B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Sustainability
and choose from Environmental Science | Ski Business & Resort Management | Entrepreneurship | Journalism | Sustainability Studies | Outdoor Adventure Leadership
Explore sustainability to become equipped to help solve the world’s most complex problems. Become a part of the solution for a better world today, and tomorrow.
It’s Complicated
Sustainable innovation integrates environmental, social, cultural, economic, and political needs and opportunities. Take advantage of the breadth of SNU Tahoe’s liberal arts and Interdisciplinary Studies curriculum with classes in business and entrepreneurship, environmental science, international studies, policy and law, ski business, outdoor adventure leadership, communication, and social justice. Develop an intersectional perspective to better understand the past, inform today, and help move society towards a regenerative future.
Find a Need and Fill It
Choose a sustainability challenge that interests you, conduct the applied research to identify the challenges and evaluate potential solutions, then make it happen! Student projects have addressed sustainable design and practice for ski resorts, outdoor adventure, business plans, entrepreneurship, and regenerative gardens with on-campus composting. They have explored cultural sustainability and socially just ways to foster the adoption of sustainable practices.
Meet Sustainability major Marina McCoy
Class of 2016
"Waste Free Earth isn’t just about music festivals. It’s about using music festivals as a platform to inspire environmental sustainability in our everyday lives and in our communities. Imagine the kind of impact that would have.” . . . Read More
Meet Sustainability major Mckenna Bean
Class of 2019
I’m really excited about the Interdisciplinary program because sustainability incorporates so many different things. I’ve never liked to focus on just one thing. My strength comes from my enthusiasm! . . . Read More
Get Your Hands Dirty
Learn about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, its importance to the globe and its relevance to climate change policy. Prepare for field work in Arctic Alaska (or elsewhere).
Intern with local organizations at the forefront of sustainability initiatives. Over 25 years of concerted attention to the conservation of Lake Tahoe and its surrounding ecosystems have made this campus a locus for cutting-edge research, grassroots activism, and innovative problem-solving.
Expand your resources and meet your peers when you participate in conferences such as the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and work with organizations such as Protect Our Winters (POW).
Immersive field work in the redwood forests of the California coast.
The Future Needs You
Graduate with the knowledge, tools, practical experience, and holistic understanding to make a difference, locally and globally. Our graduates have gone on to start their own businesses, write, film, photograph, teach, farm, guide, craft policy, work with non-profits, and continue their scholarly work with advanced degrees.
Experience A Different Reality
Sustainability travel courses at SNU
Holistic Sustainability in the Arctic
Travel to Arctic Village, north of the Arctic Circle, to live and study with the Gwitch’in tribe on the border of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.
Brennan Lagasse
Meet the Sustainability Program Chair
Sierra Nevada University's Interdisciplinary Studies program offers majors in
Outdoor Adventure Leadership, Sustainability, Digital Arts & Business, and Journalism & Communications.