The BS in Sustainability and Innovation offers a unique multidisciplinary perspective on current-day social and environmental challenges and provides students with the tools needed to create responsive, market-based solutions. This degree embeds the Charles D. Close School's unique approach to teaching entrepreneurship as a habit of mind within the framework of environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic sustainability. Graduates of this degree will be prepared to innovate in a variety of contexts including established companies, new or growing ventures, social enterprises, educational institutions, and other nonprofits.
Sustainability is the simultaneous pursuit of human flourishing, environmental quality, and economic well-being for current and future generations. In accordance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this degree challenges students to recognize the complex nature of solving problems at the intersection of civil society, the marketplace, and the natural environment. This degree includes courses in the arts, sciences, and business, to provide a deeper understanding of the fields in which you will innovate, and requires you to pursue a minor outside of the Charles D. Close School to further fuel your passion and knowledge.
What will you learn?
- Critical Thinking: Examine the interconnected relationships between social, environmental, economic, and natural environments informed by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- Ethical Decision Making: Apply ethical frameworks to the ideation, process, and practice of entrepreneurship.
- Resilience: Build the personal strengths required to respond to uncertainty and failure in an innovative environment.
- Effective Communication Skills: Communicate effectively and dynamically in a range of situations associated with an innovative environment.
Who should enroll?
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), new jobs in sustainability and innovation are poised to grow by 24 million globally by 2030. The marketplace is undergoing a radical and permanent shift towards sustainability in all aspects of operations. With a degree in Sustainability and Innovation, you will be ready to:
- Apply your foundational understanding of major social and environmental problems to become an impact entrepreneur and agent of change.
- Start your own business or enter existing and emerging job markets in industry sectors poised for impact innovation, including, but not limited to:
- Transportation
- Construction and Engineering
- Energy and Environmental Stewardship
- Education
- Healthcare
- Fashion
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Governmental and Regulatory Administration
- Arts and Entertainment
- Job Training and Development
- This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about making the world a better place. Students who are interested in using entrepreneurship and innovation to create impactful solutions to society's most pressing problems are encouraged to apply.
Questions about this program?
If you have any questions or would like to speak with an advisor, please contact:
Justin Fithian
Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Student Success
Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship
3230 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Email: [email protected]