Sustainability Minor
Sustainability Minor
Sustainability
Undergraduate Minor
Program Delivery
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Total Credits
18 Credits
About the Sustainability Minor
The Sustainability minor provides students with the knowledge and skills to address today’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students explore key sustainability concepts, such as resource management, climate change, social equity, and ethical decision-making. This minor equips students with the tools to become effective leaders and innovators in a rapidly evolving world, promoting sustainable practices across industries and communities. For more information, students may contact Christine Biermann (cbierman@uccs.edu), Director of the Sustainability Minor.
Focus of Study
Sustainability is dedicated to advancing inter- and intra-generational justice, fostering human development, and preserving physical and biological systems. These core principles are often framed as the three pillars of sustainability: social equity, economic development, and environmental protection. The Sustainability minor emphasizes hands-on, project-based, and service learning experiences, offering students opportunities to engage directly with real-world challenges. Designed to prepare students for the complexities and responsibilities of the 21st century, the minor encourages active participation in UCCS and local initiatives addressing environmental issues, social equity, and economic vitality, while cultivating a sense of civic responsibility both locally and globally.
Program Requirements
Minimum Minor Requirements
- 18 credit hours
- 9 upper-division credit hours (3000-4999 level)
- 2.0 Minor GPA
- All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Residency: Last 9 credit hours of the minor must be completed while registered at UCCS
Program Coursework
| Course / Area | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Foundation Course | GES 1500: Intro to Environmental Studies and Sustainability (offered fall only) | 4 |
| Capstone Course | GES 4800: Sustainability Seminar (prerequisite GES 1500, junior standing; offered spring only) | 3 |
| Environment | Complete 1-2 electives from the list below to meet total and upper-division hour requirements for the minor:
| 3 or more |
| Economics | Complete 1-2 electives from the list below to meet total and upper-division hour requirements for the minor:
| 3 or more |
| Equity | Complete 1-2 electives from the list below to meet total and upper-division hour requirements for the minor:
| 3 or more |
| Total | 18 |
Special topics courses, internships, independent studies, or other courses may fulfill requirements for the minor, but require approval by Christine Biermann (cbierman@uccs.edu), Director of the Sustainability Minor.
Please visit the Academic Catalog.