COURSE CURRICULUM

The thesis pathway in the Sustainability Science and Society (SSAS) graduate program is designed to be completed typically within six terms (24 months), providing students with a structured yet flexible route to develop expertise in sustainability science through in-depth research. Students enrolled in this pathway are required to complete foundational coursework including SSAS 5P01, which covers the core principles and interdisciplinary nature of sustainability science and society, SSAS 5P02, focusing on research methods for environmental inquiry, and SSAS 5P04, a transdisciplinary seminar that encourages collaboration and critical discussion across diverse sustainability topics. In addition to these core courses, students must select one half-credit elective, which can be chosen from the SSAS program offerings or, with approval, from the broader graduate course bank, allowing for tailored academic exploration that complements their research interests. The culminating component of the thesis pathway is the SSAS 5F90 thesis, an original research project that demonstrates a student’s ability to conduct rigorous scholarly work within sustainability science. This pathway emphasizes the development of research skills and critical thinking necessary for advancing knowledge and addressing complex environmental and societal challenges, preparing graduates for careers in academia, policy, and applied sustainability fields.