College of Letters and Science
Community Sustainability Degree
Major
DEVELOP AND LEAD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
The Community Sustainability degree at UW-Stevens Point is a new bachelor’s degree program, newly launched in Fall 2022. The major caters to science-focused students who want to put their knowledge to work in building and developing sustainable organizations or communities. The program complements existing sustainability degrees that center on resource management, food systems and education.
Do you want the skills and knowledge to lead environmental efforts for the 21st century? UW-Stevens Point led the development of a new major to integrate the social, ethical and political dimensions of environmental sciences with the tools to foster community change.
Why Study Community Sustainability at UW-Stevens Point?
Community Sustainability leverages robust skills in urban planning and policy, ethics, justice and organizational leadership. Students get the benefit of an interdisciplinary approach, with courses in environmental science (Geography), social inequality (Sociology), grant writing (English), environmental law (Political Science), and environmental ethics (Philosophy), giving them a thorough understanding of the field and the skills to make an impact in future careers.
Awards and Scholarships
The Department of Geography/Geology has established a program of awards to encourage, reward, and recognize student excellence in the department. Each award includes a certificate and cash award.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Students will gain a foundation in environmental science and climate change. In addition to the first 40 required core credits, students will choose an emphasis track of either Resilient Urban Systems and Policy or Environmental Justice and Community Engagement. Community Sustainability leverages robust skills in urban planning and policy, ethics, justice and organizational leadership. View major requirements here.
Several new courses, including Sustainability as a Profession, have been added to the fall course catalog in this key area of study.
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
You might consider volunteering, part-time, summer, internship or co-op experience in the field. Join a student group interested in eco-initiatives:
- UWSP Students for Sustainability invites speakers to present on impacts of our daily choices, tour local sustainable farms, and work to foster sustainable lifestyles.
- 350 Stevens Point is a chapter of an international organization called 350.org, focused on the fight for a fossil-free future and climate resiliency.
More student group opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).
Community Sustainability
Navigate Your Major
Major Maps help students map their first day to the first job in their chosen field. While a four-year plan outlines classes to get a degree, Major Maps help students learn how to build career-ready skills and experiences outside the classroom. Each Major Map shows how students can get the most of their UW-Stevens Point journey from enrollment to graduation and beyond. It’s a roadmap to discovering your purpose!
MEET YOUR FACULTY
Department faculty have training and interests in cartography, geographic information systems, climatology, geomorphology, hydrology, natural hazards, environmental science, and cultural, economic and urban geography. Meet your professors!
Samantha Kaplan
- Professor of Geography
- Global Affiliate Scholar – Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability
Neil Prendergast
- Associate Professor
- Coordinator, Environmental Studies Minor
715-346-2334
Chris Diehm
- Professor
- Department Chair in Philosophy
- Environmental Ethics Program Coordinator
- Environmental Studies Program Co-Coordinator
715-346-2334
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences