Sustainability Studies, BA
Career pathways include:
- Local, Regional, and International Development
- Disaster/Humanitarian Relief Assessment and Advocacy
- Social Studies Education
- Urban/Regional Planning
- Environmental, Energy, Labor, or International Law
- Journalism
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Public Health
- International Diplomacy
- Professional/Academic Geography
Your Degree Plan
Introduction to International Development
GEOG 309
Introduction to key concepts of international development including theoretical overview, data visualization, and development planning. Students will participate in lectures, in-class discussions, and computer software training.
Applied International Development
GEOG 409
This course will provide students with background and training in international development planning and implementation. It will utilize lessons from real-world development planning scenarios and require students to work in teams to write planning documents using the course lectures and materials.
Rural and Regional Development
GEOG 411
An investigation into rural and regional development in developed and underdeveloped regions. The relationship between development theory and policy is explored.
Global Environmental Change
GEOG 415
A geographic analysis of the Earth system emphasizing the interdependence and feedback mechanisms of the hydrologic cycle, ecosystems, climate, and human activities.
Geographic Information Science: Applications
GEOG 452
GIS uses, needs, analysis, design and implementation. Operational institutional and management topics of GIS for planning, locational decision making in business, government and research contexts.
Sustainable Earth
SUST 101
Introduction to Earth system processes, human impacts on the environment, and sustainability. Both human and environmental sustainability are emphasized in topics related to Earth materials, climate change, the origin of landforms, natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and floods), sustainable energy, and water resources.
Global Sustainability
SUST 102
Focuses on how individuals, communities and institutions located in regions across the world are responding to the challenges of social, economic, and environmental change. Students study distinctive patterns of change in rural and urban areas as well as the response from institutions across scales from local to international levels. Students explore how individuals and organizations develop solutions to sustainability.
Digital Earth and GIS
SUST 250
Explores the concepts, principles and practices of acquiring, storing, analyzing, displaying, and using geospatial data and investigates the science behind geographic information systems and the techniques and methods GIS scientists and professionals use to generate data, answer questions and inform decision making. Explores the role of geospatial technologies in society and associated ethical practices.
Climate and Environmental Justice
SUST 402
Fosters a critical understanding of justice by examining the historical roots of climate and environmental inequalities worldwide. Why are some communities exposed to high levels of pollution and lack clean water while others enjoy lower environmental risks? Does inequality contribute to ecosystem degradation and climate change? What is the relationship between social and environmental justice and sustainability?
Environmental Studies
GIS Methods
Sustainable Development
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- On-site WVGIS Technical Center with competitive paid internships.
- Partnerships with Halliburton and ArcGIS – ESRI.
- Access to the Undergraduate Resource Room, a study lounge with resources just for our majors.
- You’ll work with 1 adviser throughout your undergraduate studies.
- Weekly updates with job postings, internships, on-campus resources, and departmental events.
- Conduct research and participate in meaningful activities with a focus on sustainability in our faculty labs.
- Opportunities to present at conferences.
- 4 computer labs with ArcGIS, plus the web version of ArcGIS is on all WVU Library computers.
- Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
- 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
- Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend, and enhance your academic experience.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Opportunities for research and further study are available in:
- International development
- Economic development
- Social justice
- Food justice
- Environmental justice
- Sustainable development
Additional academic experiences include:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
- Study abroad programs
- Field trips (local and out-of-state)
- Field experience
- Volunteer work
View all of the student organizations you can join.
- Center for Resilient Communities’ Sustainable Development Internship Program
- WVGIS Technical Center (on-site at WVU) competitive-paid internships
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Career options
Many graduates pursue careers or graduate study in:
- Environmental consulting
- Land reclamation
- Environmental impact studies
- Policy analysis
- Mapping/GIS
Where our graduates work
- NGOs
- State and local governments
- Non-profit organizations
- Environmental consulting firms
- EQT
- Consol Energy
- Leidos
- Range Resources
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Park Service
- U.S. government
- USGS
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Division of Natural Resources
- Department of Environmental Protection
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Sustainability Studies major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Sustainability Studies at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Sustainability Studies, BA is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Sustainability Studies at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
Visit
Experiencing campus is the best way to see if WVU is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.