Degrees and Courses

These programs utilize an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, capitalizing on the breadth of RIT’s academic program portfolio in science, engineering, math, technology, business, and the social sciences.

Ph.D. Programs

In RIT's microsystems engineering Ph.D., you’ll conduct research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies for micro- and nano-scaled systems. 

Learn more about the Microsystems Engineering Ph.D. program

RIT’s Ph.D. in sustainability solves real-world challenges and optimizes sustainable systems across tech, business, energy, and more.

Learn more about the Sustainability Ph.D. program

Master's Programs

Blend design, research, and sustainability in RIT’s NAAB-accredited master’s in architecture.

Learn more about the Architecture M.Arch. program

RIT’s master’s in business administration prepares you for leadership positions with a strong focus on technology, strategy, entrepreneurship, and data analytics.

Learn more about the Business Administration MBA program

An environmental science master’s degree that balances environmental conservation, human well-being, and economic development to tackle the biggest problems plaguing our environment.

Learn more about the Environmental Science MS program

Lead sustainability and safety efforts with RIT’s MS in environmental health and safety management.

Learn more about the Environmental, Health and Safety Management MS program

The mechanical engineering ME equips graduates to design engineered systems using core mechanical engineering principles and tools.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering ME program

Design sustainable, functional packaging that stands out. RIT’s MS in packaging science blends creativity and engineering to craft creative packaging solutions.

Learn more about the Packaging Science MS program

RIT’s master’s in professional studies provides you with flexibility and independence to craft an individualized graduate program unique to your interests and career aspirations.

Learn more about the Professional Studies MS program

Shape public policy in science, tech, energy, and environment through hands-on research.

Learn more about the Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS program

Solve global challenges using sustainability science in energy, food, health, and more.

Learn more about the Sustainable Systems MS program

Bachelor's Programs

Analyze and solve real-world infrastructure challenges in RIT’s civil engineering technology degree.

Learn more about the Civil Engineering Technology BS program

Create a sustainable future for our planet in this innovative bachelor’s degree in environmental science, where you’ll combine a love for nature with cutting-edge research. 

Learn more about the Environmental Science BS program

Lead sustainability initiatives and promote safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces and communities with RIT’s ESHS degree.

Learn more about the Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety BS program

In RIT’s industrial design BFA, you’ll create and develop innovative products for both consumers and manufacturers with your choice of diverse industries to work in.

Learn more about the Industrial Design BFA program

Whether you are interested in rockets, robots, healthcare, or energy, RIT’s mechanical engineering BS combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience to launch your career.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering BS program

RIT's mechanical engineering technology degree teaches you how products and machinery work through course work and hands-on experiences.

Learn more about the Mechanical Engineering Technology BS program

Design and test sustainable packaging for food, medical, and consumer product industries.

Learn more about the Packaging Science BS program

Minors and Immersions

The environmental science minor introduces students to the complexities of environmental issues and concepts, and provides them with opportunities to further investigate many of these issues through advanced course work. Central to this minor are the development of field, analytical, and problem solving skills and an understanding of the multiple perspectives often embedded in environmental issues. Students interested in becoming citizen scientists, or those pursuing employment or an advanced degree with an environmental focus, will find this minor beneficial.

Learn more about the Environmental Science Minor program

The environmental studies immersion is an examination of the basic environmental problems we face, how environmental resource depletion and energy issues are related, and what kind of environmental ethics and/or values we have today and have had in the past. The immersion also explores the economic, legislative, and regulatory framework within which most environmental decisions are made. Since most technological areas are associated with significant environmental implications, it is essential that students have an understanding of and a well-thought-out value orientation about such environmental consequences.

Learn more about the Environmental Studies Immersion program

With an emphasis on sustainability and holistic thinking, the environmental studies minor provides students with opportunities for the in-depth analysis of global and regional environmental issues, their causes, and their potential solutions. In particular, a required 500-level seminar serves as a capstone experience, helping students to integrate knowledge from several disciplinary perspectives, including socio-cultural, historical, political, economic, ethical, scientific, and/or technological factors. Having completed the minor, students will possess a high level of environmental literacy, an important component of many professional fields within the sciences, engineering, law, journalism, and public affairs.

Learn more about the Environmental Studies Minor program

The global justice immersion examines attempts to create lasting peace and social justice on the international scale. Courses in philosophy and the social sciences help students to understand concepts of human rights, world poverty, and global solidarity. The immersion is well suited for students considering careers in law, politics, or public policy related fields.

Learn more about the Global Justice Immersion program

The impact of global change is dramatic and far-reaching, altering the dynamics of everyday life on a planetary scale. The minor in globalization provides students with the opportunity to think creatively about a range of globalizing processes, theories, and practices (in cultural, political, social, biomedical, economic, and artistic contexts). Courses investigate issues pertinent to the phenomenon of globalization, including cultural exchange; multicultural communities; global governance; information transfer; and social, environmental, health, and labor issues. Accelerated by communication technologies, globalization redefines how individuals and communities experience and view the world.

Learn more about the Globalization Minor program

This multidisciplinary minor is for students interested in exploring issues associated with developing and delivering sustainable product systems. Courses enhance the understanding of the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, ethical, and environmental), develop awareness of the need for more sustainable approaches to product development, and explore strategies for developing and delivering sustainable product systems.

Learn more about the Sustainable Product Development Minor program

Metropolitan areas must address such enduring issues as poverty, homelessness, affordable housing, transportation, pollution, education, water and food security, health, crime, safety, recreation, zoning, segregation, ethno-racial tensions, and economic development. Each city must do so with recognition of its place in the wider regional, national, and global contexts. The urban studies immersion helps students identify and analyze such fundamental issues and allows them to explore and assess various ways policy-makers respond to those issues.

Learn more about the Urban Studies Immersion program

The water resources minor broadens the learning experiences and professional opportunities of students in technical disciplines who have an interest in courses related to water treatment, wastewater treatment, hydrology, the environment and society.

Learn more about the Water Resources Minor program

Courses

In addition to sustainability-focused degree programs and concentrations, faculty and staff have been working to incorporate sustainability into courses across RIT’s colleges and departments.

RIT Sustainability maintains an inventory of sustainability courses offered at the undergraduate and graduate level. Courses included in the inventory are categorized as sustainability focused or related using the STARS v2.1 guidelines. If there is a course you believe should be added to the inventory, please email us at sustainability@rit.edu.