Sustainability Minor

Otis offers minors as defined course sequences, exploring a specific theme, topic or discipline that students may pursue alongside their major.

Sustainability Minor
Recognizing the innovative role artists and designers can play in solving pressing challenges, the Sustainability Minor provides students with a broad understanding of the social, political, economic and environmental issues impacting the future of humanity and our planet. Students will study and develop strategies and systems, as applicable to art and design, which can meet the needs of current generations without compromising those of future generations. Courses fulfill requirements in Integrated Learning and Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as electives across all studio departments.

Curricular Requirements
The Sustainability Minor requires 13-20 credits of coursework in place of LAS and studio electives. Pursuing a minor does not require additional course work or degree requirements (for the 130 credits for the BFA).

			Credits
Sophomore Year	ILML200	Human Ecology	3.0
Junior Year	NSCI309	Science and Sustainable Design	3.0
		* Sustainability Elective	2.0
Sophomore - Senior Year		* Sustainability Elective	2.0 - 9.0
Senior Year	LIBS440	Sustainability Capstone	3.0

Total Credits (Depends on Major)			13.0 - 20.0

*A limited choice of IL, LAS and Studio courses in each department, including Continuing Education, will count towards the Sustainability Minor electives, as determined each semester by the Interdisciplinary Studies Director and Department Chairs. The total of elective units must include a minimum of four studio units.

Download one of the following PDFs to see how the Sustainability requirements fit into your chosen major:

for students who entered Otis as Freshman in 2010-2011 (class of 2014):
Sustainability Minor 2010-11

Participating Departments
This minor is open to students in all majors, although Fashion Design and Toy Design majors must take studio electives in their home departments.

Eligibility and Enrollment Requirements
Students must be in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to pursue a minor. Students may apply for a minor during registration for either the first or second semester of the sophomore year. Under limited circumstances, students may begin a minor in the first semester of the junior year. To do so, a student must have permission from his or her Department Chair, the Director of the Minor area, and the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies. Students will be allowed to register for courses on a space-available basis. Space availability in courses is not guaranteed, but registering early will significantly increase the chances of getting elective classes.

The Application Process
Students need to complete an application form, available on the Interdisciplinary Studies home page and at the Registration Office. The application includes a statement written by the student that describes their reasons for pursuing a minor. The student’s Department Chair, the Director of the Minor area, and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies must approve the application.

Transfer Students
Transfer students who apply for and are approved to pursue a minor upon entering the College need to fulfill degree program requirements through an appropriate combination of transfer courses and courses completed at Otis. Transfer students must be in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0, upon entering the College to be eligible for pursuing a Minor.

Sustainability Resources

Library Pathfinder for Sustainability
Sustainability at Otis

Sustainability Elective Course Proposals (for faculty)
Faculty Interested in proposing new courses, or taggings existing courses as Sustainability Electives must complete the Sustainability Checklist and submit it to the Interdisciplinary Studies Director. (Doc)

InterStudies_Sustain_T
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