perspective, and learn to identify, implement, monitor, and evaluate sustainable processes and practices at the scale of neighborhoods, cities, and regions. This specialization will prepare students for careers in such areas a sustainable infrastructure (e.g., transportation, utilities, buildings); planning (e.g., communication, design, land use); and urban development/resource management.

Concentration in Policy and Governance in Sustainability (PGS)
This track will be focused on training students for careers in sustainable development policy formulation and implementation, human governance (e.g., public administration), as well as community organizing and grassroots political leadership. Students completing this track will gain understanding of major issues in environmental governance, politics, policy, and decision making at multiple scales (i.e., local, state, regional, national, and international). They will also receive balanced trained in built and natural environments, with special emphasis on economic and social development in urban contexts.

Concentration in Sustainable Societies (SS)
This track will be focused on training students for careers in community engagement and direct urban management. This track will provide skills for interaction and helping citizens at an individual and community level to ensure a sustainable urban environment.

For information on the courses required for each track, consult the UofL Undergraduate Catalog.

Admissions

Admission to the Bachelor in Sustainability major requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. To apply for the Sustainability major, visit the the Arts and Sciences Advising Center. If you are a new student wishing to apply to the University of Louisville, please click the link below:



Tuition/Financial Aid

Full tuition information for University of Louisville students is here. The University offers a variety of financial supports for eligible undergraduate students. Interested students should visit the Student Financial Aid Office for more information.

Contact

Matthew H. Ruther, Ph.D., Program Director
Phone: (502) 852-8151
Email: matthew.ruther@louisville.edu