The bachelor's degree in Sustainable Design and Technology (SDT) is a cross-disciplinary program grounded in the belief that students who understand the fundamentals of technology, business and the regulations that govern both can be effective agents for sustainable change. The program seeks to create graduates committed to using technology to grow a sustainable economy, act as stewards of our environment and resources, and to educate others about the benefits of a more sustainable college and community. Entering students will have completed an associate's degree in an agricultural program (dairy farm management or landscape and horticulture), an engineering program (architectural, civil, electrical or mechanical), or a related degree program.
The SDT curriculum emphasizes application of technology in service of sustainable goals, and an understanding of the fundamentals of business, regulation, and permitting, and is organized into four areas: Sustainability, Business, Green Technical Track, and General Education. Students will enter on one of three tracks: Green Energy; Green Buildings; or Green Sites. The Green Energy track focuses on Traditional and alternative means of producing, using and conserving energy. Green Buildings involves the creation and renovation of residential and commercial buildings that conserve energy without sacrificing function and design, and are built with sustainable materials. Green Sites focuses on responsible design, engineering and creation of building sites (residential and commercial), roads, farms, and water systems in order to minimize environmental impact, improve quality of life, and promote an ethic of stewardship of the land and other natural resources.
Graduates will be well prepared to work in technical fields related to their associates degree, and to work with newer sustainable technologies as project managers or technical staff. And, SDT graduates will also be prepared to pursue post-baccalaureate education in business, environmental law studies, or related technical fields. The graduates will provide businesses with highly valued employees with a blend of technical skills project management and communication skills.
The minimum number of credits for the junior and senior years of the degree is 64.
Curriculum: