Dec 12, 2024  
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog

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 and Design 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
Nabil Kamel
Arntzen Hall 230
360-650-2440
Nabil.Kamel@wwu.edu

Faculty Advisor (UEPP)
Nicholas Zaferatos
Environmental Studies 444
360-650-7660
Nicholas.Zaferatos@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
Arunas.Oslapas@wwu.edu

 Sample Careers

Sustainable Design Consultant | Sustainable Development Advocate | LEED Accredited Professional | City Planning Consultant 

Complements a major in urban planning, policy, and/or industrial design. Provides students preparation for advanced degrees in urban planning, sustainable development, architecture, industrial design, and related fields.

 Major/Career Resources

careercenter.wwu.edu/connectmajorcareer

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 based 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 the College of the Environment website (cenv.wwu.edu/uepp/minor-sustainable-design) for more information.

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.