Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies

The Sustainability Studies major focuses on the relationship between human beings (both individually and collectively) and the natural world. In keeping with the liberal arts mission of the College, the Sustainability Studies major is committed to both interdisciplinary and experiential explorations of sustainable development and sustainability—the challenge of meeting needs of the present (such as health, energy, food, shelter, and transportation) while ensuring a viable world for future generations. The mission of the program is to prepare students for positions of leadership in sustainable development and studies, ‘through an informed and dynamic leadership model in sustainability and environmental citizenship.’

Increasingly, the issues of most pressing national and global need are found within the areas of sustainable development and sustainability—the challenge of meeting the needs of the present (such as health, energy, food, shelter, and transportation) while ensuring a viable world for future generations.  Issues of sustainable economic development (e.g. ecotourism, energy independence), maintenance of healthy communities (e.g. water quality, green space design), and environmental conservation (e.g. habitat connectivity) loom large and increasingly offer employment and graduate program opportunities to students. 

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies

The interdisciplinary major in Sustainability Studies consists of a minimum of 37 semester hours including:

• Sustainability Studies 100 - Introduction to Sustainability Studies, to be completed by the end of sophomore year
• Sustainability Studies 397 - Senior Seminar
• Hospitality and Tourism Management 260 - Tourism Development

Ten (or more) semester hours of Natural Science courses chosen from:

• Biology 100 or Biology 101 and 102 - Basic Biology or Principles of Biology I and II
• Chemistry 108 or Chemistry 120 and 122 - Basic Chemistry I or Fundamentals of Chemistry I and II
• Environmental Science 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science
• Environmental Science 230 - Geographic Information Systems

Nine semester hours of Humanities courses chosen from:

• English 151 - Appalachian Literature
• English 155 - American Nature Writers
• English 211 - Environmental Writing
• History 217 - Environmental History

Nine semester hours of Social Science courses chosen from:

• Economics 211 - Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• Psychology 211 - Conservation Psychology
• Sociology 220 - Appalachian Cultures and Traditions
• Sociology 237 - Ecological Thought

In addition, 15 community service hours (working and/or volunteer hours per semester with campus and/or local organizations that pursue sustainable initiatives).

Minor in Sustainability Studies

A minor in Sustainability Studies requires 18 hours, including Sustainability Studies 100 and at least one course taken from each of the natural sciences, humanities and social science categories described within the major.

The Center for Sustainability Studies planted three heritage apple trees between Halliehurst and Benedum Hall to provide future produce for
dining services. Shown here
are CSS Director Russ McClain, intern Becky Hill, ’11, CSS Office Manager Connie Townsend, and intern Kevin Chesser, ’09.

Budding artists from the Elkins Montessori School enjoyed painting pickets in the Fifth Ward Community Garden. Great idea organized by Becky Hill, '11.

The Davis & Elkins College Center for Sustainability Studies and the Randolph County Solid Waste Authority will be partnering to help you clear out unwanted electronic items with a special E-Cycling event.