Bachelor of Arts - Sustainability Studies

Sustainability is a complex concept that has a uniquely human perspective. It is rooted in decisions made about the quality of life all people want for themselves, Hood College's community and future generations. As a sustainability studies major, students will be prepared for personal and professional achievement in STEM-related fields and for productive participation in society.

Environmental sustainability is a 21st century goal being sought by government agencies, industries and non-profit organizations. Yet most higher education institutions are not preparing the needed sustainability specialists to meet this challenge.

As the only undergraduate sustainability studies major in Maryland, Hood’s program is uniquely positioned to give its majors a curriculum framed around the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus and supported by experiential anchors:

All three focus areas will feature systems thinking, high impact practices, content knowledge, field and laboratory mentorship, College-wide sustainability initiatives, and civic engagement and service learning. This program will offer a holistic education that encompasses the curriculum, co-curricular experiences and a rich array of experiential learning opportunities that will facilitate student exploration and foster intellectual growth.

The major in sustainability studies at Hood is designed to integrate the liberal arts with technology, to explore the values and the cultivation of community, and to equip students for lives of responsibility, service, civic engagement and leadership.

Students will come away with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability as they are connected to social justice, the environment and the economy, and be able to evaluate complex environmental issues.