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Program in Sustainability Studies
The Program in Sustainability Studies seeks to foster resilient and sustainable systems between society, the economy and the environment at La Sierra University and the greater community, for today and future generations.
The program will educate students in finding dynamic solutions to complicated global challenges facing the environment and society through a broad, interdisciplinary education in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The program will drive leadership and social responsibility founded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on environmental justice, critical-thinking skills, and sustainable solutions for local and global communities.
Grant Information
Read more about the US Department of Education Grant for this program.
Majors Offered
Sustainability & Society
Bachelor of Arts
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Students will encounter a study of social and natural sciences to develop critical thinking for resolving sustainability-related challenges on local and global levels. The program focuses on social, cultural, political, and community development aspects of sustainable systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and criticize complex systems involving urban agriculture, public policy, and food.
- Identify interactions between the environment and human society, including identification of stakeholders and knowledge bases, and incorporate these into sustainable solutions.
- Analyze historical and current socioeconomic forces and their impact on implementing sustainable practices.
- Promote sustainability in multiple subcultures and promote equitable inclusion in sustainability.
Sustainable Agriculture Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Science
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Students will focus on issues of sustainability in agriculture and the economy. They will learn about the importance of resources, policy, and management. The pathway will provide students with practical experiences to prepare them for management careers in farming and food production with a focus on sustainable practices in agriculture at a local and global scale.
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and criticize complex systems involving urban agriculture, public policy, and food.
- Identify interactions between the environment and human society, including identification of stakeholders and knowledge bases, and incorporate these into sustainable solutions.
- Produce business plans in urban agriculture that incorporate good finance, marketing and management principles.
- Identify and apply essential management techniques.
Urban Plant Agriculture
Bachelor of Science
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
Students will focus on basic science and cultivated food production systems. They will learn to devise thoughtful, dynamic, and realistic solutions for society’s environmental challenges with minimal adverse outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and criticize complex systems involving urban agriculture, public policy and food.
- Identify interactions between the environment and human society, including identification of stakeholders and knowledge bases, and incorporate these into sustainable solutions.
- Collect data and produce comprehensive reports on implementing urban plant agriculture systems practically.
- Maintain a commercial urban agriculture operation.
Goal
The Program in Sustainability Studies is dedicated to creating graduates who are prepared to solve real-world problems in the industries of agriculture, food science, global studies, agricultural entrepreneurship, and sustainability science. La Sierra University will educate students regarding conservation and agriculture’s relevance to younger generations, including future scientists and thought leaders, and give them the critical opportunity to participate in advocacy and building solid and effective leadership identities.
The programming in the Program in Sustainability Studies will reflect current and developing technologies and practices used in food and agricultural production and management, with deep connections to significant global challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and a growing global population. There are three common programmatic goals:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and integration.
- 21st century solutions to local and global challenges.
- Civic engagement and community partnership.
Career Outlook
9% Job Market Growth
$77,030 Median Salary
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
Agricultural and food scientists need at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited postsecondary institution, although many get advanced degrees.
The median annual wage for agricultural and food scientists was $74,940 in May 2022.
Overall employment of agricultural and food scientists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,000 openings for agricultural and food scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from replacing workers who transfer to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such as to retire.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend time gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand in the field. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full-time.
Environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or science-related field for most entry-level jobs.
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $76,480 in May 2022.
The employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 6,900 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from replacing workers who transfer to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such as to retire.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically work outdoors but also may spend time in an office. Their work is often physically demanding.
Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers typically need a minimum of a high school diploma and work experience in a related occupation.
The median annual wage for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers was $75,760 in May 2022.
Employment of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Despite declining employment, about 88,800 openings for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Social and community service managers work for nonprofit organizations, for-profit social service companies, and government agencies. Most work full time.
Social and community service managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and work experience.
The median annual wage for social and community service managers was $77,030 in May 2023.
Employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 16,000 openings for social and community service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.
Environmental science and protection technicians typically work in offices, laboratories, and the field. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate’s degree. Depending on the position, however, educational requirements may vary from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree.
The median annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians was $48,380 in May 2022.
Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,800 openings for environmental science and protection technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from replacing workers who transfer to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such as to retire.
Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.
Conservation scientists and foresters work for federal, state, and local governments on privately owned lands or in social advocacy organizations. Most conservation scientists and foresters work full-time, and schedules may vary.
Conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field.
The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $64,460 in May 2022.
The median annual wage for foresters was $64,220 in May 2022.
Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from replacing workers who transfer to different occupations or exiting the labor force, such as to retire.
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Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm, Agricultural and Food Scientists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm, Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-managers.htm, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm, Conservation Scientists and Foresters, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm (visited April 17, 2024).
