Major in Sustainability Studies

A future-focused program tackling climate challenges while building expertise for impactful sustainability careers.

Major in Sustainability Studies

The Sustainability Studies Major is designed to prepare internationally recognized sustainability professionals. Our mission extends beyond equipping students with essential skills; we aim to guide them into fulfilling careers. Graduates will be knowledgeable in critical global issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation,with a curriculum that is rich in experiential learning.They can pursue various roles, including environmental consultants, policymakers, researchers, and sustainability managers. With opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the environment and society, graduates will have find their work deeply rewarding.

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About the Major

The focus of this Major is to build a holistic understanding of sustainability. The courses are interdisciplinary by design: co-designed and co-taught by faculty across departments/Schools. There is also a strong emphasis on data, measurement, analysis and reporting of sustainability topics – capabilities that are in high demand. Students will have regular exposure to policy professionals, environment, planning and development experts involved in live projects.

Sustainability

The Curriculum

The Sustainability Studies curriculum comprises 60 credits with a blend of the latest scholarship, methods, and technological applications which students will learn within and outside the classroom. The courses include Sustainability: Concepts and Measurements, Measuring and Reporting Sustainability, Ecosystems and Pollution: Air, Water, Soil, and Sustainable Production and Energy Solutions. The program’s well-rounded approach equips graduates for meaningful careers in sustainability. Students also have the opportunity to earn additional certification alongside their degree to add to their credentials. For more details please see the IHS program brochure available on the home page.

Course Structure

Core Courses (68 credits) Major in Sustainability (60 credits) Other Courses (32 credits)
Reading, Writing, Thinking Sustainability: Concepts and Measurements Mandatory AI Module
Introduction to Philosophy Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Campus as a living lab project
Thinking Historically Biodiversity Global Exchange (preferred but not mandatory)
The Natural World Conservation Internship or independent project
AI, Technology and Ethics Ecosystems and pollution: Air, water, soil University-wide electives
Sociological Imagination Inequality and Sustainability
Quantitative Thinking Sustainable Production 1: Land, Labour, Livelihoods
Qualitative Thinking Sustainable Production 2: Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
Fundamentals of Economics Sustainability in rapidly urbanizing societies
Geopolitics Sustainable water and energy solutions
Fundamentals of Business Sustainability and disaster management
Interpreting India - 1 Sustainability in action
Interpreting India - 2 Practicum related to Sustainability
Introduction to Digital Humanities Major Thesis*
Environment and Sustainability
The Many Lives of Cognition
Fundamentals of Media and Communication

*In lieu of a thesis, students can opt for 3 UWEs from the basket of 6 courses provided in year four of the program. UWEs (university wide electives) are courses offered by departments and schools across the university.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is integral to the program, providing students with hands-on opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through internships, global exchanges, and independent projects, students gain practical experience while collaborating with industry professionals and communities. These immersive experiences enhance their understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions, fostering critical thinking and innovation.

Sustainability

Internships and Partnerships

Internships are a key component of our program, allowing students to gain practical experience and apply their skills in real-world settings. We have established partnerships with various domestic and international organizations in the fields of environment, sustainability, and conservation, providing students with valuable internship opportunities as part of their course.

Our Partners

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Career Paths

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences has a stellar track record of its alumni in some of the world’s top universities and organizations, both in India and abroad. We expect that to continue for our sustainability graduates, especially as this is a growth area identified by all major reports on the future of employability. India is projected to create 3.7 million new green jobs by 2025, with the potential to generate as many as 35 million jobs by 2047. Upon completing the program, graduates will have diverse career options, including higher studies, research, academia; roles in environmental policy, consulting, journalism focused on sustainability, and corporate positions like Sustainability Officers and CSR managers. Additionally, opportunities exist in public sector institutions and policy analysis with government and think tanks.

Sustainability

FAQ

Yes, this is a four-year degree program in Interdisciplinary BA in Humanities and Social Sciences. In the final year, a student can opt for a thesis in their chosen specialisation or complete the remaining credits through coursework. However, only students with a minimum of 6 CGPA are eligible to pursue a thesis.

All students in their first year pursue common core courses that extend across disciplines such as the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, A.I. and business management. At the end of the first year, students shall declare their major and are enrolled into specific courses in year two and three, along with an option to choose University-wide electives.

Yes, a student completing the required set of courses pertaining to a particular discipline/Department during the course of their program is eligible to receive a Minor degree.

At least 10 scholarships per batch will be awarded to eligible students. The scholarships cover 100% tuition waiver for all four years! In addition, students are eligible for other university-wide scholarships.

Yes, this interdisciplinary program integrates internships into its overall framework which will provide academic credits. SNU also collaborates with important organisations towards this initiative. During the course of study, a student is expected to complete up to 12 credits through internships, research assistantships, campus jobs, or independent study during two consecutive summers.

At SNU, we encourage students to receive larger exposure to educational opportunities and cultural settings. The University shares several MoUs with major international and Indian universities. Every Second/Third year degree student, with a minimum CGPA as mandated by university policy, is eligible to apply for a one-semester study abroad or elsewhere in India program.

Plenty! This interdisciplinary program aims to equip students with foundational and critical skills alongside practical, hands-on training in certain areas of specialisation. The career options open to you are listed in the respective Majors detailed above.