Study Sustainability in Alaska, where trends in culture and ecology shape economies worldwide
Drawing on Alaska’s cultural and ecological diversity, your BA in Sustainability Studies
is a transdisciplinary degree that explores the relationship among people, planet and prosperity.
You’ll investigate local, regional and global trends in topics like climate change, sustainable fisheries and resource extraction – issues that form Alaska today and influence the triple bottom line worldwide. Sustainability Studies at APU emphasizes hands-on learning that takes you into the field, where you’ll gain problem-solving ability that you can apply just about anywhere.
Awarded by APU’s Liberal Studies Department, the Sustainability Studies BA combines a core curriculum with individualized study plans developed by you and your faculty mentor. You’ll pursue courses from throughout the university, exposing you to ways of knowing in arts and science, business, and Alaska Native studies, among others.
Broaden your perspective by enrolling in a Liberal Studies Travel Course for academic credit. Take part in an Eco League educational exchange for field work in ecosystems beyond Alaska.
Sustainability Studies examines change in terrestrial, marine and atmospheric environments. Learn to record, publicize and manage trends as you gain insight into research-based decisionmaking. Study among peers who value rigorous courses and transdisciplinary approaches to problem solving and critical thinking.
Your coursework in Sustainability Studies introduces you to state, local and federal agencies for a career network that’s in place before Graduation Day. Your junior practicum is applied learning in a real-world project. Working with your Sustainability Studies adviser, you’ll develop a senior project that showcases your intellectual curiosity and professional skills like project management, research, and oral and written communication.
Your BA in Sustainability Studies prepares you for advanced study as well as public and private sector careers in fields like environmental advocacy, consulting, teaching, ecology and law.
Sample courses in Sustainability Studies:
- SUS 24500 Sustainable Communities
Participants will be introduced to the field of environmental studies through a wide range of sustainability issues, including waste, energy, agriculture, water, development, and subsistence. Offered Fall. Competencies: II, EC, SR - SUS 22100 Green Global History
This course will integrate earth and human history with two emphases: on our unique ability to control, direct, and manipulate energy sources, from food to the hydrogen atom; and on the environmental consequences of this ability. While traditional history courses focus on human political and social aspects, this one goes further to recognize the ways in which environmental influences affect politics and society. Satisfies the Social/Behavioral Science GUR. Offered: Fall. Competencies: II, SR - SC40500 Environmental Ethics
Various perspectives and philosophies concerning the natural environment and resource utilization are explored in order to give the student a basis on which to develop his or her own ethical perspective. The human factor in addressing environmental issues is emphasized. Offered Fall/Spring. Competencies: CU; CWD; PS - SUS 41700 Environmental Justice: Politics and Poetics
This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of environmental justice by analyzing the movement’s theoretical frameworks and literature. The course provides students interested in sustainability, environmental science, advocacy, policy, writing, or literature an opportunity to learn how to conduct case study research and effectively participate in environmentally and socially conscious policy making. Offered Spring odd years. Competencies: II, EC, SR
