In the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies degree program, you'll take courses that combine geoscience, environmental, social and humanities research methods that involve geospatial analysis, mapping, development practice and community engagement.
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Program Overview
Program Delivery: On-campus
Sustainability Studies prepares you to solve global challenges using critical systems thinking and a vision of peace, human rights, promoting cultures of resilience and sustainability and advancing sustainable development in Appalachia and globally.
Career pathways include:
- Local, Regional and International Development
- Disaster/Humanitarian Relief Assessment and Advocacy
- Social Studies Education
- Urban/Regional Planning
- Environmental, Energy, Labor or International Law
- Journalism
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Public Health
- International Diplomacy
- Professional/Academic Geography
Areas of Emphasis
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Environmental Studies
To prepare for a career that deals with environmental impacts, assessment, geohazards and climate change.
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GIS Methods
To prepare for a career using up-to-date mapping technologies and locate resources.
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Sustainable Development
To prepare for a career in planning and development that deals with climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution which also maintains resources for future generations.
Opportunities
- On-site WVGIS Technical Center with competitive paid internships.
- Partnerships with Halliburton and ArcGIS – ESRI.
- Access to the Undergraduate Resource Room, a study lounge with resources just for our majors.
- You'll work with one adviser throughout your undergraduate studies.
- Weekly updates with job postings, internships, on-campus resources and departmental events.
- Conduct research and participate in meaningful activities with a focus on sustainability in our faculty labs.
- Opportunities to present at conferences.
- Four computer labs with ArcGIS, plus the web version of ArcGIS is on all WVU Library computers.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities
Find a community where you can live with others who share your interests. You will have opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and professionals in areas aligned with your LLC's emphasis. Learn more about WVU Living Learning Communities.
ProfOrgs and Assistantships
Professional Organizations
Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:
Internships and Assistantships
Internships and Assistantships
- Center for Resilient Communities' Sustainable Development Internship Program
- WVGIS Technical Center (on-site at WVU) competitive-paid internships
Research and Opportunities
Opportunities for research and further study are available in:
- International Development
- Economic Development
- Social Justice
- Food Justice
- Environmental Justice
- Sustainable Development
Additional academic experiences include:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Study abroad programs
- Field trips (local and out-of-state)
- Field experience
- Volunteer work
Coursework
In this program you can:
- Collaborate with faculty mentors
- Use powerful mapping and analytics software in your classes
- Gain research experience
- Work with the West Virginia GIS Technical Center
You will learn to:
- Understand Earth systems and society relations and their relevance to address sustainability challenges.
- Describe the cultural diversity and complexity of human-environment relationships.
- Analyze the spatial dimensions and impacts of political and economic activities.
- Compare different approaches to social and environmental justice.
- Evaluate the local, regional, national, and global contributions to sustainability by key agents and institutions.
- Collect, analyze, evaluate, and visualize data to enable evidence-based decision-making for sustainable futures.
- Communicate clearly and effectively in written, oral, graphical, and cartographic form about social, environmental, and sustainability issues to audiences of diverse backgrounds.
You will also be well prepared for admission to graduate and professional schools.
Featured Courses
Explore Career Paths
As a Sustainability Studies major you will stand out to employers because of your specialization in geospatial analysis, mapping, development practice, community engagement, and your abilities to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage in original research.
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Career Options
Many graduates pursue careers or graduate study in:
- Environmental Consulting
- Land Reclamation
- Environmental Impact Studies
- Policy Analysis
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Division of Natural Resources
- National and State Parks
- Mapping/GIS
- Leidos
- US Government
- Local Government
- US Army Corps of Engineers
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Who's Hiring Our Grads
- Leidos
- Range Resources
- US Park Service
- US Government
- State and Local Governments
- NGOs
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Environmental Consulting Firms
- USGS