CCU now offers certificate of sustainability program
Jamie Jones, a 2014 CCU graduate in interdisciplinary studies, was instrumental in developing the sustainability certificate program as her final senior project. The certificate program is open to all undergraduate students and members of the community and requires 15 to 17 credit hours including two required courses, Introduction to Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Capstone. Students can select two to three electives in their field as a part of the certificate.
"I feel it is the responsibility of our education system to provide the knowledge necessary to inspire and prepare students for the future of our inevitably changing world," said Jones. "While many think of sustainability as just conserving the environment, it is actually a much larger discipline involving aspects of economics, politics and social development. Our goal is to introduce students to these other facets of sustainability as well. From business to education and everything in between, sustainability is a discipline that affects all fields of study and all walks of life."
Although Jones graduated before she could see the final approval, CCU professor Pamela Martin, Nelljean Rice, dean of University College, and Jennifer Sellers, sustainability coordinator, worked to complete and implement the program.
"This certificate is the perfect complement to any major at CCU," said Martin, professor of politics. "It provides scientific and policy analysis with real world, hands-on training for students focused on careers that will solve our greatest challenge of the 21st century -- sustaining our planet for today and for tomorrow's generations."
"Sustainability continues to be a growing field," said Sellers. "The certificate program encourages students to critically analyze their chosen fields and add a valuable perspective and knowledge of sustainability." For more information about the Certificate in Sustainability, call 843-349-2934, email sustain@coastal.edu or visit coastal.edu/uc/