Engineering for Sustainability Minor
Engineering sustainability is crucial because it addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today, creating solutions for environmental protection, resource conservation, improved public health, and more. A minor in engineering sustainability provides students with an opportunity to build a legacy for future engineers by equipping them with tools and knowledge to engineer a sustainable future.
Program overview
The Tickle College of Engineering offers a multidisciplinary minor in engineering for sustainability. Students earning this minor will develop a broad knowledgebase in the fundamentals of social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, the engineering tools for sustainability analysis, and the specific domain applications of engineering and technology to confront our sustainability challenges. This minor will provide students a credential assuring they are fluent in broad sustainability concepts and are technically proficient with engineering tools and technologies in their areas of interest. The minor includes four elective technical proficiency tracks in the following areas:
- Agricultural and Ecological Resources
- Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Earth systems: Air, Water, Soil
- Infrastructure and Industry
Why Get a Minor in Engineering for Sustainability?
An Engineering for Sustainability Minor offers specialized skills for students interested in learning more about sustainability tools and applications to confront pressing issues in the modern day. Specific topics covered in the curriculum include climate change, city development and landscape, society and environmental justice, and more, so scholars are prepared to create solutions in a number of industries. This minor program is an invaluable addition for students, offering specialized skills and a mindset that aligns with today’s emphasis on sustainable development.
Featured Courses
EF 305 Engineering Approaches to Sustainability
This course covers cross-cutting engineering approaches to analyze and solve current sustainability challenges. Students will learn some of the tools, protocols, and methods that are common to sustainability analysis, particularly focused on engineered systems.
ANTH 415 Environmental Anthropology
Overview of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of human/environmental interactions. Impacts of environmental change on society and culture; human impacts on environmental change.
ESS 220 Waters and Civilizations
Investigation and discussion of the societal impacts on ancient and modern civilizations of water issues, including irrigation, flood control, droughts and desertification, dam construction, aquifers, drinking water, water pollution, and water rights.
GEOG 333 Climate Change and Human Response
Controversies and uncertainties about present-day climate change, future climate scenarios and mitigation strategies, and individual and policy responses to climate predictions.
Admissions and Aid
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See yourself on Rocky Top? We’ve made it easier than ever to apply for admission. Learn more about our admission requirements and the steps to apply to be an Engineering Vol.