Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 48.57
Liaison Jennifer McMillin
Submission Date June 15, 2017
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Cleveland State University
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00 Jennifer McMillin
Director of Sustainability
Facilities l Architect l Safety l Technology
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution offer at least one sustainability-focused major, degree program, or the equivalent for undergraduate students (I.e. an interdisciplinary academic program that concentrates on sustainability as an integrated concept)?:
Yes

Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program:
BA Environmental Studies

A brief description of the undergraduate degree program:

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies curriculum takes full advantage of its location in a major urban setting in fulfilling its commitment to urban education, research and community service.

The curriculum utilizes the resources of the Levin College and other related departments throughout the University for its interdisciplinary academic program. Students pursuing the Environmental Studies major take courses and seminars dealing directly with environmental problems and their solutions. Web-based and interactive video courses are available.

As an Environmental Studies major, you will explore environment-friendly urban development. You will focus on environmental problems, policy issues, and the social context of environmental conflicts.

Your courses will come from the fields of geography, economics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, urban planning, and statistics. You can choose one or more specializations from the following areas:

Environmental planning
Environmental management
Earth sciences
Life sciences


The website URL for the undergraduate degree program:
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
BA Urban Studies

A brief description of the undergraduate degree program (2nd program):

The Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs prepares students to address urban issues effectively with creative and innovative programming and problem solving. Levin College students undertake projects that address these issues in:
Public policy
City management
City planning
Public safety management and homeland security
Economic development
Environmental and sustainability policy
Organizational leadership
Nonprofit administration

The Environmental Policy and Management track is designed to give students an understanding of the economic, political, and social changes necessary for improving the quality of the physical environment in cities. Courses focus on domestic environmental policies and programs, environmental design, and issues related to sustainable development.

The curriculum utilizes the resources of the Levin College and other related departments throughout the University for its interdisciplinary academic program. Students pursuing the Urban Studies major take courses and seminars dealing directly with urban problems and their solutions.


The website URL for the undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
BS Environmental Science

A brief description of the undergraduate degree program (3rd program):

Environmental scientists study the effects of pollutants and toxins on ecosystems and implement ways to restore polluted environments to their natural state. They identify and quantify pollutants, as well as develop procedures for reducing them. The processes of degradation, conservation, recycling, and replenishment are central to an environmental scientist's study and work. They also study various industrial, transportation, and energy production processes in order to design effective strategies for minimizing pollution (preventative management). In addition, environmental scientists work with local communities, using their skills and knowledge to design and monitor waste disposal sites, safeguard water supplies, and recover contaminated land and water to comply with Federal environmental regulations. Environmental Science majors at Cleveland State learn concepts and facts pertaining to the scientific study of the environment, and are trained in current laboratory skills.

There are five tracks, although students can design their own course of study in consultation with a faculty advisor.
Environmental Biology Track
Environmental Geology Track
Environmental Chemistry Track
Environmental Technology Track
Environmental Planning Track

Engaged learning experiences include outdoor laboratories studying streams and watersheds, independent study and research with nationally recognized CSU faculty, and co-op and internship opportunities. CSU is a Research Experience for Undergraduates site funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), giving students in-depth research experience in environmental science. Most courses are taught by doctoral faculty. An environmental science minor is available, Students can also become involved in the Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science Student Association.


The website URL for the undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program(s):
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Does the institution offer one or more sustainability-focused minors, concentrations or certificates for undergraduate students?:
Yes

Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate:
Minor in Sustainable Urban Development

A brief description of the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate:

Sustainable Urban Development Minor (20 credit hours)

Required Courses
ENV 436 Urban Sustainability
UST 300 Economics of Policy Analysis
UST 301 Urban Development
UST 434 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

Students choose one course from the following:
ENV 435 Environmental Policy and Administration
ENV 441 Environmental Planning

The Levin College offers minors in Urban Studies, Sustainable Urban Development, Environmental Studies, and Nonprofit Administration.


The website URL for the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate:
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
Environmental Science Minor

A brief description of the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):

A minor program of study in Environmental Science consists of 19 or 20 credit hours.

REQUIRED COURSES (6 COURSES)
BIO 202/BIO 203 Introductory Biology II and Lab
EVS 300/EVS 301 Physical Features of Ecosystems and Lab
EVS 302/EVS 303 Biological Features of Ecosystems and Lab

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE TWO FROM THE FOLLOWING
CHM 255 - Principles of Environmental Chemistry
EVS 322 - Geospatial Concepts & Tools / EVS 323 - Geospatial Concepts & Tools: Practicum
Any 300/400 level EVS/GEO course.


The website URL for the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (3rd program):
Environmental Studies Minor

A brief description of the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (3rd program):

Hours required for minor: 18-20 credit hours

REQUIRED COURSES (6 CREDIT HOURS)
UST 200 - Introduction To Urban Studies
UST 435 - Environmental Policy & Administration
NATURAL SCIENCE- CHOOSE ONE COURSE (3-4 CREDIT HOURS)
UST 259 - Natural History of the Cleveland Area
UST 289 - Physical Geography
GEO 100 - Introductory Geology and GEO 101 - Introductory Geology Laboratory

ELECTIVES - CHOOSE THREE COURSES (9-10 CREDIT HOURS)
UST 436 - Urban Sustainability
UST 440 - Environment & Human Affairs
UST 441 - Environmental Planning
UST 442 - Environmental Finance and Capital Budgeting
UST 485 - GIS Principles


The website URL for the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (3rd program):
The name and website URLs of all other sustainability-focused undergraduate minors, concentrations and certificates:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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