$200,000
St. Thomas has received $200,000 in student-led grants for various sustainability initiatives on-campus.
Sustainability
We face a wide range of environmental opportunities and challenges. A minor in sustainability at the University of ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ will prepare you to examine complex issues between people and the environment, ultimately giving you the skills, insights and experience needed to work effectively toward a sustainable future.
Why Study Sustainability at St. Thomas?
We face complex environmental challenges every day. Our program allows you to choose from a range of sustainability-designated courses, customizing the minor to fit your interests and goals. Whether you choose to explore conservation biology or examine the history of environmental thought, our interdisciplinary program will give you the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a fulfilling and fast-paced career.
Examining Problems From Multiple Perspectives
Course Requirements
All sustainability minors are required to complete a foundational course focusing on environmental problems and sustainable solutions. From there, your coursework will match your interests with classes in environmental economics, environmental communication, urban ecosystem ecology, human geography, oceanography and environmental ethics.
Four-Year Plan
Required: ENVR 151 Environmental Problems and Sustainable Solutions (4 credits)
Plus 16 credits from Sustainability-designated (SUST) courses.
No more than 8 credits in this minor can be from any single discipline.
Eight (8) credits must be at the 200 level or higher.
Because our program is interdisciplinary and flexible, we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Sustainability
Internships and Research
Many students work closely on real-world projects with community partners such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
All sustainability minors are required to complete a foundational course focusing on environmental problems and sustainable solutions. From there, your coursework will match your interests with classes in environmental economics, environmental communication, urban ecosystem ecology, human geography, oceanography and environmental ethics.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Required: ENVR 151 Environmental Problems and Sustainable Solutions (4 credits)
Plus 16 credits from Sustainability-designated (SUST) courses.
No more than 8 credits in this minor can be from any single discipline.
Eight (8) credits must be at the 200 level or higher.
Because our program is interdisciplinary and flexible, we recommend connecting with a member of our faculty to plan your career at St. Thomas.
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Minor in Sustainability
Internships and Research
Internships and Research
Many students work closely on real-world projects with community partners such as the Nature Conservancy, Great River Greening and the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota. Many of our students also complete internships to gain practical experience. Past internships have been with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Brightside Produce, St. Paul Regional Water Service and Three Rivers Park District.
Tackling Big Problems in Unique Ways
Our faculty, students and alumni are traveling the world applying their knowledge and skills to address complex issues.
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah’s research interests primarily focus on the economic value of the wilderness and national parks, and using geographic information systems to model environmental quality and effectiveness of federal land management policies. He is an active conservationist as well and has collaborated with students to write multiple grants that have resulted in over $200,000 for various conservation projects such as an oak forest restoration project.
Fartun Dirie ‘13
Fartun conducted research with the help of a Summer Housing Grant through the McNair Scholars program and Dr. Paul Lorah on how Somalis perceive the Twin Cities’ landscape in terms of residential desirability. Using a grassroots approach to data collection, Fartun discovered Somalis view the Twin Cities in a positive light. She presented her research at the 2012 GIS/LIS Consortium conference in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Alice Ready and Emma Rinn
Alice and Emma used drones to discover how aerial images can gather data and support the work of the Minnesota Nature Conservancy. Collaborating with Dr. Paul Lorah, Emma and Alice gathered and analyzed data that will continue to provide information to the Nature Conservancy for years to come. Alice and Emma also became registered commercial drone pilots with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Career Paths
We give you the tools you need to succeed in a variety of careers and industries. Here are a few paths our alumni have followed after graduating from St. Thomas.
- Park Naturalist
- Environmental Journalist
- Environmental Economist
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Corporate Sustainability Officer
- Geographic Information Specialist
Oh, the Places You Will Go
You have access to numerous opportunities for mentorship, research and more with our program.
Community Partnerships
We partner on a variety of projects with organizations like the Nature Conservancy and Great River Greening.
Collaborative Research
Faculty are always eager to get you involved with what they are studying.
Faculty With Real Experience
Dr. David Kelley
Dr. Kelley is interested in environmental analysis, landscape evolution and environmental management.
Dr. Paul Lorah
Dr. Lorah focuses on the economic value of national parks and the wilderness.
Vast Knowledge. Versatile Skills.
The interdisciplinary nature of our program will develop your knowledge and a unique skillset that will benefit you throughout your career.
Make an Impact
Our students are actively involved in collaborative research projects with faculty, using their knowledge and skills to make a difference in society. Past research projects have focused on finding alternative fuel options and prairie restoration in Minnesota.
See Another Side of the World
You will have multiple opportunities to study abroad in our program. For example, students recently had the opportunity to participate in doing fieldwork at a Roman archaeological site on an island off the coast of Croatia.
Connect With the Local Community
As part of a community art grant and the SOLV Initiative in the College of Arts and Sciences, geography students have been surveying the Midway Neighborhood to examine its environment and its impact on its citizens.
Collaborative Efforts
Students have led efforts in writing several grants generating over $200,000 for sustainability initiatives at the university.
Schoenecker Center
The Schoenecker Center — the university's new central home for STEAM education — is home to several new spaces for Sustainability students, including our Water & Environmental Engineering Lab and the Earth, Environment & Society department offices.
Take the Next Step​
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.