Program Details
Program Details
Back to top
Bachelor of Science
Virginia Wesleyan University
Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management
Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of Science in Sustainability Management
Virginia Wesleyan University
The Sustainability Management major prepares students to utilize their knowledge of the functional areas of business and management to help organizations both adopt and achieve the goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The major employs a multi-disciplinary approach whereby students will learn not only the scientific principles undergirding sustainable business practices but also the philosophical underpinnings of the global need for sustainability and the various regulatory approaches for achieving it. In addition to significant coursework in a variety of academic disciplines, students will synthesize their studies through a senior-level experience entailing either further coursework with an internship or a sustainability-focused Study Away experience.
Outcomes
1) Students will be able to understand fundamental principles of environmental science, economics, and the functional areas of business underlying sustainability. (Technical Knowledge) 2) Students will recognize the interconnectedness of ecological, economic, social/cultural, legal/political, and organizational environments. (Systems Orientation) 3) Students will be able to use various measuring/monitoring systems utilized for organizational sustainability reporting and evaluation. (Accountability Techniques) 4) Students will demonstrate competence in oral communication. (Oral Communication) 5) Students will demonstrate competence in written communication. (Written Communication) 6) Students will be able to apply problem solving skills to generate solutions to a complex sustainability problem. (Problem Solving Skills) 7) Students will collaborate effectively with others as part of a group project. (Collaboration)
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
The Sustainability Management major prepares students to utilize their knowledge of the functional areas of business and management to help organizations both adopt and achieve the goals of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The major employs a multi-disciplinary approach whereby students will learn not only the scientific principles undergirding sustainable business practices but also the philosophical underpinnings of the global need for sustainability and the various regulatory approaches for achieving it. In addition to significant coursework in a variety of academic disciplines, students will synthesize their studies through a senior-level experience entailing either further coursework with an internship or a sustainability-focused Study Away experience.
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no additional requirements for this program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Courses prepare students for work in business, earth & environmental sciences, environmental studies, mathematics, philosophy, or political science. |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 32 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
BS in Sustainability Management
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 32 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
General Education Requirements
52
Wesleyan Seminar
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Transfer students may have seminar I and/or II waived pending credits transferred.
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth Requirements
24
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Courses must be completed from 6 different departments and must be outside your major department.
Breadth: Creative Arts
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Upper-Level Humanities
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Mathematical Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Natural Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong or WattsSPS)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
English Composition
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
English 001 may be required prior to ENG 105. A grade of C or better is required in ENG 105.
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Options for satisfying the language requirement can be found at https://www.vwu.edu/academics/general-education/foreign-language-proficiency.php . Students with prior language experience, transfer students, and evening/weekend students are encouraged to review the options. Students satisfying the language requirement through other options will complete these 12 credit hours through completion of other courses related to their program plans.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Major Requirements
60
Economics
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Environmental Geology with Lab
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Trip Bot Line Acct
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Intro Financial Mgmt
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Intro Stats
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Prin of Mgmt
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Calculus
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Environmental Ethics
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Energy & the Envmt
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Environ Policy Analys
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MBE Elective
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Topics in Sustainability
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
BIO/EES Elective
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Intr/Field Exp/Research
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Electives
10
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete credits to fulfill the 128 semester hours of academic coursework. Elective courses may be taken in any subject matter or discipline to complete the required elective credits. They provide an opportunity to explore freely across the richness of the liberal arts curriculum at Virginia Wesleyan. Students may choose to complete a minor or a second major.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Wesleyan University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an associate of arts, associate of fine arts, or associate of science will enter Virginia Wesleyan with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with conferred Associate's degrees get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework.They are not exempted from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credit is considered on the basis of an official transcript or transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Virginia Wesleyan University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the transfer evaluation of credit are recorded on the student’s “Transfer Evaluation Report†on WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Virginia Wesleyan University grade point average. Amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credits are awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and that are comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Virginia Wesleyan University. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
For the Fall 2020 recruitment cycle, 63% of transfer applicants were admitted. Average GPA 3.06
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | First year students who do not have parents in the local 7 cities are required to live on campus. Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 24. Average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date as to when a student needs to let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early so they can take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Science Environmental Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Arts Environmental and Sustainability Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19-2041.01 | Climate Change Policy Analysts | Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
| 19-1031.00 | Conservation Scientists | Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-2041.02 | Environmental Restoration Planners | Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 25-1053.00 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-4042.00 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-2041.00 | Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-2041.03 | Industrial Ecologists | Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 19-1031.03 | Park Naturalists | Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-1031.02 | Range Managers | Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3099.00 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | All social scientists and related workers not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3099.01 | Transportation Planners | Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3051.00 | Urban and Regional Planners | Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete