Sustainability

Academics at Hanover:

The Sustainability Studies major at Hanover College is an interdisciplinary program that examines the complex relationships between environmental health, social justice, and economic equity. Recognizing that sustainability challenges do not exist in isolation, the program explores the systems – ecological, social, political, and economic – that create and sustain these issues.

Through coursework that integrates perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, students develop a deep understanding of how environmental and human systems interact. The major emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving as students work to identify and evaluate solutions that support a healthy environment, advance social equity and promote a fair and resilient economy.

Why Study Sustainability at Hanover?

Hanover’s Sustainability Studies major prepares students to engage with some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Students learn to think holistically about global and local issues, grounding theory in real-world applications. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to tailor their studies around their interests while gaining a strong foundation in sustainability principles.

Small classes, close faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities help students connect academic study with meaningful action – on campus, in the community and beyond.

Learn more about sustainability initiatives or the Social Justice Leadership Program at Hanover College.

Learning Opportunities

Students in the Sustainability Studies major may engage in:

Interdisciplinary coursework spanning environmental science, economics, sociology, ethics and policy
Community-based projects and experiential learning opportunities
Research with faculty mentors
Internships with nonprofits, government agencies and private organizations focused on sustainability and social impact

Careers and Graduate Study

Graduates of the Sustainability Studies program are well prepared for careers in environmental advocacy, public policy, nonprofit organizations, corporate sustainability, education, and community development. The major also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in sustainability-related fields, environmental law, public administration and beyond.

By combining knowledge across disciplines with a commitment to ethical and practical solutions, Hanover Sustainability Studies graduates are equipped to help build a livable planet for future generations.

COURSES

Major:

BIO 161 or BIO 165; ECO 224; ENV 265; GEO 236; SJ 161; one of MAT 217, PLS 239, PSY 217 or BIO 462; SUST457 or SUST471 (Culminating Experience), and four electives from at least two different disciplines from the electives list below. One of those electives must be a 300-level course, each of which has prerequisites listed in the sequences below. Total of 12-15 units.

Electives:

ARTD 224. Design Thinking and Problem Solving

BIO 225. Entomology

BIO 227. Herpetology

BIO 234. Plant Taxonomy

BIO 312. Conservation Biology

BIO 315. Ecology

ECO 221. Environmental Economics

ECO 337. Economic Development

GEO 221. Introduction to Geographic Information Science

GEO 334. Geomorphology

HIS 225. The History of the American Midwest

INS 161. Modern Africa

PLS 213. Introduction to Public Policy

PLS 321. Natural Resources Policy

PLS 359. Social Movements

SOC 217. Social Problems

SOC 231. Sociology of Food

SOC 235/THS 235. Confronting Addiction in Indiana

SOC236/THS 236. Social Justice in the Internet Age

SOC238. Society and Social Movements

SOC 338. Social Class and Inequality

SUST 260. Special Topics

SUST 360 Special Topics

SUST 370 Directed Study

THS 237. Religion, Ethics and the Earth

In addition to these courses, students are encouraged to petition SAAC with other courses, including Special Topics courses and semester abroad courses from international universities, that are substantially related to sustainability.

300-level sequences:

BIO 185, BIO 231, BIO 312 Conservation Biology

BIO 185, BIO 231, BIO 315 Ecology

ECO 113 or 114, ECO 337. Economic Development

GEO 16X, GEO 334 Geomorphology

PLS 1XX (except PLS 160), PLS 321 Natural Resources Policy

PLS 1XX (except PLS 160), PLS 359 Social Movements

Thesis and internship courses:

SUST 260 Special Topics

SUST 307 Directed Study – .50 units.

SUST 360 Special Topics

SUST 370 Directed Study