Students complete a minimum of 36 hours of approved graduate coursework. It is important to note that certain courses are only offered in certain semesters, so you will want to plan your program accordingly (see SUS Courses for details).
The program hours are structured as follows:
- Six hours of SUS core courses
MLS 601: Self, Other, and Community
Explores how we develop conceptions of ourselves, how such conceptions are related to those named as "other," and the ways in which we interact (more...)MLS 602: Community, Technology, and Values Focuses attention on how economics, environment and technology apply to the larger issue of creating and maintaining sustainable communities that are healthy, just and creative (more...)
- 21 hours of elective course work
MLS 599: This is the course number for any electives that are offered through the SUS program. These courses may be structured around a particular issue or complex of issues. The availability of courses changes with each semester, so check the SUS Course Offerings page to see what is currently being offered.
In addition to regular graduate courses, you may include up to six hours of independent study work, field work, internship experience, and two 400-level courses from other departments or programs. (See the academic catalog for a list of courses.) Additionally, up to nine hours of appropriate transfer credit may be applied.
MLS 587: SUS students who have completed 15 hours of degree coursework are eligible to take this highly recommended one-unit seminar course directed toward the development of their prospectus. (more...)
- Three hour SUS capstone course
MLS 695: Elements of Sustainable Communities: Theory and Practice
Students bring together their experiences from the variety of courses they have taken as they discuss the theories and practices that inform sustainable community life. (more...)
- Six hours of thesis or final project work
MLS 697 (Independent Study) and MLS 689 (Final Project): You must take a minimum of six hours for your degree and you must be enrolled in at least one hour during the semester that you graduate.
All SUS theses and final projects must have the following elements:
- Be related to the program theme of “Visions of Good and Sustainable Communities”
- Be problem- or issue-based
- Take an interdisciplinary approach
- Have a theoretical component
- Address an issue or issues related to community