Sustainability Studies
Advance environmental, economic, and social solutions for a just and thriving future.
Why sustainability studies matters:
Sustainability studies examines how to meet the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations. This interdisciplinary field brings together insights from environmental science, economics, social justice, and policy to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time — climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, and environmental inequality. Students develop the tools to analyze these complex, interconnected problems from multiple perspectives, preparing them to contribute to solutions that are both practical and equitable.
How sustainability studies is taught at Muhlenberg:
At Muhlenberg, sustainability studies integrates coursework from across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, fostering a deep understanding of the relationships between human societies and the natural world. Students learn in a collaborative community of faculty and peers committed to innovation and action, engaging with sustainability at local, national, and global levels. The program emphasizes critical thinking, systems analysis, and creative problem-solving, empowering graduates to make an impact in fields ranging from environmental policy and nonprofit work to sustainable business and education.
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The sustainability studies curriculum provides a broad and integrated foundation in environmental, economic, and social systems. Students explore the intersections of human activity and the natural world, examining how issues such as climate change, development, and equity are addressed through science, policy, and culture. The program encourages interdisciplinary connections, drawing on courses from multiple departments to give students the tools to analyze problems holistically and propose innovative solutions.
Hands-on engagement is central to the program, with opportunities for research, internships, and community-based projects that translate classroom learning into action. Students have worked on initiatives ranging from urban tree stewardship and climate action planning to public awareness campaigns and sustainable development projects. Partnerships with local organizations, study abroad programs, and faculty-led research offer diverse avenues for applying sustainability principles in real-world contexts.
Anna Shigo ’24 found a career as an open space coordinator for Carbon County, Pennsylvania, working to preserve the environment she grew up in, just north of Muhlenberg.
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
Sustainability News
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