Minor in Sustainability

Students in the minor program are required to take SUST 1001 Introduction to Sustainability, at least one course in each of the four pillars (below), and at least 3 credits in experiential learning. At least 6 credits must be at the 2000 level or above, e.g., SUST 3096 Research in Sustainability or SUST 3097 Culminating Experience in Sustainability and one pillar course. At least 9 credits, e.g., SUST 1001, and SUST 3096 or SUST 3097, and one pillar course, must be unique to the minor and cannot be double-counted to fulfill the requirements of another major and/or minor program. The unique course requirement does not apply to SEAS students, who are governed by their school's policy regarding unique/double-counting course requirements with the minor program.

Pillars

• Pillar I: Sustainable Ecosystems — Earth Sciences and Public Health
• Pillar II: Sustainable Economies — Business, Markets, Technology, and Trade
• Pillar III: Sustainable Communities — Culture, Politics, and Society
• Pillar IV: Sustainable Practices — Leadership, Values, Norms, and Behaviors

The experiential learning experience is required as a capstone for the minor. Students may fulfill this requirement in their junior or senior year through directed research, fieldwork, an internship (paid or unpaid), or community service. Students may enroll in either SUST 3096 or SUST 3097 to fulfill the requirement. Successful completion of SUST 1001 and approval of the Program Director are required prior to enrollment in SUST 3096 and SUST 3097.

Each semester, GW departments and programs offer special topics courses that may fulfill the pillar requirement. Topics relevant to the concentration must be approved by the Program Director prior to enrollment. Consult the Schedule of Classes for topics offered.

With prior approval of the Program Director, courses taken in study abroad programs may be used to fulfill one of the pillar requirements.