Overview

 Using insights and analytic methods from science, policy, and environmental justice, students on the Sustainability Studies program offered by Roosevelt University explore natural and social ecosystems, recognize national and international implications of sustainability issues, and apply their knowledge on behalf of campus and community projects.

Standards

• Rigorous interdisciplinary courses that challenge you to think critically, write clearly, research deeply, and connect the dots among concepts such as climate change, food security, water quality, waste reduction, and more;

• Supportive and enthusiastic faculty who set high academic expectations while providing personalized advising and long-term mentorship;

• Opportunities to learn about water conservation by paddling the Chicago River, sustainable agriculture by working on an urban farm, ecological restoration by exploring local prairies and forest preserves, biodiversity by doing research at the Field Museum of Natural History, and social justice by interning or volunteering at a grassroots environmental organization;

• A campus community of sustainability activists who are working hard to transform Roosevelt into a truly sustainable university, and who value and depend upon the ideas and energy of students;

• Research, presentation, and publication venues such as our annual SUST Student Symposium, the Roosevelt Urban Sustainability Lab, the SUST at RU Blog, the Writing Urban Nature environmental humanities project, and the Schaumburg's Sustainable Future online project;

• Opportunities for off-campus study through travel courses, internships, and Roosevelt's participation as a founding member of the new Resilience Studies Consortium of U.S. colleges and universities dedicated to place-based sustainability education and research;

• A growing network of sustainability studies alumni with whom to connect at Roosevelt events and online via Facebook and LinkedIn.