Department of Sustainable Development

Jennifer Westerman, Chair

The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees in Sustainable Development emerge from the United Nations’ mandate to engender “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In practice, sustainable development prepares students to engage in the social, economic, and environmental transformations necessary to create thriving, equitable, and sustainable communities within an ecologically healthy world. The required core is designed to familiarize students with principles and practices of sustainability found in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The degree aims to prepare students to think critically and constructively about the practices of sustainable development and to have the knowledge and skills necessary to build a sustainable future. The study of sustainable development provides a strong preparation in sustainability for those who wish to pursue graduate work or wish to address sustainability in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Honors Program in Sustainable Development

The Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development offers an honors program to undergraduate students with distinguished academic records and interests. In order to graduate with Honors in Sustainable Development, students must (a) complete 3 hours of honors thesis (SD 4510) under the guidance of a Sustainable Development faculty advisor; (b) complete an additional 6 credits of honors courses as described below; (c) earn a grade of “B” or higher in all honors classes; and (d) earn a cumulative GPA at graduation of 3.45 in all Sustainable Development classes.

In addition to the senior honors thesis (SD 4510), all honors students must complete 6 credits of honors work. These credits can be earned by taking honors-designated classes in the Department of Sustainable Development, by negotiating an honors contract for Sustainable Development courses at the 2000 level and above, and, with advance permission from an SD advisor, by taking Sustainable Development-related honors courses in other departments.

For admission into the honors program, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in all coursework and must complete a departmental application to the honors program. Transfer students without a GPA at Appalachian State University should provide a transcript from their previous institution.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Arts

Sustainable Development - Environmental Studies Concentration, BA

Minor

Sustainable Development Minor

Courses

Sustainable Development