愛荷華大學(xué)

Learning Outcomes

Sustainability science graduates will be able to:

understand the complex processes that connect humans to natural systems;
analyze the potential impact of decisions given competing information, perceptions, and goals; and
communicate the importance of sustainability science and management to leaders and the public.

Overview

The National Academy of Science defines sustainability sciences as " an emerging field dealing with the interactions between natural and social systems, and with how those interactions affect the challenge of sustainability: meeting the needs of present and future generations while substantially reducing poverty and conserving the planet's life support systems.” The sustainability science major at the University of Iowa is built on an integrative curriculum, with course work in the social, natural, and analytical disciplines, thereby providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to help build a more sustainable future in Iowa, the United States, and around the world. The program offers students relevant real-world experiences such as study abroad and community outreach, as well as an academically rigorous curriculum.

The Bachelor of Science with a major in sustainability science requires a minimum of 120 s.h., including at least 68-71 s.h. of work for the major. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 for the major and in all UI courses for the major.

In Iowa, challenges associated with water quality, habitat diversity, air quality, a changing climate, and struggling rural communities have been recognized for many years. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to have a positive impact on social, economic, and environmental goals through renewable energy, reconnection of the farm with the community, and the development of more sustainable urban infrastructure, among other ways. A knowledgeable workforce is needed to address such challenges as well as to capitalize on these related opportunities.

Sustainability science provides a solid foundation for careers in fields related to sustainability while giving students the needed preparation to continue their studies in professional or graduate programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with training in the environmental area is projected to grow by 11 percent between the years 2014 and 2024, faster than the national average. Sustainability science provides entry into these and related careers, such as urban and regional planning (projected growth of 6 percent, as fast as average); conservation (projected growth of 7 percent, as fast as average); and geospatial technologies (projected growth of 29 percent, much faster than the national average).