Academic Programs and Certificates

Minor in Ethics and Sustainability

The undergraduate minor in Ethics and Sustainability draws on the expertise and critical thinking of faculty across the campus in all three schools. Minoring in Ethics and Sustainability provides students with knowledge and tools to understand and critically assess environments, materials, economics, aesthetics, philosophical concepts, social responsibility, and the impact of actions.The minor is designed to facilitate understanding of the interrelatedness of topics, information, and applications related to ethics and sustainability. For questions contact Anna Blume ([email protected]), Evelyn Rynkiewicz ([email protected]) or your academic advisor.

Sustainable Materials and Technology Minor 

The Sustainable Materials and Technology minor provides an understanding of the different kinds of challenges faced by our society, and teaches students how to apply fundamental scientific knowledge and practice to help solve real-world problems. The minor offers engaging courses that tackle issues touching on the three pillars of sustainability—social, economic, and environmental—and the tools needed to build truly sustainable solutions. The foundation of scientific and technical information, tools, an understanding of materials, and critical thinking helps students see themselves as an active part of the changes needed to make an impact locally and globally. Students will be exposed to new technologies and materials with the potential to mitigate the challenges faced worldwide, and offered opportunities to participate in projects with impact.For questions contact, Karen Pearson, Chair, Science and Math [email protected]

SC101: Biodesign - Innovation at the intersection of
science and design

Biodesign is an approach to design inclusive, sustainable futures which takes inspiration and tools from nature to create materials, systems, and technology in harmony with the natural world. This class gives students the opportunity to envision the future of biotechnology by providing a foundation in biology, biomimicry, and sustainability science, and to envision solutions to current and future challenges of our global society. The final assessment for the course will be a group project to develop a novel biodesign concept or product. Offered in the Spring Semester.  Please contact: [email protected]

Noncredit Certificate

Sustainable Design Entrepreneur gives design entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, and access to resources they need to build a viable business based on sustainable design practices.