Sustainability Studies Minor
Open to any major, Manhattan University's Sustainability Studies minor builds the skills and experience to solve environmental, economic, and social problems.
Open to undergraduates in all three of Manhattan University's schools, the Sustainability Studies minor helps you understand how environmental, economic, and social issues connect and gives you practical experience working on them. Courses in environmental science, your own field, and a second school lead to a capstone where you apply what you've learned to a real project.
This program is part of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Manhattan Advantage
Why Study Sustainability Studies at Manhattan University?
Sustainability work looks different depending on where you stand. In a company, it means ESG reporting, sustainability strategy, and regulatory compliance. In engineering, it means clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and environmental cleanup. In public health, it means understanding how environmental conditions shape people's health, and in law and government, it means climate policy and environmental regulation. Most students see only one of those views. Because the minor requires coursework from more than one school, you learn how scientists, economists, engineers, and policymakers each approach the same problem, which is what real sustainability work requires.
This sustainability minor draws on scientific literacy, economic analysis, ethical reasoning, and systems thinking. These are the same foundations a liberal arts education is meant to build, and they pay off after graduation. You'll be prepared for careers and graduate study in sustainable engineering, environmental policy, corporate sustainability, public health, environmental law, and urban planning, and you'll have a credential that strengthens an application to law school, business school, or a graduate program.
Academics
Curriculum & Courses
The Sustainability Studies minor is 15 credits, made up of five 3-credit courses. The foundation course in environmental science comes first, followed by two sustainability courses in your own school and one from a different school. The capstone comes last. The sequence is the same for everyone; the specific courses depend on your major.
To view the complete curriculum, please visit our academic catalog or contact an admissions counselor for more information.
- Applied Environmental Economics
- Energy Management
- Environmental Engineering Principles
- Environmental Law
- Environmental Politics
- Introduction to Environmental Economics
- Introduction to Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Introduction to Public Health
- Sustainable Development
- Urban Sustainability Consulting Capstone
Why Study in New York City
New York City is confronting sustainability questions at a scale few places can match: protecting neighborhoods from flooding and heat, modernizing aging infrastructure, shifting the country's largest city toward clean energy, and correcting the uneven way environmental burdens fall across communities. For students in the minor, that makes the city a living laboratory. The challenges you read about in class are being worked on a subway ride from campus, by the agencies, nonprofits, and companies you may end up partnering with, interning for, or joining after graduation.
Potential Careers
Because the minor pairs with any major, it leads wherever your major does: into engineering firms, corporate sustainability offices, public agencies, health departments, and law and planning practices. Graduates are prepared for roles like these, as well as graduate study in sustainability, environmental law, public health, and urban planning.
- Clean Energy Analyst
- Climate Resilience Planner
- Corporate Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Compliance Specialist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- ESG Analyst
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Sustainable Design Engineer
- Urban Planner
- Water Resources Specialist
About
One Minor, Three Schools
The Sustainability Studies minor was developed by faculty and deans from chemistry, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, economics and finance, marketing and management, and political science, a collaboration spanning the entire University. The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences anchors the science, public health, and policy coursework, the AACSB-accredited O'Malley School of Business connects sustainability to environmental economics and ESG strategy, and the School of Engineering brings applied depth in energy, water, and sustainable design. Grounded in the Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the three schools offer a minor that complements every major.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.
More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.
- Tuition & Fees: View current undergraduate rates
- Financial Aid: 90%+ of students receive aid
- Scholarships: Multiple merit- and need-based opportunities
- Jasper Guarantee: Your tuition rate is locked for all four years
A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.
A Smarter Investment in Your Future
Jasper Guarantee
At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.
Admissions Information for Manhattan University
Start Your Journey in Sustanability Studies
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward your degree.
Requirements:
- Application & transcript
- SAT/ACT optional
- Personal statement
- Letter(s) of recommendation
Deadlines:
- Early Action: November 15
- Regular Decision: February 1
Admission and Application Process
International Students:
Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.
Prepare for the Real World
At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.
