Solar panels construction over outdoor parking lot.

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.

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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.

25%

lower annual carbon footprint

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.

Baking a Sustainable Future

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.

Graduation Requirement

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

Real-World Projects

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.

Leadership Opportunities

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.

Study Abroad

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.

Campus Engagement

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

My Sustainability minor taught me to think critically about waste, tradeoffs, and long-term impact—skills that helped me stand out in interviews and continue to shape how I lead marketing efforts.

Caitlin Goette ’22 | Public Relations major, Political Science and Sustainability minors

The Sustainability minor gave me the research, writing, and analytical skills to break into the renewable energy field. I now use those skills to track power plants, update energy databases, and share industry insights on my company’s LinkedIn page.

Chloë Bieda ‘20 | Environmental Chemistry (ACS) major, Sustainability minor

WSU’s Sustainability minor set me up for success. It helped me stand out when applying for my current role at a U.S. Department of Energy-designated non-profit focused on air quality and clean transportation—exemplifying the program’s value in preparing students for success after graduation.

Maddie Garbalagtys ‘22 | Public Relations major, Sustainability minor

My sustainability minor is the matrix that cements all I’ve learned, binding my skills into a purpose-driven path. It taught me to see the world not in pieces, but as a whole—and from that wholeness mindset, I’ve been able to provide purposeful work.

Leah Dechant ’20 | Geoscience major, Sustainability minor