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The Community Development and Sustainability Program (CDSY) at Northern Arizona University-Yavapai is a unique and vibrant three-year degree that combines the natural and social sciences to build a solid foundation for understanding the elements necessary for a sustainable society. Organizations are "going green" and need professionals to design, lead and implement environmentally conscious solutions.
This program integrates environmental education with cultural and social relevancy, institutional drivers such as politics and the press, ad hands-on skill building through a variety of applied learning projects and community sustainability activities. Classes are taught by expert faculty with advanced degree and experience and are centered around: sustainability and environmental issues, globalization,social change, governance, technologies and environmental journalism.
It is the combination of people and technology, along with a keen awareness of the environmental and social challenges the world faces, which result in practices that will actually produce benefits over a significant period of time-that is, changes that will be sustainable.
This degree provides the foundation for careers in government as urban/regional planners, neighborhood relations specialists, environmental services and more. One can also work with private companies, linking sustainable technologies to individuals, groups and/or consumers. Opportunities range from agriculture to biotech industries to service organizations. Because this is such a "young" field, new opportunities arise almost daily!
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MATY 142 |
| Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
The Community Development and Sustainability major seeks to produce students that have the knowledge and skills that will enable them to make a positive contribution to society during this critical period of sustainability transition. They will have the skills to be effective social change agents, able to help humankind undertake the transition to sustainability with intelligence, understanding, and creativity, by protecting the natural environment while advancing the cause of social and environmental justice. The CDSY Program will therefore:
Take the following 69 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Community Development and Sustainability Specialization (30 units)
Choose one of the following (3 units)
Complete a NAU-Yavapai undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) in an area outside of your Specialization.
Communication courses (6 units):
Choose 6 units in the following two categories
Theory-based course:
Please note that you cannot use CLEP or locally prepared exams to satisfy this requirement. Transfer credit used to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the program director.
Select from the following (12 units):
Please note that other courses must be approved by the program director.
AND
Computer Literacy (6 units)
This coursework must help you to understand, in general, the technical components of computers and information systems, how to solve problems using information systems technology, word processing, spreadsheet use, database management, graphic information software, website development, graphic design and use of statistical analysis software.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.