Program Overview

Sustainability

Biological and Health Sciences Division, Room B213, (847) 543-2042 OR
Engineering, Math and Physical Sciences Division, Room T302, (847) 543-2044

www.clcillinois.edu/programs/sus
Degree: Associate in Science
Plan 11AB-SUS

The field of sustainability is holistically based among the three spheres of Ecology, Economy, and Equity. Sustainability programs and jobs are wide-ranging and can examine environmental issues, energy systems, food production, and intersectional topics within social justice. Through coursework in the life and physical sciences, economic and business principles, and social sciences, students will form a broad knowledge base on which to address applications of sustainability.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the concept of systems thinking to social ecological systems.

2. Evaluate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in respect to purpose, solutions, and barriers.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of guiding principles of sustainability and ability to integrate social, environmental, and economic factors into a sustainable model.

4. Analyze ecological economic principles and models in relation to product life-cycle analysis, consumerism, natural capital, and the triple bottom line.

5. Describe and analyze reasons for the existence of problems related to poverty, food sovereignty, pollution, and resource consumption.

6. Assess the roles and associated policies of individuals, organizations, and governments in our environmental and social problems and solutions.

7. Summarize topics pertaining to ecosystems, human population growth, community interactions, biodiversity, energy, pollution, land use, and human impact on the environment.

8. Synthesize the interrelatedness between human health, environmental health, and community health, including topics of inequity due to race, gender, sexual orientation, and other demographic variables.

The following courses are recommended for students who have not decided upon a specific four-year college or university. Once a transfer school is selected, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an Academic Success Advisor to determine courses at CLC which will also meet the transfer requirements. To complete any transfer degree, students should follow the college requirements for associate degrees that transfer.

All course prerequisites must be met. Additionally, students are required to select one course from the International/Multicultural list to meet graduation requirements. A grade of C or better is required for all English course requirements.

* Students who do not place into MTH 145 through the Math Placement Test will be required to meet the course prerequisites for that course.

Note: This plan includes recommendations for students who plan to major in this subject at a four year school. Students who follow this plan will meet the requirements of a general transfer degree (A.A. or A.S). The CLC degree earned will be a general transfer degree, not a degree in this specific area of study.

For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, contact Engineering faculty member Kelly Cartwright at (847) 543-2792, the Biological and Health Sciences Division at (847) 543-2042 OR the Engineering, Math and Physical Sciences Division at (847) 543-2044.