Sustainable Rural Systems

Program Objectives

The Sustainable Rural Systems program provides knowledge of the components that are needed for a functioning rural system. Interactions between these components will be studied as well as the interactions of rural systems with the global system. A key component of the degree program are multi-year, multi-disciplinary, authentic community projects in which students participate immediately after they enter the program, apply directly what they learned in the classroom, and take increasing responsibility for the projects.

Learning Outcomes

Content Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of the complexity of rural communities, effectively identifying the components of rural systems, including the social, economic, political, environmental, cultural, and historical, and applying data-driven and evidence-based concepts of sustainability to a wide variety of issues.
Creative Inquiry: Synthesizing relevant knowledge and skills, demonstrate the ability to gather relevant data in order to design scientific and evidence-based studies that provide germane information to be applied creatively to the planning of sustainable rural systems.
Communication and Teamwork: Demonstrate the ability to effectively present data, evidence, research, proposals, reports, projects, and policies focused on rural sustainability both orally and in writing to professional and general audiences; work effectively in teams by contributing and facilitating, while fostering a constructive team climate focused on effecting sustainability in rural systems.
Integrated Learning through Critical Thinking: Collect and analyze data and information about the social, economic, environmental, cultural, and political aspects of rural systems, while demonstrating the ability to critically assess various types of information. Apply critical thinking, cultural understanding, and scientific information to real life situations through project-based learning, evaluating the interdependence of rural, urban, and global communities.
Community and Civic Engagement: Operate collaboratively with all community stakeholders, both independently and in a team setting, to address community issues; participate actively and supportively with the community in making informed decisions about policies and sustainable rural development.

Programs

Minor(s)

Sustainable Communities Minor