Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, has announced a new undergraduate program aimed at boosting the resumes of those interested in a career in environmental sustainability. Officials said the new bachelor of science and technology sustainability studies degree, which will be offered through the School of Humanities Arts, and Social Sciences, crosses disciplinary boundaries that will address environmental problems. "In learning to think about sustainability and learning to think about complex problems in societies in general, this degree program provides an important set of conceptual and critical skills that are widely applicable beyond sustainability issues," stated Kim Fortun, professor of science and technology studies. "And given the increasing importance of sustainability as a national and global concern, we need people that are well educated to provide leadership and coordinate the efforts to respond to that." Courses in the program include environment and society, oil politics, globalization and development and sustainability research. Graduates of the program will have the educational experience on their resume needed to enter careers in environmental policy, management, industry, government research and in nonprofit organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for conservations scientists are expected to grow by 12% through 2018. |