The practice of sustainability isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also an important part of business. Whether it’s through recycling, alternative energy, environmentally friendly material science, or other initiatives, organizations and governments are all working hard to become more green in their business operations.
The Sustainability Science Major gives students a foundation in the science of sustainability combined with an understanding of business principles and practices at organizations that are looking to incorporate this important business function into their operations. The curriculum ensures that students will understand not only earth’s environmental systems, but also how they relate to business and societal activity — an approach that stands out among primarily science-based programs. The major is excellent preparation for students interested in a career path that requires them to consider environmental, economic, and societal sustainability in corporate decision-making.
Through this major, students will gain real-world skills through required field experience in environmental science, as well as a capstone project or internship.
For further information about degree requirement policies and guidelines, see the Degree Requirements page.
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| NAS 140 | Energy and The Environment | 4 |
| or NAS 145 | Principles of Geology | |
| or NAS 160 | Environmental Chemistry | |
| NAS 150 | Environmental Science and Sustainability | 4 |
| NAS 345 | Science of Sustainability | 3 |
| NAS 348 | Global Climate Change | 3 |
| Select two or three of the following: | 6 to 9 | |
| Environmental Economics | ||
| Global Health Challenges | ||
| Water and the Environment | ||
| Water Quality | ||
| Ecology: Principles and Applications | ||
| Global Climate Change | ||
| Energy Alternatives | ||
| Industrial Ecology | ||
| No more than one of the three electives can come from the following list: | 0 to 3 | |
| Globalization | ||
| The Developing World | ||
| Environmental Law | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Environmental Psychology | ||
| Field Experience - Select one: | 3 | |
| Coastal Geology of Cape Cod | ||
| Water and the Environment | ||
| Coastal Biology of Cape Cod | ||
| Senior Capstone Experience | 3 | |
| Research in Natural and Applied Sciences | ||
or NAS 420 | Internship in Natural and Applied Sciences | |
| Total Credits | 29 | |
General Degree Requirements
Foundations for Success (15 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FDS 100 | Falcon Discovery Seminar | 3 |
| Communications and Writing | ||
| Select one from: | ||
| EMS 101 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
| or EMS 101L | Critical Reading and Writing with Lab | |
| or EMS 102 | Critical Reading and Writing for ESOL | |
| or EMS 102L | Critical Reading and Writing for ESOL with Lab | |
| And one from: | ||
| EMS 104 | Multimodal Communication | 3 |
| or EMS 105 | Multimodal Communication for ESOL | |
| Information Technology | ||
| CS 100 | Solving Business Problems with Information Technology | 3 |
| Mathematical Sciences | ||
| Select one from: | ||
| MA 105 | Mathematical Foundations for Business | 3 |
| or MA 105L | Mathematical Foundations for Business with Lab | |
| or MA 107 | Applied Calculus for Business | |
| or MA 107L | Applied Calculus for Business with Lab | |
| or MA 131 | Calculus I | |
| or MA 131L | Calculus I with Lab | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Context and Perspectives (18 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students must take six courses, one in each category of Context and Perspectives: | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Business Dynamics/Business Administration Minor (18 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All courses are required: | ||
| AC 115 | Introduction to Financial Reporting and Analysis | 3 |
| EC 111 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| FI 118 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| LA 100 | Business Law | 3 |
| MG 116 | Human Dynamics in Organizations | 3 |
| ST 113 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Communication Intensive
All students are required to take a three-credit course designated as a Communication Intensive. This requirement can be met within a variety of course subjects in both Arts & Sciences and Business. Communication Intensive courses are designated with a "CI" in the course schedule. Transfer students with a minimum of 30 credits will be waived from the Communication Intensive requirement.
Please note that certain majors have an additional three-credit Communication Intensive built into their major requirements, separate from the general CI requirement.
Additional Requirements
Modern Language Requirement (6 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Two Modern Language courses (must be two semesters of the same language, regardless of proficiency level) | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Unrestricted Electives (36 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 elective courses | 36 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |