Sustainability Studies (B.A.)

Sustainability Studies Major

Are you interested in how sustainable practices affect people in communities? Are you ready to engage the future by being a part of Messiah's more than 40 year history of resource stewardship and creation care?

Messiah's interdepartmental sustainability studies major is built upon a holistic approach that emphasizes the social, ecological and economic aspects of sustainable human communities. From the cultivation of a community sponsored agriculture (CSA) garden project in the heart of the Grantham campus to internship opportunities with organizations such as A Rocha International and ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) that can take you around the world, you won't just learn about sustainability, you'll live it.

In addition to learning intensive propagation techniques in the CSA, Messiah has a state-of-the-art greenhouse and environmental labs which are home to projects in institutional composting, vermiculture, aquaponics, aquaculture, hydroponics and biodiesel production. Beyond the Grantham campus, you might choose to live in Harrisburg or Philadelphia to become involved in community development projects within an urban environment.

 You'll have the opportunity to work alongside Messiah faculty, conducting research in sustainable agriculture, urban food production, plant ecology, using forests as food production permacultures and more. As a graduate in sustainability studies, you'll be well-equipped to engage in political service, public policy, law, sustainable agriculture or Christian service.

As a sustainability studies major at Messiah College, you’ll be able to:

• Gain hands-on experience in ecological and urban restoration
• Gain practical training in applied sustainable agriculture working in the campus CSA garden
• Immerse yourself in planning for and achieving energy savings for the campus physical plant and for carbon management
• Get involved in sourcing and resource recovery opportunities for local industries
  
• Choose from many internship opportunities, including the Nature Conservancy, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), A Rocha International, ECHO, and local organic farms for produce and beef
  
• Utilize a geographic information system (GIS) in the student computer lab
• Choose from several student clubs/organizations including Earthkeepers, the Restoration House and the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals

Concentrations in this major:

• Community and Urban Development Concentration
• Sustainable Agriculture Concentration
• Sustainability Public Policy Concentration

Minors:

• Sustainability Studies (PDF course listing)