Sustainability Degree Programs and Certificates
With over 2000 undergraduate and 200 graduate sustainability-focused or related courses, the options are endless at UTRGV. Check out some of the undergraduate, graduate, and certificates related to Sustainability below and in our catalogs. Browse our undergraduate catalog and graduate catalog to get an idea of the type of classes you may take to build your sustainable development body of knowledge:
Undergraduate Degree Programs and Minors
BS in Environmental Science
The multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science prepares graduates for careers at local, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and environmental consulting firms. Additionally, graduates of this program are prepared to continue on to graduate studies in order to pursue research and scholarship opportunities. The program core focuses on key environmental issues while the restricted electives allow the students to choose to focus on areas of interest to the individual student.
BS IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS (SAFS)
The multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems (SAFS) serves students interested in improving the sustainability of modern food and agricultural systems. This major prepares graduates to understand the interdisciplinary and systems-based aspects of sustainability and provides them with the knowledge, leadership skills, and experiences required to excel in agricultural and food systems professions.
MINOR IN SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
A minor in Sustainable Supply Chain Management will provide students with the knowledge, skills and practices essential for operational decision making from a sustainability perspective. All three aspects of sustainability – economic, social and environmental – are emphasized. Graduates may be employed in either manufacturing or service organizations in the areas of supply chain, distribution, retail operations, or environmental management.
MINOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
The Environmental Studies Program is a learning community of students and faculty who use the tools of the humanities and social sciences to identify, name, explain, and analyze the causes of our global ecological crisis. The program supports interdisciplinary, community-engaged approaches to designing and implementing solutions to this crisis that are humane, just, and sustainable.
Graduate Degree Programs and Minors
MS IN AGRICULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCES (AESS)
The AESS program provides students with a unique, integrative education and training experience that prepares them to meet the challenges and opportunities in the multiple dimensions of contemporary agricultural, environmental, and sustainability science disciplines. Specifically, the AESS program targets students wishing to pursue a graduate degree with the intention of entering the work force and contributing their expertise towards sustainable agriculture, stewardship of natural resources and ecosystem services, or the development of sustainable systems in general. This multidisciplinary degree program is designed to provide a rigorous applied and theoretical education in the natural and social sciences with emphasis on the causes and consequences of land use change and other anthropogenic and natural forces across Texas coastal watersheds and beyond.
MS IN OCEAN, COASTAL, AND EARTH SCIENCES (OCES)
The School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences (SEEMS) offers two degrees, the M.S. in Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences (OCES) and the M.S. in Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Studies (AESS). Both multidisciplinary programs provide students with unique integrative education and training experience that prepares them to meet the challenges and opportunities in the multiple dimensions of their chosen field. Graduates will be prepared to take on decision-making positions in a wide range of governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, or private sector organizations.
Disaster Studies M.A.
The Disaster Management and Sustainability Certificate is a 12-hour fully online certificate, which provides new professional development to current working professionals in public safety, private security, law enforcement, and other professions which are related to disaster and emergency management. The certificate provides opportunities for students and professionals to acquire new professional knowledge and develop essential skills to fulfill their professional responsibilities. Students can complete the program in one academic calendar year by successfully completing two courses per semester. Students who have completed this certificate program can apply to continue their study in M.A. in Disaster Studies program and the 12 credits could be used toward the master's degree.
Certificates in Sustainability
DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Graduate Certificate in Disaster Management and Sustainability is a 12-hour fully online which provides new professional development to current working professionals in public safety, private security, law enforcement, and other professions which are related to disaster and emergency management. The certificate provides opportunities for students and professionals to acquire new professional knowledge and develop essential skills to fulfill their professional responsibilities. Students can complete the program in one academic calendar year by successfully completing two courses per semester. Students who have completed this certificate program can apply to continue their study in MA in Disaster Studies program and the 12 credits could be used toward the master degree.
INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT
Sustainability has become a key requirement of all modern enterprises to survive and grow in today’s business environment. Managers equipped with tools on how to move towards sustainability are needed to guide enterprises into the globally competitive market.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION IN SOCIAL WORK
UTRGV MSSW students have an opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Community Health Promotion in Social Work while earning the MSSW degree. Students do not need to complete more hours than required for the MSSW degree. Macro concentration students complete the requirements for the certificate by completing the required courses in the concentration.
Training, Research, and Education in Soil Science (TRESS)
Take advantage of the soil science courses offered by our faculty. Several career opportunities within US government require 3 to 15 hours in soil science coursework. A series of courses that will provide the fundamental concepts, in-depth understanding of soil biology, chemistry and physics, as well as how to manage soils for conservation of ecosystem processes will be offered.
Gender and Women’s Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) promotes interdisciplinary and intersectional research and scholarship centered on the study of women, gender, and sexuality. The Certificate is a part of the curricular offerings of the Gender and Women’s Studies Program, which is housed in the School of Interdisciplinary Programs and Community Engagement.