Sustainability and Renewable Resources
The Sustainability and Renewable Resources major focuses on advancing practices that can slow or remediate environmental damage and transform the theory of renewability into action. Sustainability is a holistic field that looks at societal problems of resources and waste management from a variety of perspectives—including culture, business, science and policy. The goal is a balanced approach that moderates risks while maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in the future. McMurry University is proud to provide a Sustainability and Renewable Resources major to West Texas.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND RENEWABLE RESOURCES
What you'll learn
As a Sustainability and Renewable Resources major, you'll take a broad set of courses, including biology, chemistry, conservation, environmental pollution, climate change, environmental sociology, environmental stewardship, and environmental policy and regulation.
Core courses
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Policy and Regulation
- Environmental Stewardship
- Geographic Information Systems
- Environmental Sociology
- Water and Society
- Sustainability Internship
What you’ll experience
You’ll take the lead in student-centered learning experiences and be an active participant every step of the way—not only in the degree program but also in research, community events and service projects.
Internships and capstone projects will give you practical experience that builds career-ready skills to enhance job placement and success after you graduate.
You’ll also begin developing the background and knowledge to become certified in sustainability and geographic information systems
What you’ll gain
- You’ll know how to identify and discuss major environmental issues confronting our society and the natural, social and cultural components of these issues.
- You’ll be able to evaluate research and policy questions using the scientific method or a comparable framework.
- You’ll understand how to apply concepts of systems science to explore solutions to current issues in sustainability.
- You’ll develop the skills for a successful career in sustainability, including geospatial analysis, data analysis and writing.
Is Sustainability and Renewable Resources right for you?
If you’re passionate about meeting today’s tough environmental and sustainability challenges head on, this degree would be a great choice. You’ll gain an understanding of environmental science—and explore the dynamic intersection of environmental management, social issues, business and politics. Through hands-on learning and collaborative projects, you’ll master an applied problem-solving approach that positions you for success in consulting, policy and regulation, urban and community planning and more.
You can pair your major with a minor in a wide range of areas, including science, sociology, psychology, political science or entrepreneurship. The program lets you build in elements that appeal to you and advance your personal career goals.
| “This new degree really represents the path forward in environmental stewardship and energy development. The curriculum encompasses all of the critical science and then goes a vital step further. Graduates will understand and be prepared to tackle the social, political and economic impact of the changes required to create a sustainable future.” Gina Duncan, M.S., 2005 B.S. in Environmental Science, McMurry University |
What can you do with your degree?
Careers in sustainability range from consulting work in large corporations, to policy making in government positions, to hands-on agricultural engineering. The multidisciplinary knowledge and hands-on problem-solving skills you gain with a bachelor’s degree open the door to a wide variety of career options. Possibilities include:
- Sustainability Coordinator
- City energy manager
- Climate resiliency analyst
- Conservation worker
- Ecologist
- Energy management manager
- Environmental compliance manager
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental health and safety analyst
- Environmental protection specialist
- Environmental science teacher
- Geoscientist
- Sustainability engineer
- Park ranger or forester
Though the outlook of each career path varies, sustainability is an area of expanding opportunity. According to EnvironmentalScience.org, “Sustainability is a burgeoning industry that’s growing as technology advances and the world's natural resources become more and more scarce.”
On the corporate side, industry leaders like 7-Eleven Inc., the American Hospital Association, CBRE, JLL, J.P. Morgan Chase, Tenet Healthcare, Wells Fargo and dozens more are adding positions in sustainability and renewability.
Where can I go for graduate or professional school?
Many universities nationwide offer master’s and doctoral level studies in sustainability. Check out graduate programs online on U.S. News Best Grad Schools.
Why McMurry?
McMurry is where real happens. You’ll find real community among diverse, welcoming students and faculty; real learning with teachers and courses that connect to your life and goals; real opportunity to explore your interests and make a difference; and real encouragement with resources and support that help you achieve more than you could have imagined.
If science, technology, engineering and mathematics are your thing, McMurry is the right place to dig deeper and prepare for an exciting career. Our quality, value and excellence in STEM degree programs are nationally and regionally recognized.
30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
bestdegreeprograms.org
Only TEXAS college making the list
Best Regional Colleges West Rankings
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Ranking—2021
#13 Overall
#6 in Best Colleges for Veterans
#5 in Best Value Schools
#9 in Top Performers on Social Mobility