
Sustainability
Minor
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Care for the physical environment. Be intentional and efficient with today’s precious resources. Learn how to help society now while ensuring future generations have what they need too.
Study Sustainability at Winona State
Sustainability is so much more than being green and recycling. It’s about being socially responsible and taking care of the environment and economy.
Customers today want businesses to care about the environment and be honest about their impact. Sustainability is no longer a bonus—it’s a key factor in what people choose to buy.
Employers also want workers who care about sustainability. They hire people who can improve products and businesses by making them more efficient. That’s where the Sustainability minor comes in.
Because sustainability affects everything around us, this program pairs well with nearly any major. And in addition to your core classes, this minor lets you pick electives from several areas. You can carve your own path based on your personal interests and career goals.
At Winona State, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a promise and part of our culture. Choosing our Sustainability minor means something because we practice what we preach.
Get a glimpse of how we put sustainability in action:
WSU has the largest solar panel energy system in the Minnesota State system.
thanks to our $12 million LESS project, a campus-wide energy conservation initiative.
WSU is also the most energy efficient university in the Minnesota State system.
The Sustainability minor is supported by the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Geoscience.
Alison Bettin ‘18 combined her studies in Ecology, Political Science, Public Administration, and Sustainability to start Tiny Spoons—a sustainable home bakery.
She made an impact by getting involved on campus and using what she learned in class to create real-world change.
Read Alison’s Story
What You’ll Learn as a Sustainability Minor
You’ll learn what it means to live sustainably from environmental, economic, and social perspectives.
You’ll also:
- learn how the Earth’s physical processes relate to efficient resource management.
- understand how to apply sustainable practices to your home and future workplace.
- learn about global environmental issues and policies promoting sustainability.
- explore the moral considerations of human interactions with the environment.
Aside from major- or minor-specific requirements, you’ll need to complete additional requirements through the General Education Program (GEP) to earn your degree from Winona State University.
Learn More about the GEP
Program Highlights
Before graduating, Sustainability minors tackle real-world challenges through hands-on projects.
In the SEED Garden, students grow fresh produce and learn how to garden. A Geoscience major, as part of their capstone, tested and improved the garden’s soil quality to boost plant growth.
Marketing and I-Design students also made an impact by creating the Sort & Save campaign, which helped reduce waste contamination and improve recycling at WSU.
Make a difference on campus and build your leadership skills by joining one of WSU’s all-university committees.
Help care for campus gardens with the Arboretum & Land Stewardship Committee.
Or lead eco-friendly projects like the Student Green Fee with the Sustainability Committee.
Apply what you learn in the classroom by traveling the globe. At WSU, you can earn credit that applies to your degree while exploring the world.
Discover how sustainability shapes global business in Scotland. Think wind energy and zero-waste corporations.
You can also meet what’s possible with our more than 100 other study abroad programs across 40+ countries.
Want to meet like-minded students and explore sustainability? Get involved in campus organizations that share your passion.
Like Environmental Club, Geology Club, the RTTR Student Association, and WSU Chemistry Club.
You might also want to check out Winona State Model United Nations Club or WSU Ducks Unlimited Club.
With over 100 clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone.
Hear from Sustainability Alumni
Public Relations major | Political Science and Sustainability minors
Environmental Chemistry (ACS) major | Sustainability minor
Public Relations major | Sustainability minor
Geoscience major | Sustainability minor
Careers & Outcomes
No matter your major, a Sustainability minor can help you stand out. It opens doors to careers that focus on building a brighter future.
for Environmental Protection Technicians
for Environmental Scientists and Specialists
for Environmental Engineers
Learn more about what’s possible with this minor and where our alumni have gone after graduation: