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Courses and Curricula

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 that impact 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.

Learning Outcomes

Students enrolled in the Sustainability Minor will:
• Develop and articulate a meaningful connection between their studio art/design practice and sustainability concerns.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the practices, theories and science of sustainability.
• Become exposed to career opportunities for artists/designers who specialize in sustainability.
• Produce works of art and design that are sustainable, innovative, environmentally conscious, socially responsive and culturally relevant.

Eligibility

The Sustainability minor is open to all majors. Students must be on track in their major and in good academic standing, with no more than 6 credits behind and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. 

Required Courses (View Fall 2019 Schedule)
CAIL201 Human Ecology 3.0
NSCI305 Science and Sustainable Design 3.0
LIBS441 Sustainability Capstone* 3.0
  Sustainability electives** 6.0
Total Credits   15.0

*Fine Arts majors will take Sustainability Capstone in place of LAS Upper Division elective in order to also fulfill the Fine Arts Capstone/Senior Thesis requirement. 
**A minimum of 6 credits of Sustainability Electives are required, including at least 4 studio credits. A limited choice of CAIL, LAS and Studio courses offered by various major departments and Extension will count towards the Sustainability minor electives, as determined each semester by the Interdisciplinary Studies Director and Department Chairs.

Core Course Descriptions are listed in the Creative Action and Liberal Arts and Sciences sections of the Course Catalog.

Meet the Core Sustainability Faculty.
Download one of the following PDFs to see how the Sustainability minor requirements fit into your chosen major

For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2016-17 (class of 2020):
Sustainability Minor Academic Plan 16-17
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2017-18 (class of 2021):
Sustainability Minor Academic Plan 17-18
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2018-19 (class of 2022):
Sustainability Minor Academic Plan 18-19
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2019-20 (class of 2023):
Sustainability Minor Academic Plan 19-20
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation students in 2020-21 (class of 2024):
Sustainability Minor Academic Plan 20-21

Learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

Course Proposals

Faculty members who are interested in proposing new courses or designating existing courses as Sustainability Electives should email course proposals and learning outcomes to the Minor Area Head and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies.