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Study Sustainability

Minor in sustainability to address the complex nature of environmental, economic, and social sustainability from a variety of perspectives.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Minor

Program Type

Minor

Credit Hours

20

Campus

Salem Campus

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Department Info
Three people standing near a pond with a brick building in the background.

Our Sustainability Minor

Through the courses required, students can build an understanding of how to create change and tackle complex issues. Learn about natural systems, understand economic and social impact, and gain the skills to create equity within your community. Our program offers students a way to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Why choose a Sustainability minor at Willamette? 

  • We embrace sustainability. We're not just talk, we offer a sustainability program that the entire school embraces. Join student groups, experience LEED-certified buildings, and enjoy campus dining that features local farms, ranches, and fisheries.
  • Willamette at Zena Forest. Conserve, restore, and enhance Willamette at Zena Forest's natural resources and ecosystems. From classroom projects to independent research, students gain hands-on experiences from the 305-acre property.
  • Student-led communities. If you need an introduction to sustainability, get involved with Community Action Fund for Equity and Sustainability. CAFES is a student-led program that provides funding that advances sustainability, equity, and social justice.

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Our Faculty
Our professors come from a variety of disciplines. They've published work, completed valuable research, and collaborated with students. Work with them on social justice initiatives or connect with them about real-world applications.
Joe Bowersox in Zena Forest

Curriculum

Issues like pollution, climate change, and sustainable development require skills in a variety of topics. Our course list covers biology, chemistry, environmental science, history, and communication. Peer through a spotting scope to observe wildlife on campus, use a mass spectrometer to evaluate the water quality of local rivers, or fly drones to map Willamette at Zena Forest.

  • IDS 214 Food Justice

    Dive into the world of food justice and sovereignty, blending theory with hands-on farm work and service learning. Partner with Marion Polk Foodshare on projects that connect you directly with local food systems that make a difference in the community.

  • ENVS 347 Earth's Climate

    Explore Earth’s climate history, learning how scientists use the rock record to reveal past climates. Dive into topics like geologic time, carbon cycles, Milankovitch cycles, and modern climate change, employing state-of-the-art models and proxies to forecast future trends.

Program Requirements

Students pursuing a Sustainability minor will need to complete 20 semester hours from four areas:

  • Area 1: Natural Systems
  • Area 2: Economic and Social Sustainability
  • Area 3: Equity and Community
  • Area 4: Graduate School Offerings

Students may not count more than two courses in any one area and may not count more than two courses with the same prefix.

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Admissions Information

Our Sustainability minor is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

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FAQs

Willamette University

Sustainability