Members of the Sustainability Living Learning Community (LLC) take notes and soil samples during a soils lab at Hidden Falls Park.

Sustainability

We face a wide range of environmental opportunities and challenges. A minor in sustainability at the University of St. Thomas will prepare you to examine complex issues between people and the environment, ultimately giving you the skills, insights and experience needed to work effectively toward a sustainable future.

Why Study Sustainability at St. Thomas?

We face complex environmental challenges every day. Our program allows you to choose from a range of sustainability-designated courses, customizing the minor to fit your interests and goals. Whether you choose to explore conservation biology or examine the history of environmental thought, our interdisciplinary program will give you the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a fulfilling and fast-paced career.

Examining Problems From Multiple Perspectives

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Internships and Research
  • Course Requirements

    All sustainability minors are required to complete a foundational course focusing on environmental problems and sustainable solutions. From there, your coursework will match your interests with classes in environmental economics, environmental communication, urban ecosystem ecology, human geography, oceanography and environmental ethics.

    Four-Year Plan

    Required: ENVR 151 Environmental Problems and Sustainable Solutions (4 credits)
    Plus 16 credits from Sustainability-designated (SUST) courses.
    No more than 8 credits in this minor can be from any single discipline.
    Eight (8) credits must be at the 200 level or higher.

    Because our program is interdisciplinary and flexible, we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Sustainability

    Internships and Research

    Many students work closely on real-world projects with community partners such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    All sustainability minors are required to complete a foundational course focusing on environmental problems and sustainable solutions. From there, your coursework will match your interests with classes in environmental economics, environmental communication, urban ecosystem ecology, human geography, oceanography and environmental ethics.

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    Required: ENVR 151 Environmental Problems and Sustainable Solutions (4 credits)
    Plus 16 credits from Sustainability-designated (SUST) courses.
    No more than 8 credits in this minor can be from any single discipline.
    Eight (8) credits must be at the 200 level or higher.

    Because our program is interdisciplinary and flexible, we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Sustainability

    Internships and Research

    Internships and Research

    Many students work closely on real-world projects with community partners such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
    Two workers discuss the placement of solar powered panels.

    Career Paths

    We give you the tools you need to succeed in a variety of careers and industries. Here are a few paths our alumni have followed after graduating from St. Thomas.

    • Park Naturalist
    • Environmental Journalist
    • Environmental Economist
    • Urban and Regional Planner
    • Corporate Sustainability Officer
    • Geographic Information Specialist

    Oh, the Places You Will Go

    You have access to numerous opportunities for mentorship, research and more with our program.

    $200,000

    St. Thomas has received $200,000 in student-led grants for various sustainability initiatives on-campus.

    Community Partnerships

    We partner on a variety of projects with organizations like the Nature Conservancy and Great River Greening.

    Collaborative Research

    Faculty are always eager to get you involved with what they are studying.
    Students on the grand stairway in Shoenecker Center

    Schoenecker Center

    The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new spaces for Sustainability students, including our Water & Environmental Engineering Lab and the Earth, Environment & Society department offices.

    Take the Next Step​

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.