University of North Carolina, Greensboro
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental & Sustainability Studies is an interdisciplinary program that fosters understanding of the relationships between human societies and the natural, physical, and biological settings in which life on Earth exists.

The majors (B.A.) in Environmental & Sustainability Studies integrate perspectives of the natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities. Students work with a diverse group of faculty from across campus to learn how to gather and integrate information about environmental problems from multiple disciplines, to think critically about the causes of environmental problems, to propose effective solutions and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, and to communicate their ideas clearly. Graduates will be well prepared for roles as educated citizens who are especially well informed about the environment and for diverse careers that require a broad range of knowledge about environmental issues. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and are eligible for internships and study abroad. The Program curricula build on the unique definition of sustainability at UNCG, where “Academics, operations, and outreach are conducted with careful attention to the enduring interconnectedness of social equity, the environment, the economy, and aesthetics.”

The Environmental & Sustainability Studies Program offers three B.A. concentrations: Environmental Studies (emphasizing natural sciences), Sustainability Studies (emphasizing social sciences and humanities), and Environmental & Sustainability Studies (a self-designed major for students with at least a 3.30 GPA as of the junior year).

Hospitality and tourism are considered one of the fastest growing segments in the U.S. Economy and represents one of the largest business sectors in the world economy.

We strive to help you become a global citizen who can solve complex problems by using sustainable development tools and a triple-bottom line approach, which considers social, environmental, and financial factors. You’ll develop the skills to think innovatively and entrepreneurially, and to communicate effectively. You’ll also increase your global awareness through international experience, and engage in sustainability-focused tourism and hospitality courses, work experience, and community projects.

We focus on sustainability education to ensure that when you graduate, you are aware of critical environmental and social issues and can become agents of positive change. We are also fully committed to promoting sustainable tourism and hospitality practices throughout our region, state, and nation through an innovative and hands-on curriculum, community-engaged scholarship, and targeted executive education.

Sustainability studies focuses on the future while considering carefully what has happened in the past. The Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program's minor builds on the unique definition of sustainability at UNCG, where "Academics, operations, and outreach are conducted with careful attention to the enduring interconnectedness of social equity, the environment, the economy, and aesthetics."