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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Sustainable Enterprise Minor


Banner Code: SSTE

College: College of Science  
Department: Environmental Science and Policy  

Sustainable enterprises are businesses that are financially prosperous and seek to benefit the environment and society. They measure success in terms of a “triple bottom line” that focuses on 3 P’s:

  • Prosperity - Business profitability/value
  • Planet - Ecological integrity
  • People - Social equity 

Sustainable enterprises balance all 3 P’s simultaneously, and view solutions to environmental and social problems as investments and business opportunities. Developing sustainable business strategies therefore requires innovation and the identification of solutions that frequently “leapfrog” existing products, technologies, and best management practices.

The minor emphasizes the private sector as a critical player in helping solve pressing environmental and social problems, while capitalizing on market mechanisms and competitive opportunities. Students who obtain the Sustainable Enterprise Minor  will obtain a business understanding of sustainability innovation, ethical foundations, and regulatory framework to pursue private sector triple bottom line strategies.

Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and not counted toward the student’s major. For policies governing all minors, see the Undergraduate Policies  section of this catalog.

This has been designated a Green Leaf program. For further information, please visit Green Leaf Programs and Courses .

Minor Requirements


Students must successfully complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00:

Elective Courses (9-10 credits)


Environmental Policy and Economics


Choose at least 3 credits from:

Social Responsibility and Ethics


Choose 3 credits from the following courses:

Internship (1-3 credits)


The plan of work for this internship must be approved by the director of the minor.

Students who are currently employed may request that the internship requirement be waived on the basis of their job experience. Instead of the internship, these students will be required to complete a 3-credit independent study with the minor’s director or another faculty member. This alternative will entail independent research by applying sustainable enterprise principles and practices in an analysis of the student’s work place, and will culminate in a final project.

Minor Total: 17-20 credits