Sustainability, Minor

Sonoma State’s Sustainability Minor is designed to provide a holistic perspective into sustainable development. To achieve this, the minor is transdisciplinary. All students take Society, Environment and Sustainable Development (GEP 206) which provides an examination of different ways of thinking about sustainable development such as commons, markets, and political economy. The course then examines different resources which are not being used sustainably, and discusses more sustainable ways to utilize resources. Students will also take four courses focused upon environmental systems, stewardship, and justice—at least one course from each of these categories. These courses are hosted by thirteen different departments with the intention of offering students the opportunity to learn about sustainable development across departments. The course options include more advanced courses in many of these departments. Several of the included “majors courses” some have prerequisites, but most options do not. These classes allow students to integrate their degree with the Sustainability Minor. Many of the courses included in the Minor also satisfy General Education requirements.

For students interested in learning about and/or working in careers which include creating more sustainable and just human-environment inter-relationships, this minor provides important perspectives and skills. The Minor requires a minimum of 17 units.