Sustainable Design Minor

Combined minor offered by the Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy, College of the Environment and the Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering

23-25 Credits

Introduction

The Department of Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy and the Department of Engineering Technology jointly offer a minor in Sustainable Design. The goal of the program is to enable students with strengths in design, urban planning, and/or in environmental studies to gain complementary skills in the other area to pursue sustainable design careers more effectively. The program is also open to students from any area that would benefit by the set of concepts and skills offered.

Why Consider a Sustainable Design Minor?

The goal of the program is to enable students to gain skills in pursuit of sustainable design careers. The program is open to students from any major at Western who would benefit by the set of concepts and skills offered. Students in the program will obtain an understanding about the natural systems within which human institutions and technologies function. This background allows students to make informed decisions about how ecological constraints define sustainability, and how human choices shape the context in which sustainable projects may be implemented. The coursework introduces the design process and the field of sustainable design

Contact Information

Department Chair Grace Wang Arntzen Hall 212 360-650-3278 Grace.Wang@wwu.edu	Faculty Advisor (UEPP) Nicholas Zaferatos Environmental Studies 444 360-650-7660 zaferan@wwu.edu
College of the Environment Professional Advisor Kathryn Patrick Environmental Studies 539 360-650-3520 Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu	Faculty Advisor (ID) Arunas Oslapas Engineering Technology 337 360-650-3425 oslapas@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Sustainable design consultant, nonprofit and community organizations advocating sustainable development, LEED accredited professional, city planning agencies. Complements a major in urban planning, policy, and industrial design. Provides students preparation for advanced degrees in urban planning, sustainable development, architecture, industrial design, and related fields.

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process)

Students are accepted into the sustainable design minor by application based on their demonstrated affinity to integrate environmental systems knowledge and sustainable design principles, and on enrollment limits. Students submit an application and a portfolio of work. Applications are accepted semi-annually on the third Friday of fall and spring quarters. See WWU Industrial Design website and the College of the Environment website.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.