Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 University Bulletin 
    
2025-2026 University Bulletin

Sustainability Studies Minor

Location(s): River Forest Campus


The interdisciplinary Sustainability Studies minor seeks to develop undergraduates’ understanding of environmental protection; encourage creative, evidenced-based problem-solving across contexts; generate a sense of civic responsibility grounded in Dominican’s Sinsinawa mission; and empower students to apply practiced leadership skills to the most pressing problem of the 21st Century. 

Students can pick from two tracks: (1) Sustainability Studies and Global Policy track or (2) Sustainability Studies an Ethical Leadership track. Both programs are grounded in science and emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to addressing environmental challenges. 

The Sustainability Studies and Global Policy track focuses on the intersection of environmental science, business, and government, equipping students with the knowledge to create and implement sustainable practices within organizations and communities. 

The Sustainabiltiy Studies and Ethical Leadership track focuses on the intersection of environmental science, ethics, and social responsibility, preparing students to lead initiatives and advocate for sustainable solutions in diverse contexts. 

Both tracks offer opportunities for experiential learning through community engagement, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields. 

This minor is ideal for students passionate about sustainability, environmental justice, and creating a more equitable future. 

Sustainability Studies and Global Policy Track (17 credits)


  • BIOL 111  General Biology I and lab (4 credits)
  • Environmental Science course (3 credits)
  • Sustainable Business and Leadership Practices course (3 credits)
  • Sustainable Domestic and Global Policy course (3 credits)
  • Sustainable Storytelling and Civic Communication course (3 credits)
  • SUS 299  Community-Based Learning Capstone (1 credit)

Sustainability Studies and Ethical Leadership Track (17 credits)


  • BIOL 111  General Biology I and lab (4 credits)
  • Environmental Science course (3 credits)
  • Ethics course (3 credits)
  • Sustainable Food and Social Justice Systems course (3 credits)
  • Sustainable Storytelling and Civic Communication course (3 credits)
  • SUS 299  Community-Based Learning Capstone (1 credit)

Sustainable Business and Leadership Practices Courses


All classes listed here have course objectives that directly address the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. 

Choose one of the following:

Sustainable Food and Social Justice Systems Courses


Choose one of the following: 

Any BWS, LAS, SOC, SJCE, PSY, or NUTR pre-approved Social Justice and Sustainaibilty core curriculum courses.