Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 68.36
Liaison Marianella Franklin
Submission Date Jan. 10, 2023

STARS v2.2

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00 Marianella Franklin
Director of Sustainability
The Office For Sustainability
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Does the institution offer at least one ​sustainability-focused​ major, degree, or certificate program for undergraduate students?:
Yes

Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate degree program:
B.S. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

A brief description of the undergraduate degree program:

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. A degree in SAFS prepares students for a broad range of careers related to agricultural production (including plant, animal, and biofuels) and food system management, rural and urban community services, education and development, as well as careers in agricultural, environmental, and economic policy and analysis. Employers may include private industry, local, state and federal government, public service agencies, non-profit organizations, nature preserves, community organizations, or any other group that aims to produce, distribute, or improve access to food, to improve the quality and/or sustainability of food or food systems, to improve human health related to diet and nutrition, to work towards social justice related to food access or hunger, or to develop policy or social structures related to food or food systems. The SAFS major also prepares students for graduate studies in a wide range of fields related to agriculture, food, water, and energy systems.


Website URL for the undergraduate degree program:
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
Marine Biology

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

Marine Biology is designed to prepare students who are seeking a career or graduate studies in marine biology and related marine science disciplines. Undergraduates in this major will develop an understanding of the biology of marine organisms and the biological and physical processes that affect these organisms, their populations, and their coastal and oceanic ecosystems.


Website URL for the undergraduate degree program (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused, undergraduate degree program (3rd program):
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

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

The Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Science provides students with career preparation for jobs within the government, consulting, various industries, or even for graduate school. Students who complete the BS degree in Environmental Science receive a broad education in all sciences but gain specialized knowledge in environmental biology, chemistry, and geology.


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

Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration:
Environmental Studies Minor

A brief description of the undergraduate minor or concentration:

The Environmental Studies Minor provides students with the same benefits and career goals the BS degree does. However, the coursework for the minor program is intended to prepare students for professional certification reviews or examinations. Even so, both the BS and Minor programs are a collaborative effort between the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and Math.


Website URL for the undergraduate minor or concentration:
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration (2nd program):
Sustainable Supply Chain Management

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

Sustainable Supply Chain Management minor provides 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.


Website URL for the undergraduate minor, concentration or certificate (2nd program):
Name of the sustainability-focused undergraduate minor or concentration (3rd program):
Minor in Geology and Earth Science

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

A minor in Geology and Earth 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.


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