Global Sustainability, Policy & Justice
The Global Sustainability, Policy & Justice concentration is a course of social science study for students interested in examining issues of sustainability that focuses on the societal experiences, political and economic factors, and justice implications of environmental challenges. Students explore the means of addressing these challenges at home, in other countries, and through international agreements. Students with this major generally aspire to careers in environmental advocacy, consulting, corporate responsibility, law, management, public policy, green design, and urban planning. The curriculum provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of graduate and professional degrees as well for the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps.
Global Sustainability, Policy & Justice Concentration: example course plan (first 3 semesters)
This is an example course plan based on the 2023-2024 University Catalog; your actual
schedule may deviate from this example. Your faculty advisor will work with you to
select appropriate courses.
As an IWU student, it is your responsibility to track your progress each semester
towards completing graduation requirements using the MyIWU degree audit tool.
Year 1
Fall Semester
- ENST 100 Environment & Society (AV)
- Gateway Colloquium
- General Education Course
- Second Language Course
- Physical Education (PEX)
Spring Semester
- BIOL/ENST 120 Ecology & Environment Problems (LSI)
- One ES course from approved lists designated as:
- US Requirement
- Environmental Justice Requirement
- General Education Course (or Gateway if not completed in the Fall semester)
- Second Language Course
- Physical Education (PEY)
May Term
- Optional
Year 2
Fall Semester
- ENST 230 Earth Systems Science (PSL) (or Spring, depending on when offered)
- One ES course from approved list designated as:
- US Requirement
- Environmental Justice Requirement
- International Requirement
- Economics/Development Requirement
- General Education Course
- Second Language Course
- Physical Education (PEY)
Additional Information for Spring Semester
- During the 4th semester (Spring of Year 2) Global Sustainability, Policy, and Justice majors are encouraged to take a course that fulfills the Methods requirement for the major. Students should also consider taking one course from the approved list designated as International Politics requirement or Economics/Development requirement for the major.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad and should consult with the Director of the Environmental Studies Program to decide on a case-by-case basis which semester(s) would be most appropriate.
Additional Information
- Though BIOL 101-102 is not required for the Nature and Society concentration or the Global Sustainability, Policy & Justice concentration, students should enroll in BIOL 101-102 their first year if they are, or may be, interested in focusing their major in the scientific study of the environment. Due to course sequencing, without taking the introductory biology sequence (BIOL 101-102) in the first year, it is impossible later in their undergraduate career to pursue the Ecology Concentration.