The Associate of Arts in Sustainability offers lower-division coursework that provides an introduction to issues, policies, and practices of sustainability, with an emphasis on a social or economic perspective. Students will build a foundation appropriate for entry into advanced study in sustainability including public policy, environmental justice, social research, and interdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental issues.

This degree is designed to facilitate students transferring to the University of California, Riverside with an Associate of Arts Degree in Sustainability. With this degree, the student will be prepared to enter into the Environment and Sustainability Studies B.A. program. Such a degree will typically lead to careers in environmental education, natural resource management, public policy, and sustainability planning and communication.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to: • Define sustainability and identify major sustainability challenges. • Apply critical thinking skills, appropriate methodological and analytical tools, and diverse concepts of sustainable development to address sustainability challenges in a global context. • Demonstrate an understanding of complex relationships among ecological issues, economic growth, and social justice. • Demonstrate the ability to understand environmental changes, challenges, and solutions from a social and/or economic perspective.